Kinugawa Onsen: Getting there and around

Getting to Kinugawa Onsen

Kinugawa Onsen is located about 130 kilometers north of Tokyo and about 30 minutes away from Nikko by train. It is connected with Tokyo and Nikko by Tobu Railway:

The Tobu terminal station in Tokyo for trains to Kinugawa Onsen is Tobu Asakusa Station, which can be accessed by subway (Ginza and Asakusa lines). Travelers have the choice of fast and expensive limited express trains or slower but cheaper express and local trains.

There are 1-2 limited express trains per hour between Asakusa and Kinugawa Onsen, which take about two hours and cost 3240-3530 yen one way. Some connections require a transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station. By express and local trains, the one way journey costs only 1590 yen, but takes at least half an hour longer and requires 1-3 transfers of trains along the way.

Tobu offers various passes, which include the round trip from Tokyo to Kinugawa Onsen as well as unlimited use of trains between Kinugawa Onsen and Nikko and buses in the Kinugawa Onsen area. Note that the passes do not cover the supplement fee required on limited express trains (1650 yen one way). The Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are not valid on these Tobu trains.

Three direct "Kinugawa" limited express trains per day, cooperated by Japan Railways (JR) and Tobu Railway, connect JR Shinjuku Station with Kinugawa Onsen Station. The one way journey takes about two hours and costs 4090 yen. All seats are reserved.

Because the trains between Shinjuku and Kinugawa partially use the tracks of Tobu Railway, the Japan Rail Pass does not fully cover the expenses of the journey. In contrast, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass are valid for the entire trip.

Covered by: Japan Rail Pass(except for the final short section by Tobu Railway)

There are no routes to Kinugawa Onsen that are completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Instead take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya (50 minutes, multiple trains per hour) and transfer to the JR Nikko Line to Imaichi Station (35 minutes, 1 train per hour). From there it is a ten minute walk to Shimo-Imaichi Station where you can take a Tobu train to Kinugawa Onsen (20 minutes, 270 yen, 2-3 trains per hour).

Alternatively, stay on the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station and walk about 200 meters to Tobu Nikko Station. From there, trains depart for Shimo-Imaichi Station where you can transfer to a train bound for Kinugawa Onsen. The trip takes about 30 minutes longer than via the above route, but transferring between trains is easier.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

Kinugawa Onsen is located in a narrow valley along the Kinugawa River. The town is served by four Tobu Railway train stations, with Kinugawa Onsen Station as its central station and transportation hub. Most of the major ryokan are located between Kinugawa Onsen and Kinugawa Koen stations, and are a short walk or bus or taxi ride away from either one.

Transportation around Kinugawa Onsen is provided by Tobu buses, with the main bus terminal in front of Kinugawa Onsen Station. The most relevant bus line connects the station with the town's two largest theme parks, Tobu World Square and Nikko Edomura every 30 minutes and is covered by the Nikko All Area Pass. There is also a bus that connects Kinugawa Onsen Station with the town's hotels and ryokan (200 yen, not covered by the Nikko Passes)

Another bus of interest is a free shuttle bus, which operates between Nikko Edomura and JR Nikko Station, with some continuing to the Omotensando bus stop at the entrance to Toshogu Shrine. There are 3-4 round trips per day, but buses do not operate on days when Edomura is closed (mainly Wednesdays). The one way trip takes 30 minutes to/from JR Nikko Station.

A few smaller onsen towns are located farther up the valley from Kinugawa Onsen. Kawaji Onsen is less than ten kilometers past Kinugawa Onsen, and the remote, rustic Yunishigawa Onsen and Okukinu Onsen are located in side valleys further beyond Kawaji Onsen.

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English

Tobu Railway

Official website.

Tobu Bus

Official website of Tobu buses in the Kinugawa area.

- Asaya
  Luxury
  
  Boasting open-air natural spring baths that look out to the surrounding mountains, Asaya provides chic Japanese accommodation that displays flower arrangements throughout. A bus stop is located right in front of the property, and shuttle buses are available from Utsunomiya Train Station, an hour away, at an additional fee. Featuring a relaxing ambience, each room comes with a flat-screen TV, a telephone and a fridge. Asaya Hotel’s front desk is open 24 hours, and massages are available at an additional cost. Karaoke facilities and a gift shop are on site. Some of the hot spring baths can be reserved for private use for a fee. A tour to Edo Wonderland can be arranged upon request. The hotel is a 13-minute walk from Kinugawa Koen Train Station. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a 40-minute drive away, and Edo Wonderland Nikko theme park is a 10-minute drive from the property. A buffet is served at one of the on-site restaurants. The dinner buffet serves about 80 various dishes ranging from Chinese, Japanese and Western meals, while the breakfast buffet provides about 60 variations, mainly Japanese and Western dishes.
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- Tsuganoki
  Mid-range
  
  Situated just 19 km from Tobu Nikko Station, Tsuganoki offers accommodation in Nikko with access to an open-air bath, a terrace, as well as free shuttle service. This 3-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. The accommodation features a hot spring bath, free WiFi throughout the property and family rooms. All units in the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At the ryokan, every unit comes with a private bathroom with a bath. There is a coffee shop and lounge. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. A bicycle rental service is available at the ryokan. Nikko Station is 20 km from Tsuganoki, while Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport, 108 km from the accommodation.
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- Kinugawa Park Hotels
  Mid-range
  
