[Tochigi] Winter Retreat in Okunikko: The Ultimate Guide to Sulfur Hot Springs (Day Trips & Stays)

• Table of Contents
• History & Benefits: Why Okunikko Yumoto Onsen is Special
• No Reservation Needed! Top 2 Day-Trip Onsen Spots
• 4 Recommended Ryokans in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen
• Stay Review: Reset Your Body and Mind at "Shiunso" Ryokan
• Access Information

History & Benefits: Why Okunikko Yumoto Onsen is Special

The Okunikko area is about an hour and 20 minutes by bus from Nikko Station. In this area, Okunikko Yumoto Onsen, which is said to have first been opened about 1,200 years ago, still gushes forth.

This hot spring has the fourth highest sulfur concentration in Japan, and its color changes from milky white to emerald green depending on the temperature and air it comes into contact with. There's also a strong sulfur smell, similar to the stench of rotten boiled eggs, and you'll instantly feel like you've arrived at a hot spring resort.

The hot springs are known to be effective in treating nerve pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin ailments such as cuts. They are also known for their skin-beautifying properties, and many people have been coming here for years for the purpose of "therapeutic" treatments. This cool area, also known as the "refrigerator of Kanto," is the perfect spot for those who want to relax and enjoy the hot springs while feeling the blessings of nature.

Okunikko Yumoto Onsen is also one of the first three hot spring areas designated as a " national hot spring resort ." Its excellent spring quality and abundant flow rate have earned it acclaim, and it has welcomed many visitors to this day, weaving together a rich history.

A national hot spring resort for hot spring lovers, accessible by foot from Nikko city. Come and enjoy the famous hot springs, wrapped in steam, and relax.

No Reservation Needed! Top 2 Day-Trip Onsen Spots

Drop in while you're out for a stroll and take a bath. We'll introduce you to some spots where you can enjoy the hot spring waters of this national hot spring resort at your leisure, even on a day trip.

Anyo no Yu (Footbath) : Enjoy a Casual & Free Footbath in the Snow

Anyo no Yu (Footbath) is located almost in the center of the hot spring town. Here you can enjoy foot baths from mid-April to mid-December.

The long and narrow "Anyo no Yu (Footbath)" is a spacious, free footbath that can seat 40 people at a time. The temperature and color of the water changes depending on where you sit, which is a unique feature that makes it feel like a test of luck.

The water is deep enough to cover half your calves, so even children can bathe without getting their clothes wet. It's perfect for families, couples, and friends, and it's sure to spark conversation.

In the summer, it's a great place to stop by after fishing or hiking, and in the winter, it's the perfect place to warm up your tired legs after a long walk and the cold weather. It's a spot you'll want to stop by again and again during your stay, both for a short break and to relax.

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.

Nikkozan Onsenji Temple: Bathe in a 100% Natural Hot Spring at a Temple

Located Okunikko in the Yunohira Marshlands, quietly watching over the hot spring town, is Nikkozan Onsenji Temple. Here, you can enjoy the special experience of bathing in a hot spring inside the temple.

Nikkozan Onsenji Temple is a rare temple in Japan that has a hot spring source within its grounds. From April to December every year, you can enjoy day trips to the hot springs for 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.

You can ring the bell at the entrance to call a temple staff member, then pay the fee before entering. Bathing is available from as early as 8:00 AM, which is a great point for early risers and those who want to make the most of their mornings on a trip.

The bath is well ventilated, giving it the open feeling of a semi-open-air bath. First, wash away the sweat with a shower, then let your body get used to the hot water. As you slowly soak your feet, the water gently seeps into your body, gradually warming you up.

After soaking in the hot water for a while, you'll start to sweat and feel warm and comfortable. If the temperature is too high, you can adjust it by adding more water, which is a nice touch.

The bubbling spring water can be seen changing color, from emerald green to milky white, depending on the temperature and light. Perhaps thanks to the temple setting, it not only relieves physical fatigue, but also soothes the mind. Be sure to experience this precious moment that can only be experienced here.

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.

4 Recommended Ryokans in Okunikko Yumoto Onsen

If you want to enjoy your trip with hot springs as the main focus, we have selected four hot spring inns that will make that dream come true. We will introduce in detail how to enjoy each inn and the charms of each inn.

