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How to travel between Tokyo and Kinugawa Onsen
Kinugawa Onsen is located about 130 kilometers north of Tokyo and about 30 minutes away from Nikko by train. It is connected with Tokyo and Nikko by Tobu Railways:
By Tobu Railways from Asakusa Station:
Tobu Railways operates trains from Tobu Asakusa Station to Kinugawa Onsen. Tobu Asakusa Station is the terminal station in Tokyo and is accessible by the Ginza and Asakusa Subway Lines.
There are one to two direct rapid trains per hour between Asakusa and Kinugawa Onsen Station. Until Shimo-Imaichi Station the train is coupled to a train bound for Nikko, so take care that you are in the correct car. The trip takes about 140 minutes and costs 1500 yen one way. There are also hourly "Kinu" limited express trains (all seats reserved), which take about 2 hours, but cost 2800 yen.
Tobu Railways also offers various free passes, which include the round trip from Tokyo to Kinugawa Onsen as well as unlimited use of trains between Kinugawa Onsen and Nikko and buses in the Kinugawa Onsen area. Some passes include admission to local theme parks. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Tobu trains.
By limited express from Shinjuku Station:
Direct "Kinugawa" limited express trains, cooperated by Japan Railways (JR) and Tobu Railways, connect JR Shinjuku Station with Kinugawa Onsen Station. The one way journey takes about two hours and costs 3900 yen. All seats are reserved and there are three trains per day.
Because the trains between Shinjuku and Kinugawa partially use the tracks of Tobu Railways, the Japan Rail Pass does not fully cover the expenses of the journey. Those utilizing the Japan Rail Pass have to pay a supplemental fee when travelling along this route. Unlike the Japan Rail Pass, the JR East Pass, is valid for the entire trip.
By Japan Railways (for Japan Rail Pass holders):
There are no routes to Kinugawa Onsen that are completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Instead take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya (50 minutes, 3 trains per hour) and transfer to the JR Nikko Line to Imaichi Station (35 minutes, 1 train per hour). From there it is a 10 minute walk to transfer to Shimo-Imaichi Station where you can take a Tobu train to Kinugawa Onsen (20 minutes, 300 yen, 2 to 3 trains per hour).
Alternatively, stay on the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station and walk about 200 meters to Tobu Nikko Station. Trains depart for Shimo-Imaichi Station where you can transfer to a train bound for Kinugawa Onsen. The trip takes about 30 minutes longer than the previous route but has an easier walking transfer.
The above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.
Orientation:
Kinugawa Onsen is located in a narrow valley along the Kinugawa River. The town is served on its length by four Tobu Railways train stations, with Kinugawa Onsen Station as its central station and transportation hub. Most of of the major ryokan are located between Kinugawa Onsen and Kinugawa Koen Stations, and are a short walk or taxi ride away from either one.
Transportation around Kinugawa Onsen is provided by Tobu buses, with the main bus terminal in front of Kinugawa Onsen Station. The most relevant bus line connects the station with the town's two largest theme parks, Tobu World Square and Nikko Edomura. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes and are covered by the Kinugawa Themepark Pass and the Marugoto Nikko Kinugawa Free Pass.
Another bus of interest is a free shuttle bus, which operates between Nikko Edomura and Fujiya Kanko Center near Nikko's Toshogu Shrine. There are 4-5 round trips per day, but buses only operate on days when Edomura is open. The one way trip takes 35 minutes, and some buses stop at JR Nikko Station along the way.
A few smaller onsen towns are located farther up the valley from Kinugawa Onsen. Kawaji Onsen is less than ten kilometers past Kinugawa Onsen, and Yunishikawa Onsen and the Okukinu Onsen area branch out into side valleys further beyond Kawaji Onsen. These onsen towns are accessible by train and bus, and some are included in the free area of the Marugoto Nikko Kinugawa Free Pass.
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