  Surrounded by trees, Kinugawa Park Hotels boasts in 5 indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths, an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace caf?. Guests can use free Wi-Fi in the public areas and stay in Japanese or Western-style rooms. Kinugawa Onsen Train Station is a 5-minute walk away. Guests stay in rooms with tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding or in rooms with Western beds. Each comes with a flat-screen TV, Japanese Yukata robes and an en suite bathroom. Rooms have views of Kinugawa River or the traditional garden. Guests can request massages for an extra cost and sing their favourite tunes at the karaoke rooms. Local gifts can be purchased at the souvenir shop. Free parking is available on site. Hotel Park Kinugawa is about a 10-minute drive from Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura and a 35-minute drive from Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Tobu World Square is about a 5-minute drive away.
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- Sudomari Hotel Roman Tsutsuji
  Budget-friendly
  
  A 5-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Train Station, Sudomari Hotel Roman Tsutsuji features affordable Japanese-style rooms with a private bathroom, a microwave and a fridge. It’s a 10-minute drive from amusement parks Edo Wonderland and Tobu World Square. Guests at Hotel Tsutsuji Sudomari can find activities nearby, such as rafting on a 5-minute walk, tennis in a 10-minute drive and golf within a 20-minute drive. At the front desk, discount tickets are available for hot springs and theme parks. Basic rooms feature a tatami (woven-straw) floor, a low table with seating cushions and traditional futon bedding. They are fitted with an LCD TV and a variety of amenities, including yukata robes, toiletries and complimentary green tea. The outdoor hot springs of Kinugawa Koen Iwaburo can be enjoyed a 5-minute drive away. Sudomari Hotel Roman Tsutsuji is a 30-minute drive from the Nikko Tosho-gu Shrin, the Nikko-zan Rin-noji Temple and Nikko Futarasan Shrine. No meals are served. The hotel is within a 5-minute walk from restaurants and shops. Also, free transfer service is available from some restaurants farther away.
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- Hotel Sunshine Kinugawa
  Luxury
  
  Hotel Sunshine Kinugawa is located next to Kinugawa River, just a 6-minute drive from Kinugawa Onsen Train Station. It features various entertainment facilities like karaoke and table tennis. Free WiFi is available in the lobby. Offering mountain views, all rooms are fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. In-room facilities include a flat-screen TV and a telephone. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub and a hairdryer. Guests staying at Kinugawa Sunshine Hotel can unwind in the public bathing area which has open-air baths and sauna. Massages can be requested at an additional charge. Drinks vending machines and a gift shop are also available on site. The hotel is situated just a 1-minute walk to Kinu-tateiwa Otsuribashi Bridge. Tobu World Square Amusement Park is a 4-minute drive away, while Edo Wonderland can be reached within a 10-minute drive.
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- Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki
  Luxury
  
  Set in Nikko, 24 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kinugawa Onsen Nikko Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a garden. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and free WiFi. The ryokan features family rooms. All guest rooms in the ryokan are equipped with a flat-screen TV. The units at Kinugawa Onsen Nikko Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki feature air conditioning and a wardrobe. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast. The wellness area at Kinugawa Onsen Nikko Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki is comprised of a hot spring bath and a sauna. Kegon Falls is 40 km from the ryokan, while Rinno-ji Temple is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport, 114 km from Kinugawa Onsen Nikko Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki
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- Hotel Manyotei
  Mid-range
  
  Featuring free WiFi and a hot spring bath, Hotel Manyotei offers accommodation in Nikko, 12 km from Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine. Free private parking is available on site. Every room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms have a seating area for your convenience. Certain rooms feature views of the mountains or river. You will find a shared lounge and shops at the property. You can play table tennis at the hotel. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 12 km from Hotel Manyotei, while Nikk?-kokuritsu-k?en is 12 km from the property.
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- Tabist Kinugawa Park Cottage
  Mid-range
  
  Offering views of Kinugawa Valley, Kinugawa Park Cottage provides adult only accommodation with free private parking. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Kinugawaonsen Station is a 5-minute walk. All units at the holiday home feature air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. A fridge and kettle are also featured. A private bathroom is provided. At Kinugawa Park Cottage guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot spring bath. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 30 minutes by car, while Kegon Falls is a 60-minute drive.
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- Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko Hotel
  Mid-range
  
  Featuring 3-star accommodation, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko Hotel is located in Nikko, 20 km from Tobu Nikko Station and 21 km from Nikko Station. This ryokan provides free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. Guests also enjoy access to the sauna and hot spring bath, as well as the public bath and open-air bath. All units in the ryokan are equipped with a kettle. Each unit is equipped with a private bathroom with a hair dryer, while some feature river views. The units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Guests at the ryokan can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 24 km from Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko Hotel, while Kegon Falls is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport, 107 km from the accommodation.
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- Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Kinugawa Gyoen
  Mid-range
  
  Attractively situated in the Kinugawa Onsen district of Nikko, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Kinugawa Gyoen is situated 20 km from Tobu Nikko Station, 21 km from Nikko Station and 24 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This ryokan features free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. Guests also enjoy access to the sauna and hot spring bath, as well as the public bath and open-air bath. All units have a private bathroom and have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge. The units are equipped with heating facilities. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. You can play table tennis at this 3-star ryokan. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Kegon Falls is 40 km from Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Kinugawa Gyoen, while Rinno-ji Temple is 24 km from the property. The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport, 107 km from the accommodation.
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