Minakami Prince Hotel is a resort hotel in Minakami-machi, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, positioned along the Tanigawa mountain range approximately 170 kilometres north of Tokyo. The hotel occupies a mid-mountain location with ski-in and ski-out access to the Minakami Kogen ski area in winter and is operated by Prince Hotels, Japan's largest resort hotel group, with properties anchored to major ski and golf destinations nationwide.
The building is a multi-storey resort structure designed primarily for recreational guests rather than business travellers. Western-style rooms are the standard configuration, with deluxe mountain-view rooms and larger family rooms available. In-room amenities include flat-screen television, private bathroom, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. An onsen bath facility drawing on Minakami's thermal spring water offers shared indoor bathing areas and outdoor rotenburo, providing a hot spring component alongside the resort's sports infrastructure.
The hotel's restaurant provides Japanese and Western menu options across breakfast, lunch, and dinner service periods; both buffet and à la carte formats operate seasonally. During the ski season (roughly December to March), lift ticket and meal package combinations are available through the hotel. In summer, an outdoor pool operates, and the surrounding mountain terrain supports river kayaking, white-water rafting, hiking, and cycling—activities for which equipment rental and guided tours can be arranged via the hotel concierge or partner operators in Minakami town.
Free parking accommodates guests who drive; access via the Kanetsu Expressway from Tokyo takes approximately 2.5–3 hours. Minakami Station on the JR Jōetsu Line is approximately 10 kilometres from the hotel, reachable by shuttle or taxi. The Jōetsu Shinkansen at Jōmō-Kogen Station extends the rail connection to Tokyo Station in roughly 80 minutes. The Prince Hotels loyalty programme provides rate discounts and priority reservation benefits across the national portfolio.
Room types
- Western-style rooms
- Deluxe mountain-view rooms
- Family rooms
Amenities
- Outdoor pool (summer)
- Ski-in/ski-out access (winter)
- Restaurant
- Onsen bath
- Free parking
- Wi-Fi
Location
Minakami, Tone-gun, Gunma (on the Tanigawa ski area)
36.8412, 138.9924 View on map
Highlights
- Ski-in/ski-out access to Minakami Kogen ski area with winter lift package options
- Outdoor pool operational in summer with mountain-facing pool deck
- Onsen bath facilities using Minakami thermal spring water
- Operated by Prince Hotels with national loyalty programme benefits
- Base for Minakami's white-water rafting, canyoning, and Tanigawa mountain trekking
Tips for visiting
- Ski and meal packages booked directly through Prince Hotels are typically the best value for winter stays; compare against OTA rates before booking.
- Summer outdoor activities (rafting, canyoning, bungee) are operated by independent Minakami-based companies rather than the hotel directly—inquire at the concierge desk for referrals.
- Drive-in guests from Tokyo should plan for 2.5–3 hours via Kanetsu Expressway; allow extra time on winter Fridays when ski traffic is heavy on the approach.
- Jōmō-Kogen Shinkansen station (approximately 20 minutes by taxi) offers the fastest Tokyo connection for guests without a car.
- The onsen facility at the hotel is not a primary selling point compared to specialist ryokan in Minakami; guests prioritising hot spring culture may prefer a traditional onsen inn in the Minakami valley.
Accessibility
Minakami Prince Hotel is a modern resort building with elevator access between floors and a level main entrance. Wheelchair-accessible rooms may be available; guests requiring adapted facilities should confirm room type and bathroom configuration with the hotel at the time of booking. Ski-area terrain is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Minakami Prince Hotel have ski-slope access in winter?
Yes. The hotel provides ski-in/ski-out access to the Minakami Kogen ski area. Lift ticket packages and equipment rental can be arranged through the hotel. The ski season typically runs from late December through late March, subject to snow conditions.
How do visitors reach the hotel from Tokyo without a car?
Take the Jōetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jōmō-Kogen Station (approximately 75 minutes), then a taxi to the hotel (approximately 25 minutes). Alternatively, Minakami Station on the JR Jōetsu Line is served by the hotel shuttle during peak season—confirm shuttle availability when booking.
What outdoor activities are available in summer?
The Minakami area is a major outdoor activity hub. White-water rafting on the Tone River, canyoning, bungee jumping, kayaking, and mountain biking are all available through local operators partnered with the hotel concierge. The outdoor pool operates at the hotel itself during the summer season.
Is the hotel family-friendly?
Yes. Family rooms are available and the property accommodates children. The ski area in winter and outdoor pool in summer are family-oriented attractions. The Western-style room format is also more practical for families with children than tatami-floor rooms.