MINAKAMI JAPAN

Minakami is best known as Canyons’ home base for canyoning and rafting, but the Gunma side valleys around it also hold three compact, family-friendly ski resorts. Canyons runs English-language lessons at Hodaigi Ski Resort , Minakami Kogen Resort 200, and Kawaba Snow Resort. This guide covers all three local resorts for anyone basing a winter trip out of Minakami.

Key Takeaways

• Three local resorts: Minakami Kogen Resort 200, Kawaba Ski Resort, and Hodaigi Ski Resort, each compact and geared toward families and beginners rather than big terrain.

• Access: Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Jomo-Kogen Station (around 80 minutes), then a short taxi, shuttle, or rental car to whichever resort you’re skiing.

• Family-first design: gentle terrain, dedicated kids’ snow parks, and extras like dog sledding and snow rafting at Minakami Kogen Resort 200.

• Good for a quieter trip: all three see far fewer visitors than the big-name Niigata and Nagano resorts, which suits families and first-timers.

Overview & Access

Minakami sits in Gunma Prefecture, about 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, and is better known internationally for canyoning, rafting and onsen than for skiing. The area’s three ski resorts are smaller and quieter than the well-known Niigata and Nagano resorts, which makes them a good fit for families, complete beginners, or anyone based in Minakami for a longer multi-activity trip who wants a day on snow without travelling far.

Getting There

Hodaigi runs a weekend shuttle from JR Jomo-Kogen and JR Minakami stations; Minakami Kogen Resort 200 and Kawaba are best reached by taxi or rental car, or by checking each resort’s current shuttle schedule before you travel.

Choosing Between the Three

• Traveling with young kids or want extras beyond skiing? Minakami Kogen Resort 200 — the dedicated kids’ zones and activities like dog sledding make it the easiest full day out for families.

• Want a day of trees and long runs? Kawaba is compact and low-key, with less going on but also fewer crowds.

• Travelling without a car on a weekend? Hodaigi’s weekend station shuttle makes it the most accessible without renting a car.

FAQ

How do I get to the Minakami ski resorts from Tokyo?
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jomo-Kogen Station (around 80 minutes), then a taxi, shuttle, or rental car depending on which resort you’re heading to.

Are the Minakami ski resorts good for beginners?
Yes — all three are geared toward gentle, family-friendly terrain rather than expert runs, and English-language lessons are available at Minakami Kogen Resort 200 through Canyons.

Can I visit without a car?
Hodaigi runs a weekend shuttle from Jomo-Kogen and Minakami stations. For Minakami Kogen Resort 200 or Kawaba, a taxi from the station or checking the resort’s current shuttle schedule is the more reliable option.

Need more Information?

Find answers to common questions in our FAQs

Not sure about your ski or snowboard level?
Check our ability level guide to find the right lesson for you

Insurance:
The price of the lesson does not include accident insurance. Please obtain travel insurance to cover snowsports and all participants. We recommend ALL lesson participants have travel insurance.

Lift passes and rental:
Lift tickets and rental are not included in the price and are to be prepared before the lesson start time.

Ready to book?
Submit your booking request here

Please feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have and we will be happy to help at snowsports@canyons.jp