Aratashi Minakami

Situated along the Tone River, Aratashi is a modern hotel that provides a home away from home for travelers looking to retreat in style into the forested mountains of Minakami. Every room is designed with river views and has a private open-air bath with running hot spring water on its balcony. Near the entrance is a shared riverside terrace with seating where guests can enjoy complimentary welcome snacks while immersed in the surrounding nature.

The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel serves multi-course dinners featuring seasonal ingredients, most of which are sourced in Gunma. Food allergies or dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but guests are asked to inform the hotel at least three days before their check-in date. All guests can opt to have breakfast at the hotel: choose from a Japanese-style breakfast, consisting of seasonal fish, rice, and miso soup, or a Western-style breakfast with egg, ham, and bread.

Aratashi makes a great base for exploring Minakami at any time of year. The area is known for outdoor activities such as rafting and canyoning along the Tone River, particularly in the warmer months. Hiking trails are also accessible from the town, while Oze National Park lies farther afield and can be reached by car or public transportation. In the winter, snowy slopes await skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Tanigawadake Joch, a ropeway located about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, affords views of Gunma’s natural vistas, with premium sights of autumn foliage in the fall and snow-covered peaks in winter.