RENT & RIDE JAPANMinakami, Sarugakyo & Hoshi Onsen
Minakami Onsen Journey
Sarugakyo & Hoshi
Follow the old onsen road along Lake Akaya to Sarugakyo and the secluded Hoshi Onsen, with distant views of Gunma's three sacred mountains on this relaxed two-day hot-spring ride.
- DISTANCE
- 360 km
- DURATION
- 16 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Leave Tashilog Garage in Hachioji early and head north on the Kan-etsu Expressway. After exiting at Tsukiyono IC, a quiet journey through mountain villages along the old Mikuni Kaido begins. Trace the shore of Lake Akaya to Sarugakyo Onsen, a town that once thrived as a post station on the pass, then push deeper into the valley to spend the night at Hoshi Onsen Chojukan, a single-inn hot spring housed in a nationally registered cultural property.
Highlights
- Lake Akaya: A reservoir created by the Aimata Dam, reflecting the Tanigawa mountains and famous for its autumn colors.
- Michi-no-Eki Takumi-no-Sato: A rural theme park built on the site of the old Sugawa post town, known for locally grown soba.
- Sarugakyo Onsen: A hot-spring town that flourished as a post station, overlooking Lake Akaya.
- Hoshi Onsen Chojukan: A legendary single inn famous for spring water that bubbles up from beneath your feet, set in registered wooden buildings.
Riding Notes
Mostly expressway, so the physical load is light. The only real mountain road is the narrow spur up to Hoshi Onsen, gentle enough for riders new to winding roads. Autumn mornings and evenings are cold, so pack warm gear.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before departure. In autumn, bring warm and rain gear.
- 2VIEW~30 min
Lake Akaya
A reservoir formed by the Aimata Dam, framed by the Tanigawa and Mikuni mountain ranges.
TIPSFree parking (about 10 spaces) at Akaya Lake Memorial Park. Autumn foliage is the highlight; enjoy the lakeside walking path.
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Photo: 河川一等兵 / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 3FOOD~70 min
Michi-no-Eki Takumi-no-Sato
A rural theme park on the site of the old Sugawa post town along the Mikuni Kaido, ideal for lunch and a break.
HISTORYBuilt on the site of Sugawa-juku, the 12th post station on the Mikuni Kaido, which thrived with inns from the Edo into the early Meiji era.
TIPSThe restaurant in the Horakukan hub serves handmade soba from 100% local buckwheat and a soba galette. Open roughly 9:00-17:00 (shorter in winter).
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Photo: Filler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 4ONSEN~40 min
Sarugakyo Onsen
A hot-spring town overlooking Lake Akaya that soothed travelers crossing the Mikuni Pass.
HISTORYNestled in the Tanigawa and Mikuni mountains, it flourished as a post town where travelers rested after crossing the pass.
TIPSEnjoy views over Lake Akaya and the old spa-town atmosphere. A good spot for a foot bath or short stroll.
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Photo: Akiyoshi's Room / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 5LODGING~840 min
Hoshi Onsen Chojukan
A secluded single inn tucked in a valley of the Joshinetsu-kogen National Park. Tonight's lodging.
HISTORYFounded about 150 years ago, famed for rare spring water that wells up from beneath the bath; its three buildings became nationally registered cultural properties in 2006.
TIPSParking available (50 spaces, free, first-come). Motorcycle parking: please confirm in advance. Rates are per person with two meals; book early as it is popular.
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Photo: Akiyoshi's Room / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - Day 2
- 6SPOT
Hoshi Onsen Chojukan (Morning)
Enjoy a morning soak before setting off for the return journey.
TIPSMornings are cold—gear up before leaving and descend the narrow mountain road carefully.
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Image - 7SPOT~40 min
Sarugakyo Sekisho Museum
A small museum on the site of the Mikuni Kaido checkpoint, offering a look into the history of the old spa road.
HISTORYLocated at the former Sarugakyo checkpoint, a key point on the Mikuni Kaido, with exhibits on travel permits and life at the barrier gate.
TIPSSet by Lake Akaya for a quick visit paired with lake views. Check opening status in advance.
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Photo: photo: Qurren (talk) Taken with Canon IXY 430F (Digital IXUS 245 HS) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 8FOOD~40 min
Michi-no-Eki Tsukiyono Yaze Shinsui Park
A roadside station along the Tone River, good for a rest and a light meal on the way home.
TIPSLocal produce and light meals make it a handy last stop before rejoining the expressway. Check hours in advance.
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Photo: Filler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return