Last updated: March 28, 2024
Hoshi Onsen is a secluded hot spring within Joshin'etsukogen National Park. Hoshi Onsen Chojukan is a historical inn that dates back over 140 years and has attracted renowned artists and writers. The inn is accessible from Tokyo by a combination of shinkansen and bus.
You can reach Hoshi Onsen in around 2 hours by train and bus from Tokyo Station. Joetsu Shinkansen trains run from Tokyo Station to Jomo-Kogen Station in around 70 minutes. From there, you can take a bus to Sarugakyo Bus Stop, and either transfer to a local bus, or take a taxi to Hoshi Onsen Chojukan.
You can board Hokuriku and Joetsu shinkansen services at Tokyo Station.
Actual design may differ from the image shown.
Joetsu Shinkansen trains from Tokyo Station reach Jomo-Kogen Station in around 70 minutes. The shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station is covered by the JR TOKYO Wide Pass and JR EAST Pass, and others.
Jomo-Kogen Station is the gateway to northwest Gunma. You can reach the station in around 70 minutes on the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo. You can board buses bound for the Sarugakyo Bus Stop at Bus Stop No. 3 near the east exit of the station. The Tone Numata Tourist Information Center is located inside Jomo-Kogen Station, and the Minakami Town Tourism Association is near the east exit of the station. At these facilities, you can store luggage and buy the Minakami Area Pass which can be used for buses in the Minakami area.
Actual design may differ from the image shown.
From Jomo-Kogen Station, take a Kan-etsu Transportation bus bound for Sarugakyo Bus Stop. The journey takes around 30 minutes. This is the transfer point for buses to Hoshi Onsen. The bus is covered by the Minakami Area Pass. If you do not have a pass, you can pay the fare in cash or with a transportation IC card as you exit the bus.
Actual design may differ from the image shown.
At Sarugakyo Bus Stop, you can transfer to the local Hoshi Line bus. This bus comes 4 times per day, and the journey takes about 15 minutes to reach Hoshi Bus Stop. The bus is covered by the Minakami Area Pass. If you do not have a pass, you can pay the fare in cash (transportation IC cards cannot be used). From the bus stop it’s about 1 minute on foot to Hoshi Onsen Chojukan.
Hoshi Onsen Chojukan is a historical inn and a National Tangible Cultural Property. It is an ideal base to stay and explore the area. Several baths are also available for day use. Enjoy a relaxing bath followed by lunch at the restaurant (reservations are necessary).
You can use the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Pass, and other JR passes for trains on this route. However, bus fares must be paid separately. You can use the Minakami Area Pass for unlimited travel on buses in Minakami for 3 days. You can buy the pass at Tone Numata Tourist Information Center and the Minakami Tourism Association. There are many passes and travel combinations to discover, so use the links below to find your ideal travel plan.
- JR East Pass
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass
- Japan Rail Pass
- JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
- Information on the Minakami Area Pass
Save time and purchase train tickets and passes, and reserve seats online, before you travel.
In addition to Hoshi Onsen Chojukan, there are accommodations in the town of Sarugakyo, and a wide range of options from traditional inns to modern hotels in Minakami.
