Complete Guide to Kinugawa Onsen: What to Do and Where to Stay

Kinugawa Onsen, located in Tochigi, is a renowned hot spring resort town that offers the perfect escape from hectic urban life. About two hours north of Tokyo, this destination is famed for its therapeutic hot springs nestled amid the stunning landscapes of lush valleys and scenic gorges by the Kinugawa River.

The spring waters are rich in beneficial minerals and known for their healing properties, such as alleviating muscle pain, enhancing circulation, and improving skin health. The mildly alkaline nature of the water provides a soothing experience, ideal for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

As we delve deeper into this guide, we’ll uncover the various ways to reach Kinugawa Onsen, explore its attractions, and discover the best place to stay, ensuring a memorable and restorative visit for both the body and soul.

Getting to Kinugawa Onsen can be easily managed from various major cities in Japan, not just Tokyo. Here’s how you can reach this tranquil hot spring town from three of Japan’s largest cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

From Tokyo: The most convenient way to reach Kinugawa Onsen from Tokyo is by taking the Tobu Railway’s direct express service from Asakusa Station, which takes a little over two hours. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station and then transfer to a local train directly to Kinugawa Onsen.

From Osaka: If you are traveling from Osaka, the simplest journey involves taking the Shinkansen to Tokyo, transferring lines to get to Kita-Senju Station, and then transferring to the express service to Kinugawa Onsen. The entire trip may take around 5–6 hours, depending on your connection times and specific trains.

From Nagoya: For those starting in Nagoya, the route is the same as coming from Osaka, but a little bit shorter, typically taking about 4–5 hours.

Once in Kinugawa Onsen, getting around is convenient due to its compact size. Many hot spring hotels and attractions are within walking distance of the train station. For destinations that are further away, local buses and taxis are available. Renting a car is also an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace and visit nearby attractions outside town.

Kinugawa Onsen and its surrounding region offer a variety of themed attractions and activities that cater to both relaxation and adventure seekers, along with a rich culinary scene and seasonal events that showcase the area’s cultural heritage.

Kinugawa River Boat Tour

A trip to Kinugawa Onsen is incomplete without a boat ride down the Kinugawa River. This relaxing journey offers stunning views of the surrounding gorges and lush greenery, providing a serene escape and the chance to connect with nature.

Tobu World Square

Tobu World Square is an architectural museum featuring over a hundred 1:25 scale models of the world’s most famous landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s a fascinating attraction where you can “travel” around the globe in just a few hours and marvel at the detailed miniatures.

Edo Wonderland

Step back in time at Edo Wonderland, a cultural theme park that recreates life during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1867). With its historical buildings, samurai and ninja experiences, and traditional performances, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of Japan.

Ryuokyo Canyon

For nature lovers, Ryuokyo Canyon offers breathtaking scenery with rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Hiking trails wind through the canyon, leading to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints that showcase the natural beauty of the Kinugawa Onsen area.

Onsen experience

No visit to Kinugawa Onsen would be complete without indulging in the hot spring baths themselves. The area boasts numerous hot spring facilities, ranging from public bathhouses to private resort experiences, where you can soak in the mineral-rich waters and enjoy the health benefits they offer. These hot springs are the heart of Kinugawa Onsen, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that draws visitors worldwide.

Local foods

Kinugawa Onsen's culinary scene features delights like soba noodles, a healthy noodle made from buckwheat served either hot or cold, and manju, a traditional sweet bun filled with bean jam. The town's kaiseki (banquet) cuisine is also exceptional, with many local ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) offering up a variety of small plates that highlight local seasonal ingredients and showcase traditional Japanese cooking.

If you're visiting Kinugawa Onsen, Kinugawa Onsen Kinugawa Plaza Hotel is the ideal accommodation choice because it combines scenic beauty with comfort.

Perched elegantly along the banks of the Kinugawa River, this hotel offers an idyllic retreat with stunning views of the surrounding lush landscapes and the soothing sounds of the flowing river. Its prime location provides easy access to the natural hot springs and places guests in the perfect spot to explore the area's local attractions and theme parks, making it the ideal base for relaxation and adventure in Kinugawa Onsen.

The guestrooms

The Kinugawa Plaza Hotel offers guestrooms with an expansive view of the Kinugawa River. These rooms are designed with calming colors to ensure a relaxing atmosphere, allowing guests to unwind and soak in the natural beauty, leaving their anxiety behind. The hotel offers Japanese-style rooms for those who prefer traditional lodgings. These are adorned with soft hues and classic design elements, offering a peaceful retreat complemented by thoughtful hospitality to relax both mind and body.

Hot spring facilities

At the hot springs, guests are invited to enjoy multiple different and authentic Japanese bathing experiences. The hotel's main bath, Takara no Yu, is famed for its skin-beautifying properties and has been cherished throughout the region for many years. The hotel also offers two private baths that can be used for an additional charge: Hozukitei and Akebi.

A short walk from the main building, Hozukitei offers a secluded open-air bath experience. Set in a forested area, it features deck chairs for cooling down in the breeze and tatami-mat relaxation areas, perfect for unwinding after a bath. At night, lanterns gently illuminate the area, enhancing the serene atmosphere.

Close to the river and nestled in the untouched natural beauty of Kinugawa Valley, Akebi offers a more private bathing experience. Guests can enjoy seasonal views and tranquility in individual open-air baths, complemented by a lounge designed in the style of an old Japanese house and complete with a footbath and hot stone spas.

Dining

At Kinugawa Onsen Kinugawa Plaza Hotel, dining is an experience that harmoniously blends various culinary traditions with the natural beauty of the hotel's surroundings. The restaurant Kinugawa Baru offers a taste of Spain in a traditional Japanese farmhouse setting. Guests can enjoy a buffet of Spanish delicacies like tapas and paella under the rustic ambience of high ceilings and exposed beams.

For a serene riverside dining experience, restaurant Sansantei serves select dishes like Nagoya Cochin chicken, which can be enjoyed in the open air or a room with sweeping views. 

Restaurant Tsumiki provides a quiet retreat with private rooms and obanzai Kyoto cuisine, focusing on nutrition and flavor.

Meanwhile, restaurant Kegon introduces a modern twist to Chinese dining with a health-conscious buffet that showcases over 30 varieties of nouvelle chinois cuisine. Each restaurant at the hotel offers a unique setting and menu, ensuring guests a memorable gourmet journey amid the scenic backdrop of Kinugawa Onsen.

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