Kinugawa Onsen
KINUGAWA ONSEN
An easy train ride from Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen is a perfect way to end your explorations in Nikko with some onsen soaking, rest and relaxation.
Discovered over 300 years ago and named for the river that flows through the area; initially the town and its onsen were only allowed to be visited and used by monks and visiting daimyo (lords), however today it is a popular weekend destination from Tokyo for those seeking a little getaway.
In ancient times, the west bank of the river held the only hot spring which was called Taki Onsen until later when the hot spring Fujiwara Onsen was discovered on the east bank.
Today these two hot springs are collectively known as Kinugawa Onsen and are the two sources of onsen water.
ENJOY THE TOWN
Like most onsen towns, make sure to enjoy the townโs free public onsen footbath right outside the station before or after your travels, and browse the many omiyage shops to bring back your favourite treats and souvenirs.
For those who appreciate the history and have a love of trains, Kinugawa Onsen Station will see some gems of steam trains arrive. The steam train is a special sightseeing train that generally is only available on the weekends and public holidays. There are 3 daily return services on these days, each of which lasts around 35 minutes. The route runs from Shimo Imaichi station to Kinugawa Onsen station.
BAUMKUCHEN HACHIYA
Hubby loves a softcream, so of course when we discovered Hachiya by the station we had to have some along with their baumkuchen treats
Perfect if you need a little sweet tooth fix on your trip.
GO FOR A WALK IN NATURE
Kinugawa Onsen is especially beautiful in autumn which for this region generally falls in November. We were unfortunately a bit too early but still appreciated being out and about in the fresh air. All the onsen ryokans are located relatively near to each other, just some are a slightly further walk out from the station then others. During our time here, we stayed at Tsuganoki (12min walk from the station).
Tsuganoki is mere mins walk from pedestrian Kinu Tateiwa suspension bridge, with stunning views of the river and its surroundings. It can get a little busy, but if you stay overnight you will probably get a moment of it to yourself. If you are a bit more adventurous, Kinugawa Line Kudari offers boat trips down the river, whilst Ryuokyo Gorge has some stunning landscapes and autumn foliage. Unfortunately this trip we didnโt do either Kinugawa Line Kudari or visit Ryuokyo Gorge, but if we ever return I hope to visit at least the Gorge.
ACCESS TO KINUGAWA ONSEN STATION
BY TRAIN
FROM TOBU NIKKO STATION - 7mins - SHIMO IMAICHI STATION (change trains) - 26mins - KINUGAWA ONSEN STATION
COST: 940JPY OW (if youโre a tourist and have a Nikko Pass, you can use it to travel to Kinugawa)
note: there may be some wait time between trains when you change at Shimo Imaichi
