Winter in Okunikko: The Ultimate Guide to Yumoto Onsen (Japan's Top Sulfur Springs, Views & Gourmet)

Please also check out this article for recommended hot spring spots and accommodations in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen that can be used for day trips and overnight stays.

• Table of Contents
• What makes Okunikko Yumoto Onsen special?
• Top Things to Do & Must-Visit Spots in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen
• Access Information: How to Get to Okunikko Yumoto Onsen

What makes Okunikko Yumoto Onsen special?

Nikko is a popular area in Japan for school trips and forest school trips for elementary and junior high school students. The Irohazaka Winding Road, is called Nikko, and the area at higher elevations is called Oku- Oku.

Oku is about three hours away from Tokyo by public transportation. Despite being easily accessible from the city center, it is an area rich in nature and so cool that it is nicknamed the "refrigerator of the Kanto region."

People who come to Okunikko come to see Okunikko Yumoto Onsen, a hot spring said to have gushed forth 1,200 years ago. It is the fourth most concentrated sulfur hot spring in Japan, and is characterized by its milky white to emerald green water and unique fragrance.

It is said to be highly effective in treating nerve pain, muscle pain, and fatigue, as well as skin ailments such as cuts, and is also excellent for improving skin condition.

The water at Okunikko Yumoto Onsen has such a strong sulfiding effect that it quickly discolors silver accessories, and you can feel the concentration of this component on your skin.

Okunikko Yumoto Onsen is a special hot spring resort with a long history, having been the first to be designated as a " national hot spring resort ." Its beneficial effects and abundant flow rate have earned it acclaim, and it has provided healing to many people to this day.

Heading further from Nikko city, we will introduce the charms of Okunikko Yumoto Onsen, a national hot spring resort surrounded by nature and tranquility, known only to those in the know.

Top Things to Do & Must-Visit Spots in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen

In the hot spring town, accommodations, sightseeing spots, and gourmet spots are all within walking distance, so even if you arrive by public transportation such as bus, you can easily enjoy a satisfying sightseeing experience while strolling around.

From here, we will introduce some recommended spots that are unique to this national hot spring resort.

[Gourmet] Shokudo Fuku: The Perfect Spot for a Local Lunch

Shokudo Fuku Fuku is located about a five-minute walk from the bus stop in the center of the hot spring town. It is a restaurant attached to the inn Shiunso that is only open for lunch.

The cozy dining room with only five tables has a relaxing atmosphere, making you feel as if you are visiting a relative's house in the countryside. Using vegetables and rice from Tochigi, you can enjoy a luxurious lunch that is unique to this area.

All of the main dishes are made with local specialties from Nikko and Tochigi Prefecture. This time, I chose the "Nikko Himitsu Pork Sauteed with Balsamic Sauce," which uses Nikko's brand pork.

All lunch menus come with a small side dish, rice, and miso soup, adding a vibrant touch to your table. Side dishes such as carrot rapée and steamed daikon radish change daily, so you can always look forward to what you'll get.

The thick sauteed meat is surprisingly soft, even more than it's filling! It has a soft texture that melts in your mouth, and you won't be able to stop eating it with rice.

The balsamic sauce made it refreshing to eat, and I felt my energy rising.

There are plenty of other dishes unique to Okunikko , such as "Tochigi Beef Stew" made with Tochigi Beef, and "Smoked Nikko Yashio Trout ." Recommended for those who want to enjoy a leisurely lunch in a calm, Japanese-style space.

Official website

Shokudo Fuku

2541 Yumoto, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1662

This restaurant serves Japanese lunch in a cozy Japanese-style room with five tables. It is located in a corner of the Shiunso Inn, and is open to non-guests at lunchtime. The owner's recommended menu item is "Nikko Secret Pork Sauteed with Balsamic Sauce," which allows you to enjoy Nikko's brand pork. This is a homely restaurant where you can enjoy your fill of vegetables and rice from Tochigi Prefecture.

Lake Yunoko: Experience Snowy Views and Thermal Sources

Provided by: Nikko City Tourism Association

When enjoying Yumoto Onsen, a national hot spring resort, one thing you cannot miss is Lake Yunoko, which was formed when the Lake Yunoko Yu River (Yukawa) was dammed up during an eruption of Mt. Mitsudake .

