The Minakami area is in the north of Gunma prefecture in the Tanigawa mountain ranges. This area is famous for its Onsens and there are a wealth of really picturesque spots to bathe after a day’s skiing in the snow.

The area boasts 10 ski and snowboard resorts including; Minakami Houdaigi, Minakami Kougen, Minakami Kougen Fujiwara, Minakami Okutone, Norn Minakami, Ohana, Tanigawa Onsen, White Valley, Tanigawadake Tenjindaira. Only 70 minutes by train from Tokyo this spot is oftern overlooked by the crowds in favour of Yuzawa and Naeba. However, this area is less crowded and far superior when you add in the beautiful Onsens.

Houdaigi is highly recomended for boarders as there are some really nice runs to the left and right as you get to the top of the mountain. The valleys are shaped like big half pipes and make this a hidden gem (as the name suggests). Don’t expect the mountains to be as big as Naeba/ Yuuzawa, but there are 10 fields to choose from.

Related posts:

1. Naeba/Kagura
2. Nozawa Onsen
3. Minakami Onsen
4. Shiga Kougen
5. Yuzawa

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