Very popular among foreigners! Introducing the charm of "Takaragawa Onsen", a famous hot spring that you should visit at least once!
Takaragawa Onsen is a famous hot spring that was once ranked an impressive No. 1 in the "Top 10 Hot Springs in Japan" by Lonely Planet, a popular international travel guidebook. Located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, it is also known for its spectacular seasonal views. In particular, the vast open-air bath, with a total area of 470 tatami mats, is a sight to behold, and the abundance of hot spring water will blow away your daily fatigue as you relax and soak yourself.
In this issue, we will tell you all about the charms of the Takaragawa Onsen. In addition to how to enjoy the hot springs, we will also provide detailed information on nearby sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and recommended accommodations, so if you are considering a trip to Minakami Town, please take a look at this article.
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Hogawa Onsen Wangsenkaku Attractions｜Mixed bathing with the family is possible
Takaragawa Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, at the uppermost reaches of the Tone River. The hot spring boasts a large open-air bath with a total area of 470 tatami mats, and there is a ryokan called "Wangosenkaku" and "Takaragawa Sanso" where visitors can enjoy day-trip bathing. The ryokan is only about a 2.5-hour drive from Tokyo, making it a good choice for those who cannot easily take a long vacation.
The greatest attraction of Takaragawa Onsen is that it offers "mixed bathing," which is rare in Japan. Families and couples can enjoy the hot springs together, and since both men and women wear yuyami gowns (towels worn for bathing) when bathing, you can casually enjoy mixed bathing as if you were in a swimming pool. Of course, for those who are not comfortable with mixed bathing, there is an open-air bath for women only.
Not only the hot springs, but also the yukata service with a choice of yukata, mountain village cuisine such as mountain vegetables and river fish, and Japanese-style guest rooms are popular among Japanese and foreign travelers alike. At Takaragawa Onsen, you will be able to enjoy Japanese hot spring culture to your heart's content.
Can I go to Takaragawa Onsen even if I have tattoos?
Most hot springs in Japan do not allow people with tattoos on their bodies to bathe, but at Takaragawa Onsen, people with tattoos are allowed to bathe.
However, out of consideration for other customers, they ask customers to cover their tattoos with a towel or something so that they cannot be seen. The receptionist will say, "Please be considerate and cover your tattoo with a towel." The receptionist will say, "Please be considerate and cover your tattoos with a towel.
Large tattoos that cover the entire body need to be confirmed, but if it is not the entire back, there is no problem. In other words, localized tattoos on the hands, feet, etc., or tattoos that are fashionable are basically acceptable.
As there are many international visitors to Takaragawa Onsen, there seems to be a certain degree of tolerance regarding tattoos. However, please be sure to observe the minimum etiquette so as not to cause discomfort to other visitors.
Basic information about Takaragawa Onsen｜Rates, etc.
There are two lodging facilities in Takaragawa Onsen: Wangsenkaku and Takaragawa Sanso. Let us introduce the basic information of each in detail.
【【Wangquan Pavilion (in Heian Palace)]
| Location | 1899 Fujiwara, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| inquiry | TEL》0278-75-2611 《Mail》Contact us / Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku |
| reservation | TEL》0278-75-2121 Online.Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku |
| lodging fees | From 15,000 yen per person (depends on the reservation plan) |
| Access | For those who use trains and buses Joetsu Shinkansen "Jomo Kogen Station", JR Joetsu Line "Minakami Station", Free shuttle bus service is available from the bus stop "Takaragawa Iriguchi". (Reservations required) For those who use a car About 18 km from the "Mizukami Interchange |
【 Hogawa Villa 】Day-trip bathing only
| Location | 1899 Fujiwara, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| Phone number | 0278-75-2614 |
| Business Hours | 10:00 - 16:30 (reception desk closes at 16:00) *Entry before 3:00 p.m. is recommended. |
| Charge | Adults 1,500 yen (including bathing suit rental) Children 1,000 yen (including bathing suit rental) |
《Notes》.
- Both men and women must wear bathing suits.
- The fee includes the rental of a bathing suit.
- You cannot use your own bathing suit.
- The shuttle bus is available only for overnight guests, and reservations are required to use it.
- Observe bathing etiquette. (Do not bathe after drinking alcohol or pouring hot water over yourself before taking a bath.)
- Photography is strictly prohibited in the bathhouses, including the open-air baths.
Reference:Welcome to Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku
History and Legend of Takaragawa Onsen
The history of Takaragawa Onsen is long, and according to legend, Takemikoto (Yamatotakeru no Mikoto) discovered the hot spring during his conquest of the eastern part of Japan. It is said that while he was sick, Takemikoto saw a white hawk flying away and found the hot spring at that spot. It is said that a soak in the hot spring cured his illness and allowed him to continue his journey, and the hot spring was also called "Shirataka no Yu" (White Hawk's Hot Spring) in the past.