There is a walking path around the lake that is about 3km long and can be completed in about an hour. From May to September, it is a popular spot for trout fishing, and in autumn it is known as a natural spot with colorful leaves.

Among the walking paths around Lake Yunoko, the Yunoko Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of the lake, the sky, and even the mountains on the opposite shore. From the deck, which juts out over Lake Yunoko , you can see Mt. Mitsudake , which forms the Lake Yunoko , on your left, and Mt. Nantai in the distance.

Why not enjoy the spectacular view in front of you to your heart's content, gazing at the mountain ranges reflected on the lake's surface, taking photos and sketching?

Also, the surface of the lake freezes over in winter, so please avoid riding on the frozen surface and enjoy the great outdoors safely.

As you walk along the lakeside, you will see a part of the lake that has changed color. This is a spot where hot spring water flows in from a nearby spring.

As you get closer, you will smell a stronger sulfur smell, allowing you to experience the hot spring with all your senses.

Because the temperature is high only in this area, if you take a walk early in the winter morning, you can encounter the "river mist"* that covers the surface of the lake. Seeing Yumoto Onsen town through the river mist is a fantastical sight, as if you have wandered into another world.

*River fog: Fog that forms near the surface of a river when the water temperature is higher than the air temperature.

Be sure to check out the special scenery that can only be seen by those who get up early.

Lake Yunoko

Yumoto, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1662

The lake was formed when the Yugawa was dammed up by the eruption of Mt. Mitake. The lakeside is about 3km in circumference, and you can walk around it in about an hour. There is an observation deck with a view of Mount Nantai, and you can also observe the hot springs gushing out from the grounds, making this a spot you'll want to explore many times during your stay. *The observation deck is closed in winter due to snow accumulation.

Anyo no Yu: Warm Up at this Free Footbath

"Anyo no Yu (Footbath)" is a foot bath spot located almost in the center of the hot spring town. The hot spring water used is from the source of Yumoto Onsen, a national hot spring resort, and anyone can enter for free, which is a great thing.

The foot bath is large enough to fit 40 people at a time, and one of the fun things about it is that the temperature varies depending on where you sit. When it's empty, try finding the temperature that suits you and enjoy the foot bath to the fullest.

The water is shallow enough to cover about half of your calves, so even children can enjoy a foot bath without getting their clothes wet.

However, it is only open from mid-April to mid-December, and is closed during snowy seasons, so please be careful when visiting.

Why not stop by and enjoy a foot bath as many times as you like during your stay, such as after a stroll or hike around Lake Yunoko, or while waiting for your departure bus?

Anyo no Yu Foot Bath

Yumoto Government-owned address no., Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 3...

This free foot bath is open from mid-April to mid-December. It's the perfect spot to drop in after a stroll around Lake Yunoko, fishing, or hiking. The foot bath is large enough to fit 40 people at a time, so you can enjoy a relaxing foot bath with family and friends.

Nikko Yumoto Rest House: Enjoy Delicious Ramen with a Lake View

The Nikko Yumoto Rest House is located along the shore of Lake Yunoko . In this wonderful location, we recommend trying their carefully crafted ramen and coffee.

The "Chicken Niboshi Ramen" is a luxurious dish made with soup carefully prepared from selected niboshi and chicken bones, and made-to-order thick noodles. The time you spend waiting for your food to arrive while admiring the lakeside also adds to the anticipation of the ramen.

The long-awaited ramen arrives with a subtle aroma of dried sardines. The bowl is packed with ingredients such as boiled egg, homemade roast pork, and onions, and your heart will beat faster.

The first sip of the soup is rich and thick, with a delicious flavor. The soup mixes well with the noodles, and the aroma of the broth permeates your nose, slowly seeping into your body.

The thick, curly noodles have a strong wheat flavor and are addictive with every slurp. The unique characteristics of the thick noodles can be felt no matter what toppings you eat them with, such as the crunchy onions and the tender, crumbled pork slices.

