Nikko Yumoto Onsen: Access, Hot Spring Facilities, Inns And More

What Is Nikko-Yumoto Onsen?

Nikko-Yumoto Onsen refers to several hot springs in Oku-Nikko, located on the western edge of Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture. The onsen area is home to Lake Yunoko, and is encircled by Mt. Shirane, Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyoho.

This abundant natural scenery is one of the charms of the Nikko-Yumoto Onsen area, which is rife with places for outdoor activities and winter sports. In the winter, people also come to the Nikko-Yumoto Ski Resort to enjoy time on the slopes.

Nikko-Yumoto Onsen’s Effects And Features

The hot springs at Nikko-Yumoto Onsen are loaded with sulfur, giving them a milky-white color. The water makes bathers’ skin lusciously smooth, which is why the other name for them is Bijin-no-Yu, or “the hot spring of the beauty”. In addition to skin beautification, the waters are thought to alleviate nerve pain and women’s diseases, in addition to curing fatigue.

How To Get To Nikko-Yumoto Onsen

First, get on the Tohoku Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station, and head to Utsunomiya Station. From there, take the JR Nikko line to Nikko Station. At the station, catch a Tobu Bus and get off at the Kohan-mae bus stop to arrive at Oku-Nikko and Yumoto Onsen. The journey takes around three hours, and costs 7000 yen one way.

For more information about getting to Nikko, check out our Bus Or Train? How To Travel From Tokyo To Nikko article.

Take A Day Trip To Hit These Nikko-Yumoto Onsen Spots

We’ll introduce some places in the Nikko-Yumoto Onsen area that you can check out in a day.

Mt. Nikko Onsenji

This unusual temple contains an onsen on the grounds. While there is no open air bath, you can look out onto the temple courtyard and buildings from the indoor onsen.

Address: Tochigi, Nikko City, Yumoto 2559
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children
Homepage:Onsenji

Spa Village Kamaya

At this onsen, you can gaze out at the area’s abundant natural beauty. From 3 PM to 10 PM, families and groups of friends can rent out a 40-minute block of private time to use the onsen. You may not be able to do so during busy periods, so please inquire at the front desk.

Address: Tochigi, Nikko City, Yumoto 2549-28
Admission: 600 yen for adults, 400 yen for children
Homepage:http://www.spa-kamaya.com/

Anyo-No-Yu

This foot bath is open to everyone. A hygienic wooden structure, it is popular with locals of all ages from children to adults, and is the perfect place to soothe tired legs after hiking or nature walking.

Admission: Free
Address: Tochigi, Nikko City, Yumoto 2549
Homepage: None

Recommended Inns In Nikko-Yumoto Onsen

Here are some recommendations for traditional ryokans and other lodging options in the area.

Yumorikamaya

Yumorikamaya, a longstanding ryokan that has stood for more than 240 years, has been renovated to modern standards so guests can enjoy a comfortable stay. There are Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, as well as outdoor and indoor baths.

Address: Tochigi, Nikko City, Yumoto 2548

Homepage:Yumorikamaya

Kyukamura Nikko-Yumoto

This inn is on the banks of Lake Yunoko, and has open air baths and spacious indoor baths. There are three types of rooms: Western-style rooms, Japanese-style rooms and tatami rooms with bedding. Even people who aren’t comfortable in Japanese-style lodging can relax.

Address: Tochigi, Nikko City, Yumoto
Homepage:Kyukamura

Yunomori, An Oku-Nikko Inn With Directly Sourced Onsens

For those who want to enjoy soaking in an onsen to their heart’s content, we recommend Yunomori. There is an open air bath sourced by a 100% natural hot spring attached to each room, so guests can spend as much time as they like in the onsen The locally-sourced Wagyu beef shabu-shabu and steaks are also highly rated.

Address: Tochigi, Nikko City, Yumoto 2549-3
Homepage: Oku-Nikko Yunomori

Notes For Maximizing Your Nikko-Yumoto Onsen Stay

There are sightseeing spots in Nikko, a bit further away from the onsens: the World Heritage site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the ninja stronghold of Nikko Edomura and Odashirogahara National Park.

The Nikko Toshogu annual spring festival or the Nikko summer fresh soba festival are two seasonal events you won’t want to miss. When in Nikko, we recommend that you sample dishes featuring the area’s regional specialty, Tochigi Wagyu beef. After you enjoy the onsens, drop by sightseeing destinations like this to maximize your Nikko experience.

For more on bathing etiquette, check out our What You Should Know About Bath Culture In Japan article.

For more information about Nikko, take a look at our The Perfect Guide To Nikko: Access, 29 Sights, Local Foods And More! article.