Kinugawa Onsen Travel Guide: Stunning Gorge Scenery and the Beauty of Abandoned Buildings

Kinugawa Onsen's history dates back to 1691, when a hot spring was discovered on the right bank of the Kinugawa River.
At the time, its waters were reserved exclusively for feudal lords (daimyo) and Buddhist monks returning from visits to Nikko's sacred sites.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the hot spring was opened to the general public, and another hot spring, Fujihara Onsen, was discovered on the opposite bank.
In 1927, the hot springs in the Kinugawa area became collectively known as Kinugawa Onsen.
Around the same time, the arrival of railway service made the area more accessible from Tokyo. Ryokan inns and hotels began springing up along the Kinugawa Gorge, transforming Kinugawa Onsen into a major hot spring resort that attracted visitors from far and wide.

The Kinugawa River flows from north to south through the eastern Kanto Plain. Stretching 176 kilometers, it is the longest tributary of the Tone River. Along its banks stands Tateiwa, a towering rock formation reaching 100 meters in height, surrounded by beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
One of the best ways to experience the Kinugawa River's natural beauty and power up close is on the Kinugawa River Boat Ride. This thrilling 40-minute journey takes you through a gorge lined with dramatic rock formations, as skilled boatmen expertly navigate the river using traditional wooden oars.

Stretching approximately 3 kilometers between Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen, a small hot spring resort nestled along the river, Ryuokyo Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder.
Its dramatic landscape was formed over millions of years as volcanic rock from underwater eruptions some 22 million years ago was gradually eroded by the Kinugawa River.
True to its name, the gorge's striking rock formations resemble a writhing dragon, creating a spectacular sight that captivates visitors.
Along the well-maintained walking trails, you'll find fascinating sights such as Nijimi Falls, where rainbows appear on sunny days, and the unusual pothole formations known as Kameana.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate.
One of the main highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shrines and Temples of Nikko, the shrine complex features 55 magnificent structures, including eight designated National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties.
Among its many highlights is Yomeimon Gate, adorned with countless intricately carved, vividly colored decorations. The gate is also known as Higurashi-no-Mon, meaning "Gate of the Setting Sun," as its elaborate beauty is said to be so captivating that visitors could admire it all day without ever growing tired of the sight.

Lake Chuzenji is believed to have formed around 20,000 years ago when lava from an eruption of Mt. Nantai blocked a valley.
Situated at an elevation of 1,269 meters above sea level, it is one of Japan's highest lakes. The tranquil lakeshore at the foot of Mt. Nantai offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, with vibrant azaleas in early summer and stunning autumn foliage among the seasonal highlights.
Another popular attraction is the colorful kurinsou (Japanese primrose) flowers at Senjugahama, which typically reach their peak bloom around June, displaying lovely shades of pink, white, and red.
With its enchanting natural beauty, Lake Chuzenji continues to captivate visitors.

Nikko is home to numerous waterfalls, but Kegon Falls is arguably the most famous. Fed by the waters of Lake Chuzenji, this magnificent waterfall plunges 97 meters down a sheer cliff, showcasing both the raw power and breathtaking beauty of nature.
Take an elevator down to the observation deck near the base of the falls, where you can experience the thunderous roar and refreshing spray of the cascading water up close.

Tobu World Square is a theme park featuring 1:25-scale replicas of famous buildings and historic sites from around the world, built around the concept of preserving the world's architectural and cultural heritage.
The park brings together more than 100 meticulously crafted miniature landmarks from 22 countries and regions, including 48 replicas of UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Parthenon, and the Eiffel Tower. Other highlights include Tokyo Skytree and the White House.
Each replica has been created with permission from the relevant designers and rights holders, ensuring remarkable attention to detail and authenticity.

Nikko Edomura is a theme park where visitors can step back in time and experience life during Japan's Edo period (1603-1868).
The expansive grounds recreate the streets and buildings of an Edo-period town, complete with traditional roads, post towns, merchant districts, a ninja village, and samurai residences.
At the park's costume rental facility, visitors can dress up as Edo-period characters, including ninjas, samurai, and feudal lords, for an even more immersive experience.

Established in 1888, this historic hotel is the oldest in Kinugawa Onsen.
Guests can unwind in an elegant setting that blends tradition with luxury, featuring a grand atrium entrance with a pipe organ, while enjoying the hotel's hot springs and sumptuous buffet dining.

Kinugawa Onsen Hotel is a long-established hot spring hotel known for its excellent cuisine and wide selection of guest rooms and accommodation plans.
The hotel's signature buffet features an impressive array of seasonal dishes made with an abundance of locally sourced ingredients. In a lively open-kitchen setting, guests can savor a delicious variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, with menus that change throughout the year.

Conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Station, this hotel boasts spectacular views overlooking Kinugawa Gorge.
The hotel offers a wide variety of accommodations, from standard Japanese-style rooms ranging from 6 to over 15 tatami mats to renovated Japanese-Western rooms combining a 10-tatami Japanese-style room with a Western-style bedroom featuring two single beds. There is also an exclusive 12-tatami room with a private open-air bath, with only one such room available.
The large public bath features an open-air bath and a sauna. Guests can also enjoy sweeping views of Kinugawa Gorge from the private open-air bath, which is available free of charge.