Minakami area in Gunma prefecture is one of the best ski areas in Japan and ski/snowboard enthusiasts should check out.
Where is Minakami area?
Minakami area is located in the northern part of Gunma Prefecture and is the headwaters town of the Tone River, one of the largest rivers in Japan.
Gunma Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Japan's Kanto region. It is adjacent to Echigo Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture, which is a region with heavy snowfall and is well known as a snow resort, and high quality powder is popular in the Minakami area too.
During the summer, water sports such as rafting and canoeing can be enjoyed, making the area known as an area where activities can be enjoyed in all seasons.
The area is also known for its easy accessibility, with highways and Shinkansen lines in place.By using the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train, it takes about 70 minutes from Tokyo Station to the nearest station, Jomo Kogen Station.
Minakami area is also famous for its hot springs, with the Minakami Onsen hot spring area having a long history, with the opening of the hot spring around 1558-1570.
7 Skiing resorts in Minakami area
Here are 7 Skiing resorts in Minakami area.
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort
Tenjindaira is a ski resort located on Mt. Tanigawa-dake, one of the most famous mountains in Japan, on the border between Gunma and Niigata prefectures. Many skiers and snowboarders use Tenjintai as a base for backcountry skiing.
The courses are mainly for intermediate and advanced skiers. The ski season is long and runs from early December to Golden Week(the holiday period in Japan) in May, making it attractive for spring skiing.
It is also the venue for the Tenjindaira Banked Slalom, a major snowboarding event, which attracts many snowboarders to Tanigawa-dake Tenjindaira Ski Resort.
More information : https://tanigawarw.wordpress.com/
Tenjindaira Banked Slalom : http://tj-bankedslalom.com/gallery-movies.php
Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort
A ski resort spread out at the northwestern foot of Mount Hotaka, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains.
More information : https://en.hodaigi.jp/
Norn Minakami Ski Resort
Norn Minakami Ski Resort has a variety of easy park items that are beginner friendly. It is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who want to practice with easy items.
It is also unique in that night skiing is available until late at night, and it is open until 10pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open until 24:00. The snow park can also be enjoyed at night.
Open hours are longer than other ski resorts, so it is also convenient for those who come by car and enjoy a day of skiing.
More information : http://www.norn.co.jp/
White Valley Ski Resort
White Valley Ski Resort is a small ski resort with only two lifts, but it is popular among powder lovers.
White Valley Ski Resort regularly holds a "Premium Powder Day" where almost 90% of the upper slopes are ungroomed. They will announce the event on their website, Twitter, and Facebook at least one day before.
More information : https://www.whitevalley.jp/free/english
Premium Powder Day (Japanese only) : https://www.whitevalley.jp/free/cosuannai
Okutone Snow Park
Opened in 1972 as Okutone International Ski Resort, it has been known as Okutone Snow Park since 2007.
This ski resort is open for night skiing until 10 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before holidays.
It also opens at 6 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, making it possible to use slopes late in the day or early in the morning.
More information : https://okutone.jp/english/
Minakami Kogen Ski Resort
In addition to skiing, visitors can experience a variety of snow activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.
A variety of activities are available for children. There is also a special "Snow Activity Passport" that can be used for activities other than skiing and snowboarding.
Minakami Kogen Hotel 200 is attached to the park and is easily accessible from the hotel.
More information : https://www.minakamikogen200.jp/en/
Akazawa Ski Resort
Akazawa Ski Resort is a ski resort near the famous Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa Town. It is a smaller ski resort with two single lifts and one rope tow.
More information : http://www.akasawa.biz/