The coffee we enjoyed after the meal is a popular menu item loved by both tourists and locals. The owner, Mr. Fukuda, blends the coffee himself, grinding the beans and brewing each cup right in front of us.

The mild and gentle taste will bring a smile to your face. It leaves your mouth feeling refreshed after a meal and will leave you feeling refreshed, making it sure to impress even the most discerning coffee drinker.

Soak up the sunshine, gaze out at the lake, and enjoy some delicious gourmet food at the Nikko Yumoto Rest House.

Nikko Yumoto Rest House

Yumoto, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1662

Located on the shores of Lake Yunoko, this restaurant allows you to enjoy your meal surrounded by plenty of natural light. It is popular for its carefully selected coffee and fragrant wheat ramen.

Onsenji Temple: A Rare Temple Where You Can Bathe in Hot Springs

Nikkozan Onsenji Temple Okunikko Yumoto Onsen is a temple where you can bathe in hot springs, a rare spot even across Japan. Day-trip bathing is available for 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.

After walking for one minute along the gravel road lined with stone lanterns, you will see Yakushiyu directly ahead as you continue along, gazing at the Yunohira Marshland on your right.

After ringing the bell and paying the bathing fee, it's time to get in. When you open the bathhouse door, warm steam and the soft scent of sulfur waft through the air.

It is well ventilated, so even though it is an indoor bath, there is no need to worry about getting overheated.

Rinse your body with the water and then soak in the hot water for a while, and you'll feel a sense of comfort as you're gently enveloped in the water... The nearly neutral spring water blends well with your skin, and you'll want to touch it over and over again.

Because the source water is as hot as 71.4 degrees, water is added to adjust the temperature to a comfortable level for bathing. When water is added, the emerald green water turns milky white, which is a unique pleasure of hot springs.

Bathing is available from 8:00 to 16:30, but please note that it is closed in winter. Please check the opening hours on the Onsenji Temple website before visiting.

Official website

Nikkozan Onsenji Temple

2559, Yumoto, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1662

This is a rare temple in Japan where you can bathe in a hot spring. Bathing costs 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. However, it is closed in winter, so be sure to check the opening hours on the official Onsenji Temple website before visiting.

Nikko Yumoto Onsen Ski Resort: Enjoy Powder Snow in Winter

When it comes to winter tourist spots in Okunikko, Nikko Yumoto Onsen Ski Resort is a must-see.

This ski resort, which opens in late December every year, is a great place to enjoy powder snow, a rare sight in the Kanto region. It is recommended for families and beginners, and is a popular spot that is bustling with both locals and foreign visitors tourists.

Official website

Access Information: How to Get to Okunikko Yumoto Onsen

You can access Okunikko Yumoto Onsen by public transportation or by car.

The best way to get there varies depending on your purpose of sightseeing and the season, so we will introduce you to detailed routes.

Tohoku Shinkansen + Tobu Bus

First, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station, which takes about 50 minutes from Tokyo.

From Utsunomiya Station, transfer to the JR Nikko Line and ride for about 40 minutes to the final stop, Nikko Station.

Take the Tobu bus bound for Yumoto Onsen from the bus stop in front of Nikko Station, and you will arrive at Okunikko Yumoto Onsen in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

You can ride Tobu buses with your transportation IC card, but we also recommend the Yumoto Onsen Free Pass for use during your trip. It can be purchased at the Tobu Nikko Station Tourist Center and allows you to get on and off the bus as many times as you like on the route from JR Nikko Station to Yumoto Onsen.

It costs 3,500 yen for adults and 1,750 yen for children, so it's more economical than using a transportation IC card.

Access by car

If you are accessing by car, the nearest interchange is the Kiyotaki Interchange on the Nikko Utsunomiya Expressway. Whether you are coming from Tokyo or the Tohoku region (such as the Miyagi Sendai Interchange), it is about 28km from here via National Route 120 (Irohazaka Winding Road).

Please note that the route from Numata IC on the Kanetsu Expressway heading towards Gunma (Kansei Road) is closed to traffic from around December 25th to late April each year, making it unusable for winter travel.

Even if you use Kiyotaki IC, it is essential to have studless tires and chains on your vehicle during the winter. Please drive safely and be careful when driving on snowy roads.