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

• Table of Contents
• Where is Minakami Town? Introduction of charm
• Access method (when using Shinkansen)
• Access method (if using train)
• Access method (if using a car)
• Access method (from the airport)
• About movement within Minakami Town
• summary

Where is Minakami Town? Introduction of charm

Minakami Town is located in the northern part of Gunma Prefecture. Minakami Town is blessed with rich nature and is a tourist destination with activities such as hot springs and rafting, as well as delicious food. And it's only 1 hour by train from Tokyo! It's close to the city center and is the perfect place to refresh your mind and body after sightseeing in Tokyo.

Access method (when using Shinkansen)

If you use the Joetsu Shinkansen, you can get to Minakami from Tokyo in about 62 minutes at the earliest .
To use the Joetsu Shinkansen, you can board the train from either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station.
Tickets can be purchased at the ``Midori no Madoguchi'' or vending machines inside the station. Alternatively, you can purchase it online in advance before visiting Japan. (Click here for details: https://japanrailpass.net/en/ ) The fare for a reserved seat in an ordinary car is 5,820 yen per adult one way. The price for a non-reserved seat in a regular car is 5,490 yen. (Prices as of January 2024)

Once you get on the Joetsu Shinkansen, get off at Jomo Kogen Station (Minakami Town Station).
Although the price is a little high, the advantage is that you can enjoy your trip in the shortest time and in a comfortable environment with less shaking.

Access method (if using train)

Traveling by train is cheaper than the Shinkansen. By using JR's conventional lines, you can reach Minakami Town with at least one transfer . However, the time required is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes .
First, from Tokyo, head to Takasaki Station using either the JR Takasaki Line, JR Shinjuku Shonan Line, or JR Ueno Tokyo Line. You can board the JR Takasaki Line and JR Ueno Tokyo Line from stations such as Tokyo Station and Ueno Station, and the JR Shinjuku Shonan Line from Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station.
When you arrive at Takasaki Station, please transfer to the JR Joetsu Line. There are several stations in Minakami town, but if you are going to the hot spring town in the town, please get off at Minakami station.
Tickets for JR conventional lines can be purchased from vending machines located inside stations. Alternatively, you can purchase it online in advance before visiting Japan. (Click here for details: 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 can be more than 2,000 yen cheaper than the Shinkansen, but it takes more than two hours longer than the Shinkansen. Recommended for those who want to take their time and enjoy the view from the train window!

Access method (if using a car)

If you are traveling by car, please take the Kanetsu Expressway (expressway) from Nerima IC in Tokyo. If you use the expressway, the journey time is approximately 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 and Takumi no Sato, please get off the expressway at Tsukiyono IC. If you want to visit Mt. Tanigawa, Takaragawa Onsen, or Minakami Onsen Town, please get off at Minakami IC.
We recommend a car, as you can get there faster than by train, and you can also explore the town more freely. However, please be aware that winter tires are required during the winter season due to snowfall!

Access method (from the airport)

If you are visiting Minakami directly from the airport, please first proceed to Tokyo Station.

① To go from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station: Take the Tokyo Monorail and get off at Hamamatsucho Station. You can arrive at Tokyo Station by transferring to JR Keihin Tohoku or JR Yamanote Line. It takes about 50 minutes from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station and costs about 700 yen.

② When going from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station You can take the Narita Express or JR Narita Line and arrive at Tokyo Station without changing trains.
In the case of "Narita Express", it takes about 1 hour and costs 2,900 yen. In the case of JR Narita Line, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs about 1,400 yen.

From Tokyo Station, you can travel by Shinkansen or conventional lines as mentioned above.

About movement within Minakami Town

We are selling the ``3DAYS Bus Pass,'' which allows you to freely move around Minakami Town by bus for 3 days. Tickets are sold at the tourist information center inside Jomo Kogen Station, the tourist association within a 1-minute walk from Jomo Kogen Station, and the tourist information center inside Minakami Station.
The selling price is 2,100 yen for adults and 1,050 yen for children . A passport is required for purchase. It's a great price, so we recommend purchasing it even if you're just going on a day trip!

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

summary

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

Find the means 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] (Counter operations only on weekdays) TEL. 0278-62-0401
・Tourist information center inside JR Jomo Kogen Station [8:30-17:00]
・Tourist Information Center in JR Minakami Station [9:00-15:00] (*Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)