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If there’s one thing Nikko and its surrounding area does as well as sacred sites and stunning natural beauty, is its onsens. The heart of Nikko city is close to a collection of onsen towns including the famous Kinugawa, the tranquil Yumoto and the rustic Okukinu. No matter what type of atmosphere you’re chasing or how much time you have up your sleeve there’s something for everyone, you just need to know where to look.
![The Onsen of Nikko]()
The Onsen of Nikko
Located not too far from central Nikko is Kinugawa, a hot spring resort town that is a popular getaway for visitors looking to enjoy a tranquil weekend recovering from the stresses of everyday life. Home to the Kinugawa River, this hot spring village has gone through a transformation over the decades. After being over developed a number of decades ago, the area experiences an ‘onsen bubble’ which of course burst and left the town with an array of abandoned buildings in its wake. Over time the locals have worked tirelessly to re-beautify the area, cleaning away the remnants of the burst bubble and maintaining the stunning natural surroundings. These days it’s fair to say the area looks more beautiful than ever before.
![The Onsen of Nikko]()
The Onsen of Nikko
![The Onsen of Nikko]()
The Onsen of Nikko
What made this area such a go to in previous years was the fact that it sat along the banks of the Kinugawa River and was home to the hot springs that were said to contain minerals which boost and enhance your skin health and quality. To experience this water for yourself, it’s worth booking a few night at Kinugawa Onsen Hotel, one of the best and most welcoming accommodation options in the area. Featuring both Japanese and Western style rooms, and dining for both Western and Japanese tastes, as well as a collection of impressive baths, there’s something for everyone.
![The Onsen of Nikko]()
The Onsen of Nikko
Not too far from Kinugawa sits Yumoto, a small hot spring town in located in the back of the mountainous region of Okunikko and part of Nikko National Park. In Japanese the name Yumoto translates to the "origin of hot water" which is a pretty fitting title considering its abundance of impressive hot springs and its proximity to Lake Yunoko (literally meaning "hot water lake"). Sitting on the northern point of the town is Onsenji, which is a Buddhist temple that’s home to a small hot spring bath open to the public. Next to the temple sits Yunodaira Marsh, which is where most of the town's hot water supply bubbles up from the ground. Here you can witness the warm water bubbling along the northern shore of Lake Yunoko, and smell the sulfur that lingers in the air.
![The Onsen of Nikko]()
The Onsen of Nikko
Finally if you are onsen hopping in the Nikko area, be sure to visit Okukinu Onsen. Tucked away in the far back of a remote valley in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, these four humble and rustic ryokan are home to some of the most stunning and atmospheric baths in the area. There’s really no better way to truly experience the world of Nikko’s onsens than by heading to Okukinu’s baths to soak in the overflowing, warm mineral filled, sulfuric waters while soaking up the surrounding views of the mountainside.
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