Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen are connected by frequent trains operated by Tobu Railways. The one way trip takes about 30 minutes, costs 330 yen and requires a transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station. There are 1-3 trains per hour. The Nikko Passes provide unlimited use of trains between Nikko and Kinugawa; however, the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Tobu trains.
A free shuttle bus operates between the Nikko Edomura theme park in Kinugawa Onsen and JR Nikko Station, with some continuing to the Omotensando bus stop at the entrance to Toshogu Shrine. There are 3-4 round trips per day, but buses do not operate on days when Edomura is closed (mainly Wednesdays). The ride takes 30 minutes to/from JR Nikko Station.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Kinugawa Onsen is located in a narrow valley along the Kinugawa River. The town is served by four Tobu Railway train stations, with Kinugawa Onsen Station as its central station and transportation hub. Most of the major ryokan are located between Kinugawa Onsen and Kinugawa Koen stations, and are a short walk or bus 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 every 30 minutes and is covered by many of the rail passes available for Nikko. There is also a bus that connects Kinugawa Onsen Station with the town's lodgings (300 yen, not covered by the rail passes)
Another bus of interest is a free shuttle bus, which operates between Nikko Edomura and JR Nikko Station, with some continuing to the Omotesando bus stop at the entrance to Toshogu Shrine. There are 3-4 round trips per day, but buses do not operate on days when Edomura is closed (mainly Wednesdays). The one way trip takes 30 minutes to/from JR Nikko Station.
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 the remote, rustic Yunishigawa Onsen and Okukinu Onsen are located in side valleys further beyond Kawaji Onsen.
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