Yumoto Itaya: 260 Years of History & Traditional Healing Baths

Yumoto Itaya has been in business for over 260 years. This long-established inn offers a traditional atmosphere where you can enjoy a large bath filled with hot spring water straight from the source.

The hotel is equipped with an indoor bath and an open-air bath. The indoor bath is impressive with its spacious washing area and glass windows that let in plenty of sunlight. During the cold winter months, it's a good idea to warm up your body thoroughly in the indoor bath before heading to the open-air bath.

Opening the door to the open-air bath, you'll find beautiful emerald green water. The spacious L-shaped bath is perfect for stretching out your arms and legs and relaxing. It's also a pleasure to let your body soak in the hot water and listen to the sounds of nature.

Because the hot spring water is as hot as 75.7 degrees, we recommend drinking a glass of water before bathing. You can also prevent heatstroke by taking several baths and taking breaks in between.

Another attraction of Yumoto Itaya is the kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy the bounty of Okunikko dishes such as Tochigi Kirifuri Kogen Beef fillet steak, fresh yuba, and rice with dried baby sardines and sansho pepper.

Be sure to spend some time at Yumoto Itaya, enjoying the hot springs and food to experience the blessings of nature with all your senses.

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: Luxury Private Baths with Free-Flowing Natural Springs

In the Okunikko area, the typical system is to distribute hot water from one hot spring source to each inn. However, at Yuyado Miyagawa, you can enjoy the luxurious experience of having two private hot springs all to yourself.

The two hot springs are pumped up without ever coming into contact with air before being poured into the bathtub, allowing you to enjoy a blissful moment as your whole body is enveloped in untouched, "just-born" fresh water.

Because the hot springs are 100% pure, the color and temperature of the two springs change depending on the day. The charm of Yuyado Miyagawa is that you can enjoy these changes as a blessing from nature and experience them directly.

Because they want guests to be the first to bathe, they do not offer day-trip bathing. Instead, guests can enjoy the hot springs to their heart's content with the entire facility to themselves.

The bathing procedure is simple: just hang a sign at the entrance that says "In Use." While this sign is hanging, you can enjoy the changing room and bath to your heart's content as your own private space.

We recommend the "sleeping bath" space, where you can relax and unwind. Just rest your head and neck, close your eyes, and you'll feel so relaxed you'll likely fall asleep.

This is the perfect inn for those who want to enjoy relaxing and private time in the hot springs as many times as they like during their stay.

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: A Private Hideaway with Open-Air Baths in Every Room

Located just a few minutes away from the center of the hot spring town, Okunikko Yunomori is a hotel filled with the warmth of wood, away from the hustle and bustle, where you can enjoy a private hot spring experience.

All rooms have an open-air bath, so you can enjoy the famous sulfur-scented hot springs to your heart's content at any time during your stay.

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 recently renovated special rooms offer a luxurious layout that allows you to "stay like you're living there." The spacious Japanese-Western style rooms are perfect for treating yourself or celebrating a special anniversary.

From the open-air bath in the guest room, you can see the trees that change appearance with the seasons, and the view is outstanding. You can bathe at your own pace, so it is recommended for families and friends traveling together.

At Okunikko Yunomori, you can enjoy more than just the open-air baths in your room. You can even reserve the large public bath on the first floor for private use by hanging up a "in use" sign.

You can bathe with a family of 3-4, or you can reserve the large bath for yourself. The crystal clear emerald green water will warmly welcome you.

Dinner and breakfast are made with lavish local ingredients from Tochigi and Nikko. Dinner is a kaiseki course meal made with plenty of seasonal ingredients, and breakfast is a gentle Japanese meal perfect for the morning before your trip.

This is the perfect inn for those who want a private and satisfying hot spring stay.

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: Soak in Okunikko's Largest Indoor & Outdoor Baths

Lake Yunoko is a symbol of Okunikko -Nikko. Welcoming us on the lakeside is Kyukamura Nikko Yumoto.

