Introducing the Beauty of Takaragawa Onsen, Nikko, and Kinugawa Onsen

Only about two hours from Tokyo are the destinations of TakaragawaOnsen, Nikko, and Kinugawa Onsen, some of Japan’s leading hot spring resorts. Each respective resort is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, with great opportunities for outdoor hot spring bathing. We introduce the springs and other tourist attractions of these recommended winter destinations.

TakaragawaOnsen (Gunma Prefecture), is Japan’s only entry on the list of the world’s top 10 hot spring resorts

TakaragawaOnsenin Minakamimachi, Gunma Prefecture was the only Japanese hot spring resort to feature in a list of the world’s top 10 hot springs published by Reuters in 2013. TakaragawaOnsenOsenkaku, a hot spring inn in the TakaragawaOnsen area, can be reached from Tokyo in about two hours using the Shinkansen and shuttle bus, which should be reserved in advance. Visitors can use the mixed outdoor bath, which has room for up to 200 people. There is also a bath for ladies only. Surrounded by the mountain stream of Takaragawa River and the beautiful natural scenery, which is snowbound in winter, producing the beautiful world of white and silver which can be enjoyed from the outdoor bath. Female guests are provided with bathing wear so that they can enjoy the mixed bathing without concern.

Gunma is famous not only for its hot springs but also for its mountains. Near to TakaragawaOnsen is Tanigawadake (Mount Tanigawa), one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains, which is popular throughout the year. The Tanigawadake Ropeway (aerial tramway) provides a thrilling journey and easy access to beautiful views. In winter, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the Tenjindaira ski resort, which has a long season stretching from December to May. Kan-etsu Transportation buses link the areas of Jomo-Kogen station on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line, Minakami station on the JR Joetsu Line and the center of MinakamiOnsen. The Minakami Area Pass sold by Kan-etsu Transportation is a convenient, cheap option for travel between stations and attractions in the Minakami Area.

・TakaragawaOnsenOsenkaku: http://www.takaragawa.com/english.html

・Tanigawadake Ropeway：http://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/tourism/recommend/15.html

・Kan-etsu Transportation Company：http://global.kan-etsu.net/en/minakami/ticket.html

In Nikko, (Tochigi Prefecture), enjoy World Heritage sites and other attractions before a relaxing spa experience

ChuzenjiKanaya Hotel is a log-house style hotel in the Nikko National Park in the forest on the banks of Lake Chuzenji. The hotel is famous for ‘Soraburo’, its outdoor spa, which allows guests to enjoy the romance of the four seasons, and beautiful starlit skies at night.

Nikko has numerous photogenic tourist attractions including the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a valley famous for its 70 stone Buddhist statues, and Nikko Coffee Goyoteidori, a popular café.

・ChuzenjiKanaya Hotel：https://www.kanayahotel.co.jp/eng/ckh/

Enjoy exclusive use of an outdoor bath at Kinugawa Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture)

A short distance from Nikko is Kinugawa Onsen, one of the best hot spring resorts in the Kanto Region, home of the popular 130-year-old Asaya Hotel. All guest rooms have a hot spring bath, some outdoors, so guests can enjoy private bathing. A large outdoor bath, billed as being “in the sky”, also offers a high quality bathing experience, with amazing views of the beautiful mountain scenery and starlit skies you can almost reach out and touch.

Kinugawa also includes the EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura theme park, which recreates scenes of Japan’s Samurai days. The steam locomotive Taiju also runs to Kinugawa, mainly on the weekends. Kinugawa is a resort that offers a great taste of old Japan.

・Asaya Hotel ：http://www.asayahotel.com/