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

• Table of Contents
• What makes Okunikko Yumoto Onsen special?
• Top Things to Do & Must-Visit Spots in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen
• 4 Recommended Ryokans & Hotels in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen
• Stay Review: Relaxing at "Shiunso" Ryokan
• 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.

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

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.

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.

4 Recommended Ryokans & Hotels in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen

Okunikko Yumoto Onsen is a national hot spring resort that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, there are many hot spring inns with different concepts and ways to enjoy the place.

From here, we will introduce four accommodations that will enrich your trip.

Yumoto Itaya: Feel the Blessings of Nature at this Historic Inn

Okunikko Yumoto Onsen is said to have been discovered by Soshodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko, in 788. Yumoto Itaya has inherited this hot spring and has been operating as an inn as a resting place for travelers.

At Yumoto Itaya, a long-established inn that has been in business for over 260 years, you can relax in the hot springs and enjoy exquisite kaiseki cuisine.

There is one indoor bath and one open-air bath. The open-air bath is especially recommended. You will be mesmerized by the sight of the spacious L-shaped bathtub filled with clear emerald green water.

When you hold your hand in the water, the water appears mysteriously transparent or milky white, and can be enjoyed in the morning when sunlight streams in, or during a day trip.

The hot spring water is at a high temperature of 75.7 degrees, but it is free-flowing, so you can enjoy the benefits of the hot spring in luxury. You can prevent heatstroke by drinking a glass of water before entering the bath, or by bathing frequently in several sessions.

With a pH of 6.5, it feels gentle on the skin. Repeat customers come from all over the country to try the water, hoping it will help with skin ailments, neuralgia, and muscle pain.

After bathing, enjoy a delicious banquet meal at Yumoto Itaya . You can enjoy plenty of the bounty of Okunikko , including "Tochigi Kirifuri Kogen Beef Fillet Steak," fresh yuba, and rice with dried baby sardines and sansho pepper.

The hot springs and food that can only be experienced in Okunikko are a true prescription from nature. This quiet inn is perfect for those who want to relax their mind and body.

Yumoto Itaya

2530, Yumoto, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1662

Yumoto Itaya is a long-established inn with over 260 years of history. This inn offers a luxurious experience, featuring seasonal kaiseki cuisine and a relaxing soak in the open-air bath, much like a hot spring cure. The onsen is open on irregular days, but reservations are accepted from 12:30pm until 3pm.

Yuyado Miyagawa: Enjoy Two Different Types of Natural Hot Springs

Yuyado Miyagawa is located just a minute's walk from Lake Yunoko 's hot springs. At this warm inn, where orange walls welcome you, you can soak in a bath of the inn's own hot springs.

Yuyado Miyagawa has two hot spring sources. The 100% natural hot spring water is pumped up from the premises and never exposed to air before being filled into the bathtub.

Out of a heartfelt desire to "ensure that our guests enjoy the most luxurious bathing experience," we do not offer day-trip bathing. Instead, we have set up a delightful system that can only be enjoyed by overnight guests.

This means that you can use the two indoor baths and two open-air baths privately as many times as you like for free during your stay.

The impressive changing room and spacious bathtub are available for private use, allowing you to release your daily fatigue and relax both physically and mentally.

The indoor bath on the first floor also has a "sleeping bath" where you can rest your head, creating an environment where you can relax and let go of all your tension.

Because it is a natural hot spring, one of the highlights is the change in temperature and color between the indoor bath on the first floor and the open-air bath on the second floor. Enjoy a relaxing bath in your own private space.

Yuyado Miyagawa

Yumoto 2514-1, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1662

This inn offers free-flowing hot spring water from two privately-owned sources. All baths can be reserved for private use, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing stay and hot spring treatments. The tatami-floored interior is comfortable to walk around in, allowing you to experience the luxury of staying in a Japanese-style room.

Okunikko Yunomori: Luxury Ryokan with Private Open-Air Baths in Every Room

Okunikko Yunomori is a luxurious inn with the warmth of a log cabin, where all rooms have an open-air bath. It's the perfect place for a celebratory stay or a reward trip.

There are 10 guest rooms to choose from, with five types to choose from, including Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and special rooms. The special rooms, which were renovated in 2022, are a Japanese-Western style and are popular for their comfortable layout that makes you feel as if you are living at home.

From the open-air bath in your room, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the trees, which change appearance with the seasons. Listen to the birdsong, or bathe in the gentle snowfall. You can spend a luxurious time relaxing in the richness of nature.

If you feel like changing your mood, try the large public bath on the first floor. Amazingly, the large public bath can also be rented out completely.

The relaxing indoor bath and the spacious open-air bath that can fit 3-4 adults are sure to satisfy both body and mind. Your privacy is strictly protected, so you can relax in peace.

Dinner and breakfast are made with plenty of local ingredients from Tochigi and Nikko.

For dinner, you can enjoy a kaiseki meal made with plenty of seasonal ingredients, and for breakfast, a Japanese meal is served, perfect for starting your trip.

Okunikko Yunomori is a hideaway for adults where you can nourish your body and mind at the same time. We highly recommend this lodging to those who enjoy leisurely travels.

Okunikko Yunomori

Yumoto, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1662

This is a hidden inn for adults, with all 10 rooms equipped with an open-air bath. The large public bath can also be reserved for private use, and is recommended for those who want to spend plenty of time enjoying the hot springs.

Kyukamura Nikko Yumoto: Stay Surrounded by Great Nature and Lake Views

Located on the shore of Lake Yunoko and surrounded by forests and mountains, Kyukamura Nikko Yumoto is a hot spring inn where you can enjoy views of nature from anywhere, including the guest rooms, open-air baths, and lobby.

