Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku

by Miho Okamoto | Ryokan

Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku is a traditional Japanese inn tucked away in a valley by the Takara River in Minakami Tanigawa Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. The ryokan uses traditional Japanese architecture and has a history that spans over 80 years.

Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku features an open-air bath that measures more than 330 square meters, the biggest in the hot spring area. It has also appeared in various media like magazines, television shows, and posters--one film, in particular, is “Thermae Romae II”.

The ryokan has 42 rooms with traditional Japanese elements--tatami mat flooring, shoji sliding screen doors and windows, and futon bedding. Guests are also provided with yukata robes during their stay. The rooms are also equipped with a television. One night’s stay can range from 25,000 to 35,000 JPY. Guests who are staying are also welcome to choose from various yukata to wear while they are around.
Guests are invited to relax and unwind in the indoor and outdoor public hot spring baths, one of which is situated along the mountain stream, and, as with its other outdoor baths, harmonizes with nature. There are three communal baths in the establishment and one that’s restricted for only women. The water is sourced from four types of hot springs.
Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku also has a restaurant that serves dishes that feature seasonal ingredients from around the area. Some dishes include mountain vegetables, wild boar, bear, and river fish--tourists are invited to dine on local delicacies, a specialty being bear soup.
Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku is accessible by taking the train from Tokyo Station to arrive at Jomokogen Station, or via Takasaki Station and transferring to Shim-Maebashi Station, and then to Minakami Station. The establishment is operating normally with safety measures in place and limited acceptance to prevent the spread of infection.

"No. 1" ryokan in Japan

The expansive open air bath facing a mountain stream is spectacular. The total area of 4 open air baths exceeds 780 square meters. The ryokan has 80 years history.

A ryokan appearing in various media

This ryokan has an expansive open bath measuring 200 square meters that is used in numerous magazines, television shows, and posters. The even larger 330 square meter open air bath is the biggest in Takaragawa Hot Spring.

Traditional ryokan - historical architecture

The traditional Japanese architecture with 80 years of history as well as an open air bath situated along a mountain stream harmonize with the natural surroundings to produce a beautiful ryokan.

A ryokan particularly good for health and beauty

Four types of hot spring. The large open air bath facing a mountain stream has the absolute best healing properties. The water is good for neuralgia, stress release, poor circulation, etc.