Kinugawa Onsen

Kinugawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture is a relaxing hot spring town surrounded by forested valleys and mountain views. Just two hours north of Tokyo, it’s famous for its soothing mineral-rich waters, scenic river trails and nostalgic atmosphere. Once one of Japan’s most popular resort getaways, the town continues to attract visitors seeking a restorative escape.

Kinugawa Onsen

Photo by: iStock/ LewisTsePuiLung

Kinugawa Onsen’s story stretches back centuries, when travelers first discovered the clear, mineral-rich waters flowing from the banks of the Kinugawa River. The resort actually consists of two main hot springs: Taki Onsen on the west bank and Fujiwara Onsen on the east. Both have gentle, mildly alkaline waters that can relieve fatigue and soften the skin. During the Edo period, small inns were built along the river to serve pilgrims visiting nearby Nikko, and the area quickly became a beloved retreat.

The town reached its height during Japan’s economic boom in the 1980s. Dozens of hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) sprang up to meet the demand of group tours and company outings, drawing millions of visitors each year. When the bubble burst, many of those businesses closed, leaving behind the eerie silhouettes of abandoned buildings that still overlook parts of the river today.

Today, the onsen town has been revitalized with riverside parks, peaceful walking paths, and relaxing public footbaths. More than 80 hotels and ryokans, from classic Japanese inns to sleek, modern resorts, now welcome guests.

Enjoying the Kinugawa Area

Photo by: iStock/ Samantha Gill

Beyond the baths, there’s plenty to experience in and around Kinugawa Onsen. A Kinugawa River Boat Tour offers a relaxing yet exhilarating way to take in the valley’s dramatic cliffs and lush forests from the water. Nearby, the Ryuokyo Gorge has hiking trails that wind along turquoise rapids and waterfalls.

Families and first-time visitors will also find plenty of nearby attractions. Tobu World Square features over a hundred miniature replicas of world landmarks, ranging from the Pyramids of Giza to Tokyo Skytree, meticulously crafted at a 1:25 scale.

For a taste of old Japan, Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura immerses visitors in the Edo Period, with samurai and ninja performances, traditional costumes and lively reenactments of street life.