Minakami Okuyakushi Onsen Kashiwaya occupies a riverside position in Yubiso, one of the quieter hot spring hamlets within Minakami-machi, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometres north of Tokyo. Minakami sits at the northern edge of the Kanto region, bordering the Jōshinetsu Kogen National Park corridor, and is known as both an outdoor adventure hub and a concentration of traditional onsen ryokan. The Kashiwaya property sits alongside the upper Tone River, offering river-facing rooms and an atmosphere oriented around rest and natural scenery.
The building is a multi-storey timber-framed structure following traditional Japanese ryokan proportions, set against a backdrop of cedar and deciduous mountain forest that colours brilliantly in autumn. The inn has operated under family management for several generations, maintaining a combination of personal service and traditional Japanese hospitality customs.
Guest rooms are Japanese tatami style, the majority with direct views of the river through large windows. Nightly rates include kaiseki-style dinner and breakfast prepared from seasonal mountain produce, river fish sourced locally, and preserved mountain vegetables (sansai) characteristic of the Gunma highlands. The kitchen adapts modestly to dietary requirements when notified in advance.
Hot spring facilities include shared communal baths for male and female guests, fed by the sodium bicarbonate–rich waters of the Yubiso hot spring district—a spring type known in Japanese spa culture as hada no yu (the spring of beautiful skin). An outdoor rotenburo (open-air bath) operates year-round and is particularly atmospheric during winter when snowfall blankets the riverbanks.
The inn is accessible from Minakami Station on the JR Jōetsu Line by taxi (approximately 20 minutes). Minakami Station connects via the Jōetsu Shinkansen at Jōmō-Kogen Station, placing the property within roughly 90 minutes of Tokyo Station by public transport. The surrounding area supports white-water rafting, canyoning, bungee jumping, and trekking through the Tanigawa mountain range.
Room types
- Japanese tatami rooms
- River-view rooms
Amenities
- Natural hot spring bath
- River view rooms
- Seasonal kaiseki
- Free parking
- Yukata provided
Location
862 Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1303
36.6789, 139.0012 View on map
Highlights
- Riverside tatami rooms overlooking the upper Tone River in Yubiso hamlet
- Sodium bicarbonate hot springs known for skin-softening properties
- Year-round open-air rotenburo with winter snowfall atmosphere
- Seasonal kaiseki dining using local mountain vegetables and Tone River fish
- Gateway location for Minakami's white-water rafting and Tanigawa mountain trekking
Tips for visiting
- Autumn foliage (mid to late October) is the most visually dramatic season; book at least 2 months ahead for river-view rooms.
- The JR Jōetsu Shinkansen to Jōmō-Kogen Station is the fastest route from Tokyo, followed by a taxi or connecting train to Minakami.
- Outdoor activity operators in Minakami town offer rafting, bungee, and canyoning packages that can be combined with an overnight stay here.
- Yukata are provided; guests are welcome to stroll along the riverside path in yukata in the evening.
- Inform the property of any dietary requirements at least 48 hours in advance, as kaiseki menus are prepared daily with fresh local ingredients.
Accessibility
The inn is a traditional multi-floor ryokan with tatami rooms and conventional staircases between floors; elevator access may not be available. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the inn before booking to confirm room location and bathroom facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of hot spring water does the Kashiwaya use?
The inn draws sodium bicarbonate spring water from the Yubiso thermal source. This water type is mild in composition, colourless, and is traditionally associated with softening skin—commonly described in Japanese as hada no yu. It is suitable for sensitive skin and long soaking sessions.
How far is the inn from Minakami Station?
The inn is approximately 15–20 kilometres from Minakami Station, reached in about 20 minutes by taxi. A community bus operates on limited schedules; taxi is the more reliable option for arrival with luggage.
Can the inn serve as a base for outdoor activities in Minakami?
Yes. Minakami-machi is Gunma's premier outdoor adventure destination. Front desk staff can assist with referrals to local operators offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, canyoning, and trekking. Most operators run shuttle pickups from Minakami Station.
Are meals included in the room rate?
Yes. Standard stays include a kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast prepared from seasonal local produce. Both meals are included in the per-person nightly rate.