Home / Areas / Kinugawa
Areas

Kinugawa

A hot spring town of large riverside ryokan near Nikko, about 2 hours from Tokyo by train.

Character
Kinugawa Onsen is a popular hot spring town on the Kinugawa River, with clear, mild water used since the Edo period. Most visitors stay overnight in big hotel ryokan above the gorge, each with its own baths. Theme parks and the Nikko shrines are a short ride away.
Why it stands out
Tobu promotes Ryuokyo Gorge as an autumn foliage spot where you can avoid the crowds. Kawaji, Yunishigawa and Okukinu onsen lie further up the river and in side valleys.
Getting there
Tobu limited express from Asakusa: about 2 hours (some trains need a change at Shimo-Imaichi). Three direct JR–Tobu "Kinugawa" limited expresses a day run from Shinjuku in about 2 hours. With a JR pass, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then the JR Nikko Line and Tobu (about 2.5 hours). From Osaka, allow about 5–6 hours via Tokyo. Nearest station: Kinugawa-Onsen. Fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita).
Seasons
Autumn colours usually peak from late October to mid-November and are best seen at nearby Ryuokyo Gorge. The SL Taiju steam train runs mainly on weekends and holidays.
Watch-outs
The town's public bath closed in 2024, so day bathing means ryokan that take day visitors, or the foot baths. The Japan Rail Pass does not cover Tobu trains. Edo Wonderland is usually closed on Wednesdays.
Neighbourhoods
Kinugawa-Onsen Station area: Town centre; many hotels and sights are within walking distance of the station. / Kinugawa-Koen: Most ryokan lie along the gorge between Kinugawa-Onsen and Kinugawa-Koen stations. / Kawaji Onsen: Another hot spring town further up the Kinugawa River.
Nearby
Ryuokyo Gorge / Tobu World Square / Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura / SL Taiju / Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi Bridge / Nikko Toshogu Shrine / Kegon Falls / Foot baths

Kinugawa condotels and hotel condos for sale

A condotel (hotel condominium) is a hotel room you own outright, which the hotel rents to guests when you are not using it. These are the Kinugawa buildings and resort clubs this site tracks, with their current asking prices.

Browse Kinugawa by budget

Sources