A Guide to Kinugawa Onsen, a Hot Spring Resort with Stunning Gorge Views and Haunting Ruins

The history of Kinugawa Onsen goes back a long way, beginning in 1691 when a hot spring was discovered on the right bank of the Kinugawa River.
At the time, only feudal lords from across Japan and Buddhist priests returning from worship at Nikko were allowed to use it.
In the Meiji era, it was opened to the general public, and Fujihara Onsen was also discovered on the opposite bank.
In 1927, the hot springs throughout the Kinugawa area came to be collectively known as Kinugawa Onsen.
Around the same time, railway service began, making access from Tokyo easier, and many ryokan inns and hotels started lining the Kinugawa Gorge, helping Kinugawa Onsen develop into a major hot spring resort visited by large numbers of tourists.

The Kinugawa River flows from north to south through the eastern Kanto Plain. It is one of the tributaries of the Tone River and stretches 176 km, making it the longest of them. Along the river stands Tateiwa, a giant rock formation rising as high as 100 meters, and the surrounding area offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty and power of the Kinugawa River up close is the Kinugawa River boat ride. This Approx. 40-minute attraction takes you boldly down the Kinugawa gorge, lined with unusual rock formations, guided by the skilled rowing of an experienced boatman.

This gorge stretches for Approx. 3 km between Kawaji Onsen, a small hot spring area nestled along the river, and Kinugawa Onsen.
Its current form was created over a very long period, as volcanic rock ejected by undersea volcanic activity 22 million years ago was gradually eroded by the flow of the Kinugawa River.
True to its name, the dramatic landscape, said to resemble a writhing dragon, captivates visitors.
Along the walking trail, you’ll find scattered highlights such as Nijimi Falls, where a vivid rainbow appears on sunny days, and the uniquely shaped Kameana rock formation.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate.
It is considered one of the main highlights of the World Heritage site Shrines and Temples of Nikko, where you can see 55 lavishly decorated shrine buildings, including 8 National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties.
There is plenty to see, including Yomeimon Gate, also known as Higurashi-no-Mon, or the “Gate of the Setting Sun,” because the entire structure is covered with countless vividly colored carvings and is said to be so fascinating that you could look at it all day without getting tired of it.

It is said that Lake Chuzenji was originally formed Approx. 20,000 years ago, when lava from an eruption of Mt. Nantai dammed a valley.
Located at an elevation of 1,269 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest lakes in Japan.
From the peaceful lakeshore stretching at the foot of Mt. Nantai, you can enjoy scenery that changes with the seasons.
The azaleas in early summer and the autumn leaves are especially spectacular. Another popular sight is the beautiful pink, white, and red Kurinsou flowers at Senjugahama, which usually reach their best viewing season around June.
Its mystical scenery captivates many visitors.

Nikko is home to many waterfalls, but Kegon Falls is perhaps the most famous of them all. It is a magnificent waterfall where the waters of Lake Chuzenji plunge all at once down a 97-meter cliff, offering both the power of nature and striking natural beauty.
From the observation deck, which you can reach by elevator near the basin of the falls, you can experience the thunderous roar and spray of the waterfall up close.

This theme park showcases miniature reproductions of famous buildings and ruins from around the world at a scale of 1:25, under the theme “Let’s protect the world’s heritage and architectural culture.”
A remarkable collection of famous landmarks from 22 countries and regions is on display, including 48 World Heritage properties such as the Statue of Liberty, the Parthenon, and the Eiffel Tower, as well as well-known structures like Tokyo Skytree and the White House.
With more than 100 exhibits in total, every work has been created with permission from the designers and rights holders, resulting in highly detailed and meticulously crafted reproductions.

Nikko Edomura is a theme park where you can realistically experience the Edo period (1603–1868).
Within its vast grounds, life-size townscapes have been recreated, including highways, post towns, merchant districts, a ninja village, and samurai residences.
At the transformation studio, you can change out of your regular clothes and dress up as an Edo-period character such as a ninja, samurai, or feudal lord.

Founded in 1888, this long-established hotel has the longest history in Kinugawa Onsen.
In a luxurious space that reflects its traditions, including an atrium entrance with a pipe organ, you can relax and enjoy the hot springs and a lavish buffet.

Kinugawa Onsen Hotel is a long-established hot spring inn known for its delicious meals and wide variety of room plans.
Its popular buffet features an array of seasonal dishes made generously with local ingredients.
In the lively atmosphere of the open kitchen, you can enjoy seasonal Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes.

Conveniently located Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Kinugawa Onsen Station, this hotel also offers spectacular views of Kinugawa Gorge below.
The guest rooms come in a wide variety, including standard Japanese-style rooms ranging from 6 to at least 15 tatami mats, renovated Japanese-Western style rooms that combine a 10-tatami Japanese room with a Western-style room equipped with two single beds, and a one-of-a-kind 12-tatami room with a private open-air bath.
The large public bath includes an open-air bath and sauna.
There is also a private open-air bath available free of charge, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Kinugawa Gorge.