It is not certain when the Takaragawa Onsen was first used, but it is believed to have been a favorite of people since ancient times, based on remains from the Jomon period discovered nearby.
The name of the hot spring comes from the Takara River that runs between the inns. From the Edo period (1603-1867) to the early Showa period (1926-1989), copper mining was conducted along the Takara River.
It was during the Taisho period (1912-1926) that it took on its present form and accommodations were built to serve as a hot-spring cure. At that time, transportation was not convenient, and the only way to visit was on foot. It developed after a road was constructed during dam construction in the late 1950s and electricity came to the area, and the present main building was constructed in 1955.
The historic Takaragawa Onsen is a famous hot spring that has been loved by people since ancient times and has developed with the times.
Sightseeing spots around Takaragawa Onsen
After enjoying the hot springs and delicious food at Takaragawa Onsen, we recommend that you visit the surrounding sightseeing spots. Minakami Town, rich in nature, has many places to visit.
Fujiwara Dam
Fujiwara Dam is the largest dam in the Tone River system, located about 15 minutes by car from Takaragawa Onsen. When the dam is discharging water, visitors can see the powerful spray of water up close. It is especially popular in the fall when the surrounding area is tinted with autumn leaves, making it a spot where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view.
Basic Information
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 26 Yogo, Minakami Town, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| phone | 0278-75-2006 (weekdays 8:30-17:15) |
| web site | 【 Fujiwara Dam 】 Access, hours of operation, and fee information - Jalan net |
Near Fujiwara Dam, there is also "Roadside Station, Suikikikan". This is also a good place to visit.
Roadside Station Minakami Suikikyokan
Roadside Station Minakami Suikikikikan is a 30-minute drive from Takaragawa Onsen, and is the gateway to Minakami Town.
In addition to a store selling local agricultural products and specialties, there is an aquarium corner displaying freshwater fish living in the Tone River and a restaurant where the famous "dam curry" is popular. There is also a climbing wall, a footbath, and other features that will keep children and adults alike entertained all day long.
Why don't you visit Roadside Station Minakami Suikikikikan and enjoy the charms of Minakami Town to the fullest!
Basic Information
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 1681-1 Yubara, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| phone | 0278-72-1425 (9:00-17:00) |
| web site | Roadside Station Minakami Suikikikikan｜Official site of the roadside station located at the gateway to Tanigawa-dake and Mizukami Onsen |
Roadside Station Takuminosato
Roadside Station Takumi no Sato is a 60-minute drive from Takaragawa Onsen, but its size and extensive facilities make it a must-see.
On the site, which is about 70 times the size of Tokyo Dome, there are more than 20 hands-on workshops, including soba noodle making, strawberry picking, bamboo crafting, and paper making. Demonstrations of traditional crafts are also offered, allowing visitors to experience the culture and lifestyle of Minakami Town.
There are also a variety of restaurants, cafes, and stores selling local souvenirs, making it possible to spend a whole day just at Takumi no Sato. It is a spot where visitors can enjoy sightseeing in a different way from Takaragawa Onsen.
Basic Information
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 847 Sugawa, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| phone | 0278-64-2210（9：00～16：00) |
| web site | home of the valiant |
Other
There are many other attractive sightseeing spots in the Takaragawa Onsen area in addition to those introduced above.
For activity lovers, we recommend spots where you can experience thrilling outdoor sports such as skiing, snowboarding, rafting, and paragliding.
Tanigawa and Mt. Muson are also popular as trekking and hiking courses. You will surely be refreshed both physically and mentally in the midst of magnificent nature.
With its wide variety of attractions, Minakami Town offers a wide range of sightseeing opportunities, so even if you stay for two nights or more, you will never get bored and will be able to enjoy sightseeing to the fullest. We encourage you to visit the surrounding sightseeing spots as well as Takaragawa Onsen.
Recommended restaurants near Takaragawa Onsen
The food at Wangsenkaku, a ryokan in Takaragawa Onsen, is superb, but why not visit one of the many delicious restaurants in the area? There are many restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties made with local ingredients.
field in a hollow
Kubota is a soba restaurant located 30 minutes by car from Takaragawa Onsen, in a renovated old private house.
The handmade soba noodles made from local buckwheat flour boast a smooth, smooth texture. In addition to soba, dishes using local vegetables and wild plants are also popular.
Okirikomi, a seasonal dish, is a local delicacy of Gunma Prefecture and is a specialty of Kubota. Okirikomi is a hearty dish of udon-like flat noodles topped with a soup full of ingredients. It is a perfect warming dish for cold days, so be sure to try it.
Basic Information
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 70-15 Kanozawa, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| phone | 0278-72-6420 |
| Business Hours | 10:00 - ends when sold out |
| regular closing day | Thursday |
| web site | field in a hollow |
Cafe-restaurant asima
Cafe Restaurant Ashima is a stylish café-restaurant located 30 minutes from Takaragawa Onsen.
