Yunishigawa Onsen
Yunishigawa Onsen (쉷) is a small hot spring town in a remote valley in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, about an hour bus ride deeper into the mountains from Kinugawa Onsen.
The town was founded after the Taira clan (also known as the Heike clan) was defeated by the Minamoto clan (also known as the Genji clan) for political supremacy over Japan towards the end of the Heian Period (710 - 1185), and many members of the Taira clan fled into hiding in remote regions of Japan. Yunishigawa was one such hidden settlement of Taira refugees.
Strict rules were maintained to keep the town from being discovered, such as bans on chicken (because of their crowing) and koinobori streamers (because the colorful streamers could be easily seen from a distance). Interestingly, some of these bans are still observed today, despite the fact that the town has long been put onto the map. An open air museum, the Heike no Sato, exhibits about a dozen old homes, which illustrate the past everyday life of villagers.
Thanks to its hot springs, Yunishigawa Onsen has turned into a tourist destination in more recent times, and the town offers multiple lodgings, ranging from rustic ryokan to large hotels. Several of the lodgings include dinners of local cuisine served around a fireplace (irori).
Yunishigawa receives a fair amount of snow in the winter, attracting visitors with river lined outdoor baths surrounded by snow. An even more popular winter attraction is the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival ("Yunishigawa Snow House Festival"), during which hundreds of snow houses (kamakura) of different sizes are built and illuminated in the evenings around town and along the river.
The Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival is held every year around February (January 30 to March 1, 2026) on multiple sites across the town. The main site is the Heike no Sato, which features snow houses and is lit up in the evenings until 21:00. A nearby riverside site features lots of mini snow houses and is illuminated on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Various outdoor activities can be enjoyed at other sites.
Getting there and around
Yunishigawa Onsen can be reached by buses from Kinugawa Onsen Station (one hour, 2050 yen one way) every 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can take the train as far as Yunishigawa Onsen Station and board the bus from there (25 minutes, 1050 yen one way). Yunishigawa Onsen Station is somewhat special as its platform is located inside a tunnel, and the station complex features a public bath fed by hot spring waters.
How to get to and around Kinugawa Onsen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Hotels around Kinugawa Onsen
-
-
![]()
NanaeyaeView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Nanaeyae in Nikko offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, yukata, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, and TV.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath and an open-air bath. Additional facilities include a public bath, lift, daily housekeeping service, electric vehicle charging station, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves Asian breakfast with local specialities. Dinner is highly praised by guests for its quality and variety.Local Attractions
Located in the hot spring area, Nanaeyae is a 7-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Fureai Bridge and 1.7 km from Tateiwa Kinu Hime Shrine. Other nearby attractions include Tobu Nikko Station (21 km) and Nikko Toshogu Shrine (24 km). -
![]()
Kinugawa Onsen HotelOffering indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, Kinugawa Onsen Hotel is located right by the Kinugawa Gorge. Free Wi-Fi access is available at the lobby. A shuttle is provided from Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station, which is a 7-minute drive away (charges apply). Air-conditioned bright rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a fridge and complimentary green tea. They're fitted with either Japanese futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor or Western beds. All rooms offer a private bathroom and yukata robes. At Kinugawa Onsen hotel you will find a 24-hour front desk, a souvenir shop and karaoke room. Private reservable hot-spring baths are available (charges apply). Guests can enjoy playing table tennis or request relaxing massages for an extra cost as well. For breakfast and dinner each, a buffet featuring Japanese and Western dishes is served at the dining room. The hotel is a 40-minute drive from Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine and a 10-minute drive from Nikko Edo Wonderland. There are mountains, lakes and rivers around the property. Guests can go for a drive to enjoy the beautiful scenery or enjoy rafting and canyoning in the surrounding areas.View on Booking.com -
![]()
TsuganokiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Tsuganoki in Nikko offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and mountain or river views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and TV.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, terrace, and open-air bath. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Dining Experience
The ryokan provides a dinner and breakfast, highly praised by guests. A coffee shop and lounge offer additional dining options.Convenient Location
Located 18 km from Tobu Nikko Station and 20 km from Nikko Station, the property is near attractions such as Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi (8-minute walk) and Tateiwa Kinu Hime Shrine (1.2 km). Fukushima Airport is 108 km away. -
![]()
