TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kinugawa Onsen (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture) is a hot spring town that stretches along the Kinugawa River valley. It was developed as a therapeutic hot spring resort from the Meiji to Taisho periods, and later developed as a tourist destination. The inns and hotels that line the riverside offer views of the valley, and a major attraction is being able to enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons in the open-air baths and large public baths. The surrounding area is full of tourist facilities, sightseeing boats, ropeways, and other activities, making it popular with a wide range of people, from families on vacation to couples and seniors. The scenery is particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage season, attracting many tourists.
Highlights
- Valley views and open-air baths: There are open-air baths and foot baths scattered around the hotel overlooking the Kinugawa River valley, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal scenery while soaking in the water.
- Stroll around Kinugawa Onsen Town: You can enjoy the atmosphere while strolling around, with souvenir shops, foot baths, and retro-style accommodations.
- Tobu World Square: An outdoor museum featuring scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks from around the world. Popular with families.
- Nikko Edo Village (Edo Wonderland): A theme park that recreates the streets of the Edo period, where you can experience something like a period drama.
- Ryuokyo Gorge: The highlights of the gorge are the hiking trails and strange rock formations, and it is also a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves and fresh greenery.
- Akechidaira and Akechidaira Ropeway (local sightseeing): We also recommend the ropeway to nearby tourist spots and the views from the observation decks.
- Tourist trains and steam locomotives: Seasonal steam locomotives and tourist trains sometimes run, making it popular with train enthusiasts.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station on the Tobu Railway — Located in the center of the hot spring town, many ryokans are within walking distance.
- Main ways to get there by train:
- Asakusa (Tobu Railway) → Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station: Direct via Tobu Limited Express (Spacia, etc.), travel time is approximately 2 hours (depending on the train).
- By JR: Tokyo Station → (Tohoku Shinkansen) → Utsunomiya Station → JR, bus or private railway. If you use the Shinkansen, the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours including transfers.
- Access by car: Tohoku Expressway → Nikko Utsunomiya Road (or Imaichi IC) - Approximately 2 hours (depending on the departure point and traffic conditions). Parking is available at inns and tourist facilities.
- Air: From Haneda or Narita, it is common to transfer to a train via Tokyo.
- Local transportation: Much of the hot spring town is within walking distance, and local buses and taxis are convenient for sightseeing in the surrounding area.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: A half-day to full-day of hot spring bathing and walking around the town. You can fully enjoy it by combining a day trip to the hot springs and lunch.
- Accommodation (2 days, 1 night): A standard plan that involves relaxing at the inn and enjoying the hot springs, and spending a day touring the major tourist spots in the area (Tobu World Square, Ryuokyo Gorge, etc.).
- Relaxed stay (2 nights or more): If you want to visit the Nikko World Heritage Site, Lake Chuzenji, or Kegon Falls, or if you want to relax in a hot spring, we recommend staying 2 nights or more.
Nearby spots
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine (World Heritage Site) — A World Heritage Site featuring historical buildings and sculptures (accessible by car or public transport).
- Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls — Nikko's most famous scenic spot. Enjoy lakeside strolls and sightseeing boat rides.
- Tobu World Square — an outdoor museum featuring recreations of famous landmarks from around the world (popular with families).
- Nikko Edomura (Edo Wonderland) — An experiential theme park that recreates the streets of the Edo period.
- Ryuokyo Gorge — Enjoy nature at its magnificent valley and walking trails.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The area is extremely crowded during the autumn foliage season (late October to early November), Golden Week, and the New Year holidays, so we recommend making reservations for accommodation and transportation early.
- Onsen etiquette: Please observe general onsen etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself and washing your body in the washing area before bathing, not putting towels in the water, and staying quiet. Some facilities have restrictions on bathing for people with tattoos, so please check in advance.
- Clothing and footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the ground along the valley can get wet and there are many stairs and slopes. In winter, be aware that the roads may be frozen or snowy.
- Weather and season: The temperature drops during the autumn foliage viewing season, so be sure to dress warmly. Summer is cooler than in the city, but be aware of sudden weather changes in mountainous areas. In early spring, late frosts and lingering snow can occur in the mountains.
- Environmental conservation: To protect the natural landscape, please take your trash with you, smoke only in designated areas, and be careful with fire. Please observe local rules when sightseeing.
(Additional Information) When planning your trip, it's a good idea to check the official information of the accommodations and facilities you plan to visit in advance (such as opening hours, availability of day-trip baths, tattoo policies, whether shuttle buses are available, etc.).
