Let's go have a meal while enjoying the view at View Terrace Tenjin.
On Vacation
tripแจกของขวัญปีใหม่
❄️♨️ Let's stay at Zazan Minakami!
On Vacation
2
Stay in a Fairy Tale Hot Spring Inn—This Is the Dream Moment for Family Travel
MidnightSerenity4dv44
6
Japan's Winter Fairy Tale Secret: Skiing + Hot Springs, The Ultimate Family Trip
Alexander Cook Daniel
1
Snow Country Secret Hot Spring Family Trip|Watching Snowflakes Fall into Your Palm at an Outdoor Hot Spring in -10°C
No4hCassidy
4
水上町探險
If you consider yourself a "railway enthusiast" or love mountain adventures, Minakami Town in Gunma Prefecture is definitely worth adding to your To Go list! This trip will take you to three underrated adventure spots: the secluded resort house Tanigawa Hanare, the mysterious underground Doai Station, and the Tenjindaira Ropeway Station with its unbeatable views. The entire trip features both idyllic mountain scenery and incredibly deep underground passages that will make you question your existence, making it perfect for those who love exploration and don't want to follow the beaten path.
Attraction Recommendations
1) Tanigawa Hanare
📍Address: 1756 Tsukiyono, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1313 Located at the foot of Mount Tanigawa, this secluded little house is a hidden gem in Minakami Town. Here, there are no tour groups, only distinct seasons in the mountains and a near-private tranquility. You can enjoy tea in the courtyard outside the house while gazing at the snow-capped mountains, a cool respite even in summer. Surrounded by a variety of tree species, the scenery, changing with the weather, evokes a Japanese rural film feel, perfect for those who enjoy quietly appreciating nature.
2) Doai Station (Japan's Deepest Underground Station)
📍Address: RXJ6+2P, Minakami, Gunma
This station is truly mysterious; even many railway enthusiasts may not know it exists. A word of caution: upon arrival, you must descend an extremely long and deep staircase. Passengers carrying luggage or lacking stamina might find themselves wondering if they're living underground. The atmosphere definitely has the feel of an abandoned ruin (but it's actually still in normal use). If you want to capture a niche railway scene or heartwarming moments like children wearing train hats, this station is sure to produce great photos! The changing light and shadow along the stairs and passageways are very interesting, making it a mini-urban adventure.
Tip: This station is rarely recommended online/travel information; it's a true hidden gem in Gunma Prefecture. It's best to bring water or energy drinks beforehand, as climbing the stairs is quite a workout! 😆
3) Tenjindaira Chairlift Station
📍Address: Yubiso, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1728
Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00 year-round (Mon-Fri); 07:00–17:00 (Sat-Sun)
If you enjoy a rooftop ride, this cable car station is a must-take! Ascending from the foot of Mount Tanigawa to the sky, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Minakami town's mountains and forests on a clear day; on a cloudy or rainy day, the mist and shadows create a unique, adventurous, fairytale atmosphere. After arriving at the station, you can enjoy various activities such as hiking, children's excursions, and photo shoots. Food service is limited, so it's recommended to bring your own light snacks.
Practical Travel Tips: The Minakami area boasts abundant natural scenery but can be damp and chilly at times, so it's advisable to bring rain gear and a warm jacket. If traveling with family or children, a light walking route is recommended; if you plan to climb the stairs at Doai Station, carefully assess your physical condition and pack as lightly as possible. There are limited dining options in the area, so it's best to bring your own lunch or arrange your own. You can try local handmade desserts at a rustic cafe near Tanigawa Hanare. For transportation, you'll generally reach Minakami Town by JR train and bus. Railway enthusiasts should check the Doai timetable, as trains are not very frequent.
Deep travel isn't just about checking off tourist spots; it's about discovering those "mysterious travel destinations" that you can only encounter by exploring them on foot. In the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, perhaps your next stop will be a secret memory!
#MinakamiTour #MustVisitForRailwayFans #DeepJapanTravel #DakeTanigawa #FamilyNatureTrip