Located north of Tokyo is a town in Gunma Prefecture that can be easily accessed from the Tokyo metropolitan area—Minakami. There are seven ski resorts in this town and it is renowned as a hot spring locale, but still unknown amongst travellers outside of Japan. This means that now is the time to use this information to head there and have the place all to yourself. It takes a little over an hour to get here from the big smoke and is known across Japan as a paradise of snow. Who’d have thought that the world-famous JaPow (Japanese powder snow) could be experienced so close to the surrounds of Tokyo?
Minakami is known for its hot springs and features a number of them with their own unique characteristics. “Takaragawa Onsen,” once selected in Reuter’s “Top 10 Hot Springs Around the World,” houses four open-air baths, as well as a mixed bath where patrons can enjoy the mineral waters with their families while suited up in swimwear, much like at a pool. Over at the historic “Hoshi Onsen” inn is a bath that has been designated as a national cultural asset offering a peek into traditional Japanese hot-spring culture. If you’re looking for a great ski resort in the area, then head on over to “Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort.” The views will make you think you’ve been teleported to Switzerland as you shred up the courses ranging from 1,500 metres to 3,000 metres in length. Hoshino Resorts, one of Japan’s most well-known resort operators, is the driving force behind this resort. This mountain is the only mone in the area where you can experience world-class off-piste runs. The remainder of the seven ski resorts here have all the variety you need whether you’re here with your family or otherwise, so be sure to check it out.
