Kanto · Nikko, Tochigi

♨ Kinugawa Onsen

A big riverside resort on the Kinugawa gorge, an easy limited express ride from Tokyo.

Day trip from Tokyo

Quick facts

Location: Nikko, Tochigi (Kanto region)
Water type: Simple spring
Tattoos: Check ahead with each bath
Directions: Open in Google Maps

The water

Alkaline simple springs: clear and gentle.

History

A spring was found on the river's right bank in 1691. From 1751 it was under the Nikko magistrate, and only daimyo and priests returning from Nikko pilgrimages could use it. It opened to the public in the Meiji era, took the name Kinugawa Onsen in 1927, and grew after the railway arrived in 1929.

Getting there

From: Tokyo (Asakusa)
Route: Tobu limited express (Spacia/Kinu) to Kinugawa-Onsen
JR Pass: Tobu-only trains are not covered; JR–Tobu through trains from Shinjuku can be used with some JR passes (check rules).
Other passes: NIKKO PASS (Tobu).

Check current timetables and fares before you travel.

Famous for (meibutsu)

Nikko yuba (food): tofu skin, a Nikko specialty
Nikko-bori (craft): carved wooden trays and boxes
Tochigi strawberries (food): Japan's top strawberry prefecture

Plan your trip: tours & day trips near Kinugawa

Find Kinugawa tours on GetYourGuide

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