Kinugawa Onsen Town & Foot Baths
鬼怒川温泉街・足湯めぐり
A hot-spring resort town developed along the Kinugawa gorge, known as one of the Kanto region's leading onsen destinations. Free foot baths such as "Kinuta-no-yu" and "Kinuko-no-yu" are scattered around town, letting visitors enjoy a hot-spring atmosphere even during a casual stroll.
A hot-spring town along the gorge
Rows of large ryokan inns and hotels line the banks of the Kinugawa River, forming one of the Kanto region's leading onsen resort towns. Kinugawa's hot spring is a simple alkaline spring said to be gentle on the skin, and it has long been loved as a retreat close to the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Enjoying free foot baths
Foot baths open to the public for free, including "Kinuta-no-yu" and "Kinuko-no-yu," are set up around town, letting visitors casually experience the hot spring even without an overnight stay. They're a popular rest stop during a stroll through the onsen town or a day trip.
A base for exploring the gorge and area attractions
The town also serves as a base for visiting nearby attractions such as Kinugawa River boat rides, the Kinu Tateiwa Suspension Bridge, and Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, making it convenient to combine sightseeing with a hot-spring stay.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
The cherry blossoms along the river add color to a stroll through the onsen town.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
Fireworks displays are held in summer at some hotels and along the riverside.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The autumn foliage along the gorge can be enjoyed together with an onsen stay.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The warmth of the hot springs is especially welcome amid the cold.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 1-2 hours for a stroll
- Crowd levels
- Can be crowded on weekends and during peak holiday seasons
- Best time to visit
- A relaxed weekday visit is recommended for a quieter experience
| Address | Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko, Tochigi |
|---|---|
| Hours | Foot baths generally open 24 hours (some facilities have set hours) |
| Admission | Free (foot baths) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 5 min walk from Kinugawa-Onsen Station (On foot from the station)