The specialty here is "Yaki Curry" (grilled curry). The spiced roux and cheese are grilled to a golden brown to whet your appetite. It is a popular menu item that attracts many customers from both inside and outside of the prefecture, so be sure to try it at least once.
The restaurant also offers other delicious menu items, such as water-driven coffee and oven-baked pizza. Pets are welcome on the terrace, so visiting with your dog is also recommended.
Basic Information
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 146 Yubara, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| phone | 0278-72-3326 |
| Business Hours | Weekdays 11:00-15:00 Saturday and Sunday 11:00-19:00 |
| regular closing day | Wednesday |
| web site | Cafe Restaurant Ashima |
Miso Manjuu
Miso manju" is a local delicacy that has long been loved in Numata City, a neighbor of Minakami Town where Takaragawa Onsen Hot Spring is located. Thin-skinned buns are skewered on bamboo skewers, coated with a sweet, thick miso sauce, and roasted. The savory smell is very appetizing.
Miso manju is offered at many stores, mainly along Route 120 in Numata City. A version with red bean paste is also popular. On your way to Takaragawa Onsen, why not stop your car and take a break to taste a miso manju?
Particularly recommended is the Toumiya Manjuu Shop.
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 875-7 Shimonomachi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture |
| phone | 0278-22-3470 |
| Business Hours | 9:00-19:00 |
| regular closing day | non-scheduled holiday |
| web site | Toumiya Manjuuten |
pork cutlet
Numata City is also lined with restaurants that serve excellent tonkatsu. There is even an area called "Tonkatsu Kaido" (pork cutlet road) if you take National Route 120 toward Nikko.
All of Numata's tonkatsu restaurants are unique and proud of their specialties, such as their secret sauce, batter, and carefully selected pork parts. Juicy pork wrapped in a crispy batter and served with a special sauce will surely make you happy.
If you go to the trouble of visiting Numata, be sure to stop by a tonkatsu restaurant at least once. A hearty tonkatsu set meal is sure to be a welcome relief for your tired body after a long day of sightseeing. It might be fun to compare the different styles of tonkatsu each restaurant boasts.
Tonkatsu Tomita is especially recommended.
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 767-7 Shimokuya-cho, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture |
| phone | 0278-23-3664 |
| Business Hours | 11:00 - 20:00 |
| regular closing day | Wednesday |
| web site | pork cutlet |
Recommended Hotels near Baoguan Hot Springs
Wangsenkaku in Takaragawa Onsen is a charming onsen ryokan, but there are also several great lodging options in the area. Why not choose the perfect hotel to suit your taste and purpose?
Chalet La Neige
Chalet La Neige is a pension located a 10-minute drive from Takaragawa Onsen, an ideal base for outdoor activities.
Many tours are available for skiing, snowboarding, rafting, and other seasonal activities. Guests staying at the hotel can participate at a discounted rate, so this is recommended for those who want to have active fun.
The hotel itself is also built with the warmth of wood, creating a relaxing atmosphere. To relieve the fatigue of leisure activities, we recommend taking a day trip to the nearby Takaragawa Onsen hot springs. You can enjoy both the outdoors and the hot spring for a luxurious stay.
Basic Information
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 3831-7 Fujiwara, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| phone | 0278-75-2828 |
| web site | Chalet Laneige Minakami Pension |
Hotel Yuno-jin
Hotel Yuno-jin is a hot spring resort hotel located in Minakami Town as well as Takaragawa Onsen.
The main attraction is the extensive family-friendly facilities. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, private baths, karaoke rooms, and a game corner are all available for use within the room rate.
In addition, guests can enjoy a buffet dinner of about 50 different kinds of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, making it a safe place to dine with children. A wide variety of room types are available, including Japanese and Western-style rooms, making it possible to accommodate large groups, such as three-generation travelers.
Access is about 15 minutes by car from the Mizukami IC. By train, a free shuttle bus is available from Mizukami Station on the JR Joetsu Line (reservation required).
Basic Information
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 208, Yuhinoso, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
| phone | 0570-059-780 |
| web site | Hotel Yuno-jin |
summary
In this issue, we have introduced many attractions of the famous Takaragawa Onsen in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture.
Takaragawa Onsen in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, is a hot spring resort where you can enjoy a rare mixed bathing open-air bath, spectacular seasonal views, and fine cuisine. The surrounding area also offers a wide variety of activities and sightseeing spots that take advantage of the rich natural environment.
Why not refresh your mind and body in one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts?
There are many other attractive hot spring resorts throughout Japan. Like Takaragawa Onsen, Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture is popular among foreign tourists. This hot spring boasts an abundance of hot water and good spring quality, and visitors can also enjoy the retro townscape and local cuisine.
For more information on Gero Onsen, please check the following article.
▶︎ What is the appeal of Gero Onsen? Thorough explanation of sightseeing and gourmet information
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