All guest rooms face Lake Yunoko, and when winter arrives and the trees lose their leaves, you can enjoy the sparkling lake surface. From fresh greenery to autumn leaves and snow, you can enjoy a luxurious stay where you can enjoy all four seasons to yourself.

The indoor and outdoor baths, which are also available for day trips, are large enough to accommodate around 30 people at a time. The hot spring water flows out at a rate of 330 liters per minute and is used in a luxurious free-flowing manner.

During the cold season, we recommend warming your body to the core in the indoor bath, then cooling off with a dip in the open-air bath. If you time your visit to the popular tub bath to see when it's not busy, you can have the hot spring water all to yourself.

You can bathe as many times as you like during your stay, and there are plenty of ways to spend your time at the hotel, such as enjoying free drinks in the lounge or reading in the library corner.

There are also activities organized by Kyukamura Nikko Yumoto, such as stargazing and snowshoe hikes, so you can enjoy Okunikko to the fullest.

Kyukamura Nikko Yumoto

Yumoto, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1662

This popular inn boasts a luxurious view of Lake Yunoko from every guest room. Guests can enjoy three types of baths: an indoor bath, an open-air bath, and a tub bath, and day trips are also available. For dinner, a selection of Nikko specialties, including yuba (tofu skin), yashiomasu (sweet salmon), and secret pork, are lined up in a row.

Stay Review: Relaxing at "Shiunso" Ryokan

This time, we chose Shokudo Fuku , which is attached to the Fuku Shokudo restaurant, as our accommodation in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen . There are Shiunso-style rooms and Western-style rooms where you can relax as if you were at home, and both allow you to relax surrounded by the warmth of wood.

When you check in, you will first be given an explanation about the baths. The two indoor baths and the open-air bath can be reserved for private use, and both have a 45-minute time limit.

As long as there is no "Private" sign hanging in front of the bath, you are free to use it.

There is no need to worry about bumping into other people in any of the baths, so even families with small children can use them without worrying about others.

Savoring Heartwarming "Gentle Flavors" in Your Room

The room we stayed in this time was a newly renovated Western-style room, with a sofa and table that were so large it was almost too luxurious for one person, allowing for plenty of space to relax.

As I was relaxing in my room, it was already time for dinner. The large table was fully occupied, and the sight of lavish small dishes lined up everywhere made my heart beat faster.

The most popular dishes are the yuba sashimi and soy milk hotpot. The yuba sashimi has a gentle texture that melts in your mouth. When eaten with yuzu pepper and soy sauce, you can fully enjoy the lingering sweetness of the yuba.

The soy milk hotpot is lightly seasoned, allowing the flavor of the ingredients to stand out.

First, enjoy the flavor of the ingredients without any condiments, then add ponzu sauce and the impression changes completely. The mellow flavor is tightened, transforming it into a flavor that is perfect to eat with white rice.

There was also a wide selection of other delicious dishes, including tempura, boiled greens, and salads, so we were able to enjoy dinner to our heart's content.

For dessert, you can choose between sake lees mousse and black sesame pudding.

The sake lees used in the mousse are sourced directly from Okunikko Yumoto Onsen, the brewery behind the sake "Inoue Seikichi Shoten (Brewery)," which is sold exclusively at Oku-Nikko Yumoto Onsen. The mousse has a refined, deep sweetness that makes it the perfect after-meal dessert.

Both dishes can be ordered at Shokudo Fuku during lunch time, so we recommend trying them both and comparing them.

A Luxurious Moment in a Private Chartered Onsen

After dinner, we head to the hot springs for some fun. First, we warm our bodies to the core in the indoor bath.

With the large bathtub all to yourself, gazing at the endless flow of hot spring water, you will feel your heart slowly filling up. Just by spacing out and not thinking about anything, you will feel as if you have received energy from the land of Okunikko.

Next, we headed to the open-air bath, where even more paradise awaited us.

You can enjoy the sky and the garden all to yourself without worrying about being seen by others. In a completely private space where you won't be disturbed by anyone, you can enjoy a bath to your heart's content.

On this day, the water looked emerald green and dark green, but this color also changes depending on the temperature and time.

The impression changes drastically between night and morning, so it's recommended to enjoy the changes by bathing in the open-air bath at different times.

Also, hot water tends to pool on the surface of both the indoor and outdoor baths. One of the attractions of a fully private bath is that you can adjust the temperature to your liking by pouring water over yourself to get used to the water, or by stirring the water.

Shiunso's hot springs are also available for day trips. You can reserve a private bath for 1-4 people, or choose a half-plan plan for just 30 minutes, so it's flexible to suit the number of people and time you have, so be sure to check it out.

Satisfy Your Heart and Stomach Before Departure

Shiunso offers two breakfast courses: Japanese and Western. The Japanese course comes with plenty of side dishes, while the Western course is a lighter option with sandwiches, yogurt, and soup.

This time, we chose the particularly popular Japanese course, which can be enjoyed in a Japanese-style room bathed in plenty of morning sunlight.

All the side dishes have a mild flavor and are just the right amount to satisfy your hunger when you first wake up.

This inn offers a warm, homely atmosphere where you can feel the warmth of the people around you, and is a delight to stay at.

Shiunso

2541-1, Yumoto, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1662

This hot spring inn has two indoor baths and one open-air bath. It is popular for its light cuisine featuring local ingredients with a natural flavor, and its private hot springs with free-flowing water. Day trips are also possible, and advance reservations are required for smooth bathing.

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.