Kinugawa Onsen
鬼怒川温泉
A large hot spring resort lining both banks of the Kinugawa Gorge, known as the 'backyard garden of Kantō', with gorge boat rides and the Nikko Edo Village theme park.
Kinugawa Onsen lies in the northeast of Nikko City, with hot spring inns lining both banks of the Kinugawa Gorge. It is one of the largest hot spring resorts in the Kantō region. During the Edo period, only temple monks in Nikko and feudal lords could bathe here; after the Meiji era it opened to the general public. The spring is simple alkaline water, colorless and clear, with little irritation. Recommended experiences: ① Kinugawa boat ride (Kinugawa Line Kudari), a wooden boat trip downstream for about 40 minutes to enjoy the rock formations and gorge scenery; ② Kinugawa Tateiwa Great Suspension Bridge, a 140-meter walking bridge with gorge views; ③ Nikko Edo Village, a theme park recreating Edo-period streets, with ninja and courtesan performances and costume experiences; ④ Tobu World Square, a miniature park with famous buildings from around the world at 1/25 scale. The free foot bath in front of Kinugawa Onsen Station is also worth a stop. Most inns offer a one-night stay with two meals (dinner and breakfast included), priced from ¥15,000 to tens of thousands of yen. Access: about 2 hours direct from Asakusa by Tobu Limited Express to Kinugawa Onsen Station, or about 30 minutes from Tobu Nikko Station. It is ideal for an overnight stay to relax after touring Nikko's shrines and temples.
Opening hours
Open all day (facility hours vary)
Nearby sights
- Tobu World Square
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
- Ryuokyo Gorge
- Kirifuri Falls
- Cedar Avenue of Nikko
- Kirifuri Kogen Highland
- Rinnoji Temple
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine