How to get from Tokyo to Minakami Town! Thoroughly compare times and prices

This service includes sponsored advertisements.

There are ways to get to Minakami from Tokyo by Shinkansen, train, and car. We will introduce you to the required time and fees for each option. Find the transportation method that suits your travel style!

Written by

Gunma Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is known for its hot springs, ski resorts, and abundant nature that can be enjoyed just a short distance from Tokyo. Gunma is dotted with attractive hot springs surrounded by beautiful natural scenery such as mountains, marshes, and lakes. It is therefore ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy outdoor activities to refresh their mind. Meanwhile, in small cities where the traditions of sericulture and crafts remain strong, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture. It takes about an hour to get to Takasaki City, Gunma's central transportation hub from Tokyo by Shinkansen, so you can enjoy sightseeing on a day trip. However, you can also immerse yourself in the charm of Gunma by staying for several days in a wide range of accommodations.

Table of Contents
Where is Minakami Town? Introducing its attractions
How to access (by Shinkansen)
How to get there (by train)
How to get there (by car)
Access (from the airport)
Transportation within Minakami Town
summary

Where is Minakami Town? Introducing its attractions

Minakami Town is located in the northern part of Gunma Prefecture. Blessed with abundant nature, Minakami Town is a tourist destination that offers hot springs, activities such as rafting, and delicious food. What's more, it's only an hour by train from Tokyo! It's close to the city center, so it's the perfect place to refresh your mind and body after sightseeing in Tokyo.

How to access (by Shinkansen)

If you take the Joetsu Shinkansen, you can get from Tokyo to Minakami Town in as little as 62 minutes .
To take the Joetsu Shinkansen, you can board from either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station.
Tickets can be purchased at the "Midori no Madoguchi" (Green Window) or at vending machines inside stations. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets in advance online before visiting Japan. (For more information, please see: https://japanrailpass.net/en/ ) The fare for a reserved seat in a regular car is 5,820 yen per adult, one way. The fare for an unreserved seat in a regular car is 5,490 yen. (Prices as of January 2024)

Once you board the Joetsu Shinkansen, get off at Jomo-Kogen Station (Minakami Town station).
The fare is a little expensive, but the advantage is that you can enjoy the trip in the shortest time possible in a comfortable environment with minimal shaking.

How to get there (by train)

Traveling by train is cheaper than the Shinkansen. If you use JR's conventional line, you can reach Minakami Town with at least one transfer . However, the travel time is about 3 hours and 30 minutes .
First, from Tokyo, take the JR Takasaki Line, JR Shinjuku Shonan Line, or JR Ueno Tokyo Line to Takasaki Station. The JR Takasaki Line and JR Ueno Tokyo Line can be boarded at stations such as Tokyo Station and Ueno Station, while the JR Shinjuku Shonan Line can be boarded at stations such as Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station.
Once you arrive at Takasaki Station, transfer to the JR Joetsu Line. There are several stations within Minakami Town, but if you are going to the hot spring town within the town, get off at Minakami Station.
JR conventional line tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines in the stations, or in advance on the web before you visit Japan. (For more information, please see: https://japanrailpass.net/en/ ) The fare from Tokyo Station to Minakami Station is 3,080 yen per adult, one way. (Prices as of January 2024)

The fare is over 2,000 yen cheaper than the Shinkansen, but the journey time is over 2 hours longer. It is recommended for those who want to take their time and enjoy the view from the train window!

How to get there (by car)

If you are traveling by car, take the Kan'etsu Expressway (expressway) from Nerima IC in Tokyo. If you use the expressway, it will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The fare is 3,900 yen one way. (Prices as of January 2024)
If you want to visit Hoshi Onsen or Takumi no Sato, get off the expressway at Tsukiyono IC. If you want to visit Tanigawadake, Takaragawa Onsen, or Minakami Onsen Town, get off at Minakami IC.
We recommend driving a car, as it is quicker than taking the train and allows you to explore the town freely. However, please note that in the winter season, you will need to have winter tires installed due to snowfall!

Access (from the airport)

If you are heading directly to Minakami Town from the airport, first go to Tokyo Station.

① If you are going from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Monorail and get off at Hamamatsucho Station. Transfer to the JR Keihin Tohoku Line or JR Yamanote Line to get to Tokyo Station. It takes about 50 minutes from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station and costs about 700 yen.

② If you are going from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, you can take the Narita Express or JR Narita Line and arrive at Tokyo Station without having to transfer.
For the Narita Express, it takes about an hour and costs 2,900 yen. For the JR Narita Line, it takes about an hour and a half and costs about 1,400 yen.

From Tokyo Station, you can travel by Shinkansen or local train as described above.

Transportation within Minakami Town

The "3DAYS Bus Pass" is now on sale, which allows you to travel freely by bus within Minakami Town for three days. It is sold at the Tourist Information Center inside Jomo-Kogen Station, the Tourist Association within a one-minute walk from Jomo-Kogen Station, and the Tourist Information Center inside Minakami Station.
The price is 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children . A passport is required to purchase. It's a very reasonable price, so we recommend purchasing it even if you're just going on a day trip!

The bus timetable within the town is as follows. If you have any questions about getting around the town, please feel free to ask the tourist information center or tourist association.
①Jomo-Kogen Station - Minakami Station - Tanigawadake directionhttps ://www.enjoy-minakami.jp/pdf/bus2023_jomokogen_tanigawaRW.pdf
②Jomo Kogen to Hoshi Onsen https://www.enjoy-minakami.jp/pdf/bus2023_sarugakyo_numata.pdf

summary

Above we have introduced the ways to get from Tokyo to Minakami Town. If you value comfort and time, we recommend the Shinkansen. If you want to keep costs down and want to enjoy the view for a long time, we recommend the train. If you value freedom of movement, we recommend the car.

Find a mode of transportation that suits your itinerary, budget, and travel style, and enjoy sightseeing in Minakami Town. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to stop by the Tourist Information Center or Tourist Association!

[Business hours]
・Minakami Town Tourism Association [8:30-17:30] (service available only on weekdays) TEL.0278-62-0401
・JR Jomo-Kogen Station Tourist Information Center [8:30-17:00]
・JR Minakami Station Tourist Information Center [9:00-15:00] (*Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)

Written by

Gunma Prefecture

Gunma

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.