What to know
Kinugawa Onsen (鬼怒川温泉) is a lively hot spring resort town along the Kinugawa River in Tochigi Prefecture. The town centers on large ryokan hotels lining the riverbank, and offers plenty of entertainment including the Tobu World Square and Nikko Edomura theme parks, in addition to its soothing hot spring baths.
Kinugawa saw extensive development in past decades, with many large ryokan complexes built. Over the years, several have closed, leaving abandoned buildings along the river. In response, the town has recently stepped up efforts to beautify the riverfront by removing some of these structures and adding nature trails, parks, and footbaths.
Kinugawa Onsen is close to Nikko and is included in the free travel zone of the Nikko Passes. It's a great place to stay overnight when visiting Nikko, adding a bit of fun and relaxation to complement the area's culture and nature.
Activities and attractions
Okukinu OnsenRemote, rustic hot spring with excellent baths
Edo Wonderland Nikko EdomuraTheme park about feudal Japan
Tobu World SquareLandmarks from across the world in miniature
Grand Maze PalladiumTakes an average of 40 minutes to complete
Yunishigawa OnsenRemote hot spring town known for its winter festival
Kinugawa Hot SpringsHot spring baths of Kinugawa Onsen
Kinugawa River CruiseWith wooden boats down the Kinugawa River
NikkoSite of Nikko Toshogu, Ieyasu’s mausoleum
UtsunomiyaPrefectural capital of Tochigi Prefecture