18 Hot Springs in Minakami

The 18 hot springs scattered on the southern slope of Mt. Tanigawadake, the center of the mountains on the Joetsu border, are collectively called "18 hot springs in Minakami". With the Joetsu Line and the Kanetsu Expressway passing nearby, the area has developed into a hot spring resort that ranks alongside Kusatsu and Ikaho as one of the most conveniently accessible hot spring resorts. Since lodging facilities are built along the upper reaches of the Tonegawa River, visitors can enjoy a view of the valley and mountains from any of the inns.

It is also famous as a center for water activities such as rafting down the Tonegawa River and canyoning, where visitors descend and fall down waterfalls and streams in special equipment. A ropeway provides easy access to Tenjindaira (1,500 m above sea level), a scenic overlook on the ridge of Mt. Tanigawadake, where visitors can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view. Hiking in Suwakyo, where you can enjoy the beauty of the valley created by the torrent of the Tonegawa River, is also recommended. In winter, a number of ski resorts are open, making it a hot spring resort that can be enjoyed in any season. The spring water is a sulfate spring, which is highly effective in soothing inflammation and is also renowned as a skin beautifying hot spring that reduces skin inflammation.