The inn is built close to the lakeside and is close to Lake Yunoko , one of the most famous hot spring Okunikko Yumoto Onsen . From the large windows of the guest rooms, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Yunoko through the gaps between the leafless trees in winter, and the fresh greenery and autumn leaves from spring to autumn.

Of course, you can also experience the great outdoors in our large public bath.

The most recommended bath is the open-air bath, where you can feel the pleasant breeze and the rustling of the trees. The abundant hot spring water flows at a rate of approximately 330 liters per minute, and pours into the bathtub, where you can stretch out your arms and legs.

The "Tsuboyu" hot springs, two in each of the men's and women's baths, are also very popular as hot springs where you can enjoy your own private space. After thoroughly warming up in the indoor and outdoor baths, try soaking in them in luxury to finish off your day.

After your bath, you'll be treated to a meal packed with Nikko's seasonal produce. The kaiseki course meal will satisfy both your stomach and your soul, featuring yuba (tofu skin), tamari pickles, the local brand pork "Himitsu Pork," and Kirifuri Kogen Beef.

Once you experience a stay at Kyuka Mura, you'll definitely want to return again and again, each season.

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: Reset Your Body and Mind at "Shiunso" Ryokan

Shiunso is a hot spring inn where you can enjoy seasonal and local ingredients with a gentle seasoning. The rooms are as relaxing as home, and the three hot springs can be used exclusively, making it extremely popular with guests.

When you check in, you will first be given an explanation about the bath.

The hotel has two indoor baths and an open-air bath, all of which can be reserved for private use. Each bath has a 45-minute time limit, and you can enter freely as long as there is no "Private" sign in front of the bath.

This system also applies to day-trip bathers, who can use the baths privately for 50 minutes at a time. For day-trip bathers, it is best to make a reservation in advance.

This time, I stayed in a newly renovated Western-style room, which is equipped with a sofa and table that are so large it's practically too large for one person, allowing for plenty of space to relax.

While I was relaxing in my room, it was already time for dinner. The table was filled with gorgeous small bowls, adding a touch of elegance to the meal.

The dishes change daily, including tempura, simmered dishes, and beef stew, but the only dishes available year-round are "yuba sashimi" and "soy milk hot pot."

The yuba sashimi has a mellow flavor that melts in your mouth. When mixed with yuzu pepper and soy sauce, it feels like the sweetness of the yuba melts away.

The soy milk hotpot is lightly seasoned, allowing the natural flavor of the ingredients to shine through.

After enjoying the sweetness and umami of the ingredients without any seasonings, I added a little ponzu sauce, which brought out the mellow flavor and transformed it into a perfect dish to eat with rice.

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

The sake lees used for the mousse are sourced directly from Inoue Seikichi Shoten (Brewery) , the brewery behind the Japanese sake "Kifujin," which is sold exclusively in Okunikko .

The elegant and deep sweetness spreads throughout your mouth, making it the perfect after-meal dessert.

The long-awaited hot spring time will brighten up your night. First, warm your body to the core in the indoor bath.

Stretching out my limbs and letting myself sink into the bathtub, I felt a sense of relief, as if the fatigue of my journey and my everyday worries were disappearing along with the steam. My happiness level gradually increased as my body temperature rose, and I felt the true joy of traveling.

Heading to the open-air bath with your body toasty warmth, you will find yourself in a state of even greater bliss. You will gaze alternately at the hot spring water flowing from between the rocks and the night sky, and time will pass by in a daze.

The spring water is almost neutral and gentle on the skin, so it's easy to bathe in it multiple times, which is a great point for hot spring lovers. The sulfurous scent enveloped me, warming me to the core.

The next morning, I slept soundly, still feeling the afterglow of the hot springs. After a delicious breakfast, I said goodbye to Shiunso.

For breakfast, you can choose from two courses: Japanese or 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 had the popular Japanese course meal, which was served in a Japanese-style room filled with morning sunlight, which was a nice perk.

Each side dish was just the right amount to satisfy my hunger when I first woke up. The careful preparation and clean flavors gently helped me get ready for my morning departure.

Shiunso is a place where you can feel the hospitality of its guests. It is a place we highly recommend to those who want to stay in a cozy, homey space and experience the warmth of other people.

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

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.