Kinugawa Hotel MikazukiSet in Nikko, 24 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kinugawa Onsen Nikko Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a garden. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and free WiFi. The ryokan features family rooms. All guest rooms in the ryokan are equipped with a flat-screen TV. The units at Kinugawa Onsen Nikko Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki feature air conditioning and a wardrobe. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast. The wellness area at Kinugawa Onsen Nikko Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki is comprised of a hot spring bath and a sauna. Kegon Falls is 40 km from the ryokan, while Rinno-ji Temple is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport, 114 km from Kinugawa Onsen Nikko Kinugawa Hotel MikazukiView on Booking.com -
![]()
Hotel Sunshine KinugawaHotel Sunshine Kinugawa is located next to Kinugawa River, just a 6-minute drive from Kinugawa Onsen Train Station. It features various entertainment facilities like karaoke and table tennis. Free WiFi is available in the lobby. Offering mountain views, all rooms are fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. In-room facilities include a flat-screen TV and a telephone. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub and a hairdryer. Guests staying at Kinugawa Sunshine Hotel can unwind in the public bathing area which has open-air baths and sauna. Massages can be requested at an additional charge. Drinks vending machines and a gift shop are also available on site. The hotel is situated just a 1-minute walk to Kinu-tateiwa Otsuribashi Bridge. Tobu World Square Amusement Park is a 4-minute drive away, while Edo Wonderland can be reached within a 10-minute drive.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Kinugawa Park HotelsView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Kinugawa Park Hotels in Nikko offers a 3-star ryokan experience with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, tatami floors, and river views. Each room includes a bath, shower, TV, and electric kettle.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. Additional amenities include a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, electric vehicle charging station, room service, and luggage storage.Local Attractions
Located 8 minutes from Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi (Suspension Bridge) and 1.1 km from Tateiwa Kinu Hime Shrine. Nearby attractions include Tobu Nikko Station (20 km) and Nikko Toshogu Shrine (24 km). Fukushima Airport is 108 km away. -
![]()
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko HotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with river views, and amenities such as hairdryers, slippers, TVs, and electric kettles.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, open-air bath, and a family-friendly restaurant serving Japanese, sushi, and European cuisines.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is provided, and dinner is served in a welcoming ambience.Prime Location
Located in Nikko, the hotel is a 2-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Fureai Bridge and less than 1 km from Kinugawa Onsen Shrine. Nearby attractions include Tobu Nikko Station (20 km) and Nikko Toshogu Shrine (24 km).Guest Services
The property offers a lounge, public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, child-friendly buffet, electric vehicle charging station, games room, and free off-site private parking. -
![]()
Sudomari Hotel Roman TsutsujiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Sudomari Hotel Roman Tsutsuji in Nikko offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies. Each room includes a bath, shower, and free toiletries.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a terrace and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a refrigerator, microwave, TV, and electric kettle. Free on-site private parking is available.Convenient Location
Located 107 km from Fukushima Airport, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Fureai Bridge and 1.8 km from Tateiwa Kinu Hime Shrine. Nearby attractions include Tobu Nikko Station (19 km) and Nikko Toshogu Shrine (23 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room comfort, cleanliness, and value for money. -
![]()
Kinugawa Royal HotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Kinugawa Royal Hotel in Nikko offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and yukata for added comfort.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, open-air bath, and seasonal outdoor swimming pool. The property also features a lounge, games room, and karaoke for leisure activities.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is served daily, while dinner is provided by the hotel. The on-site restaurant offers a variety of Japanese and international cuisines, highly appreciated by guests.Local Attractions
Located 108 km from Fukushima Airport, the hotel is near Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi (2-minute walk) and Tateiwa Kinu Hime Shrine (600 metres). Other attractions include Tobu Nikko Station (19 km) and Nikko Toshogu Shrine (23 km). -
![]()
Tabist Kinugawa Park CottageOffering views of Kinugawa Valley, Kinugawa Park Cottage provides adult only accommodation with free private parking. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Kinugawaonsen Station is a 5-minute walk. All units at the holiday home feature air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. A fridge and kettle are also featured. A private bathroom is provided. At Kinugawa Park Cottage guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot spring bath. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 30 minutes by car, while Kegon Falls is a 60-minute drive.View on Booking.com
-
