Major city · Japan
Minakami水上
Spend 1–2 days for outdoor sports (rafting, bungee, ski) and hot‑spring relaxation; a half‑day is enough for the ropeway and onsen walk.
Minakami is a small town in Gunma famous for adventure activities and onsen. It is reachable by train from Tokyo in about 2 h 15 min and offers a compact set of sights that fit into a short stay. One full day covers the main outdoor attractions; a second day adds a ski area or a longer onsen experience.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Dec–Mar for snow sports, Jun–Oct for hiking and rafting
- avoid Jan–Feb heavy snow on mountain climbs, Golden Week crowds
- Airports
- NRT · HND
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Minakami110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Minakami, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; follow local safety briefings for rafting and mountain activities, and keep cash for small purchases.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportNRT Narita International Airport (Take Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then Shinkansen to Takasaki and Joetsu Line to Minakami; total about 3.5 h).
- Getting aroundJR Joetsu Line to Minakami Station; local bus (¥620 (≈ US$5), 25 min) to town centre; shuttle to ski areas; most attractions within 10‑15 min walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Metro or bus rideBus ride Minakami‑center¥620 (≈ US$5)
- Museum or sight ticketOnsen entry (ryokan)varies by facility¥1,000–2,000 (≈ US$7–14)
- Budget bedPrivate room (hostel, up to 5), a night, per room¥4,700 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedPrivate room (hostel, up to 5), a night, per room¥5,200 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedPrivate room (hostel, up to 5), a night, per room¥6,500 (≈ US$45)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥6,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ¥10,000 (≈ US$70) · High ¥18,000 (≈ US$130)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NRT Narita International Airport (Take Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then Shinkansen to Takasaki and Joetsu Line to Minakami; total about 3.5 h) · HND Tokyo Haneda Airport (Keikyu Line to Shinagawa, then Shinkansen to Takasaki and Joetsu Line to Minakami; total about 2.5 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
Care
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
Best
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: Mar, Jun–Oct, Dec. Mixed: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C) low), wettest Jul (5 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Minakami: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
2 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
2 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
3 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
JR Joetsu Line to Minakami Station; local bus (¥620, 25 min) to town centre; shuttle to ski areas; most attractions within 10‑15 min walk.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tanigawadake Ropeway
goDoor to door: ≈45 min total
Bus from Minakami Station (≈25 min, ¥620) to ropeway base
Ride to Tenjin Daira station for panoramic views; ropeway fee ¥1,500.
Hodaigi Ski Resort
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Shuttle from Jomo‑Kogen Station (free on weekdays, ¥1,000 (≈ US$7) weekend) or bus from town centre
Ski lift tickets ¥4,000–5,500 per day.
Bungee Jump Site
goDoor to door: ≈20 min
Walk 10 min from Minakami Station to river jump platform
Jump fee ¥5,500 per person.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku
Traditional ryokan with four outdoor baths; rooms ¥10,000–15,000 per person/night.
Tanigawadake Raspberry Youth Hostel
Dormitory ¥3,600–4,300; private rooms ¥4,700–5,200 per person; meals extra.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥6,000–9,000 (≈ US$45–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥9,000–13,000 (≈ US$65–90) excl. bed
- High
- ¥13,000 (≈ US$90)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Ryokan per person (with meals)2 × 1 night × ¥13,000 | ¥26,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ¥10,000 | ¥20,000 |
| JR Joetsu Line round‑trip from Tokyo2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Bus to ropeway (round trip)2 × ¥620 | ¥1,240 |
| eSIM, 1‑week data2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥5,720 |
| Trip total≈ ¥31,480 per person per day, bed included | ¥62,960≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in yen; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Onsen entry (ryokan)varies by facility | ¥1,000–2,000 (≈ US$7–14) |
| Rafting half‑day | ¥5,000–7,000 (≈ US$35–50) |
| Bungee jump | ¥5,500 (≈ US$40) |
| Bus ride Minakami‑center | ¥620 (≈ US$5) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Avalanche risk on back‑country routes of Mt Tanigawa; only attempt with guide and approved plan.
- Winter climbing requires equipment and experience; many fatalities recorded.
- Cash is preferred; many shops do not accept foreign cards.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
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Minakami水上
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
US consulate in Tokyo; other embassies in Tokyo.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- JR Joetsu Line Tokyo → Minakami (round trip): about ¥2,500 (≈ US$17) per person (check)
- Bus Minakami ↔ ropeway base: ¥620 (≈ US$5) one way (check)
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- 温泉はどこですか？ — Where is the onsen? (onsen wa doko desu ka)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Minakami. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar for snow sports, Jun–Oct for hiking and rafting · avoid Jan–Feb heavy snow on mountain climbs, Golden Week crowds · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night at a ryokan for onsen immersion.
- Combine with a ski day at Hodaigi for a winter weekend.
Sources
Ask about Minakami
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