Kinugawa Onsen

Kinugawa Onsen is a hot spring resort town straddling the Kinugawa River gorge in Nikko City, Tochigi, developed since the Edo period around mineral-rich alkaline waters historically favored by feudal lords and, later, by travelers arriving via direct limited express trains from Tokyo. The town's high-rise and traditional ryokan line the river gorge, many with rooms and communal baths overlooking the water, and several offer day-use bathing for visitors not staying overnight. A riverside walking path connects viewpoints along the gorge, and boat rides operate seasonally past the rock formations carved by the river. Beyond bathing, the town serves as a base for excursions to Nikko Edo Wonderland and Tobu World Square, both reachable by local shuttle. A half-day visit covering a day-use bath and a riverside walk is possible, though many visitors stay overnight to fully use a ryokan's baths and dining. The gorge's maple trees peak in color from mid-October to early November, and several ryokan maintain open-air baths positioned for snow-viewing in winter, when steam rises visibly off the water against a snow-covered gorge.