Kinugawa Onsen is a prominent hot spring resort on the upper reaches of the Kinugawa River, the longest river in Tochigi Prefecture. Located a mere two hours from the center of Tokyo by train, Kinugawa is a long-established tourist destination that attracts visitors the whole year round. In addition to the excellent natural onsen (hot springs), Kinugawa has a full complement of other attractions for visitors to enjoy, including walking trails and rafting trips that provide beautiful views of the river canyon.
Stunning River Views
The best way to reach Kinugawa from Tokyo is by train. TheSpacia, or the Kinu express trains operated by Tobu Railway, take roughly two hours from the city's Asakusa or Shinjuku stations. The train deposits visitors right in the heart of the area's beautiful green mountains, beside the winding, rushing waters of the Kinugawa River, well away from the bustle of city life.
Kinutanoyu, where visitors can enjoy a footbath. (C)Tourism Association of Kinugawa-Kawaji Hotspring
Kinugawa Onsen offers no shortage of opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation. A succession of new facilities for tourists have opened in recent years. Among these are a promenade along the riverbank, ashiyu (footbaths) to refresh one's feet after strolling, and a brand-new suspension bridge. The area just in front of Kinugawa Onsen Station underwent a complete renovation three years ago. Located here is Kinutanoyu, a footbath free for anyone to use. Visitors can wash away their fatigue by soaking their feet in its warm waters just moments after alighting from the train.
A walk along the western side of the station reveals the area's spa resorts, a series of hotels lining the banks of the river. At one end of the street is a new landmark completed in July 2009: the Kinutateiwa Great Suspension Bridge. The footbridge, which is 140 meters long and rises roughly 40 meters above the river's surface, connects the hot spring town on the one side with Tateiwa, a giant, 100-meter cliff, on the other. As they make their way across the bridge, visitors can view the breathtaking grandeur of the currents below as they wind their way among towering rocks. An observation point is situated at the top of the cliff, providing a spectacular view of the river and canyon walls, the town below, and the mountains in the distance.
Enjoying Kinugawa to the Full
The V-shaped Kinugawa River canyon changes with the seasons, accentuating the area's natural beauty. November brings vivid autumnal shades as the leaves of the maple trees lining the riverbanks change color, forming a brilliant contrast with the clear, emerald green waters.
The Kinutateiwa Great Suspension Bridge. (C)Tourism Association of Kinugawa-Kawaji Hotspring
The Asaya Hotel offers rooms with private open-air baths. (C)Asaya Corporation
From spring to fall visitors have the chance to experience the mountain waters up close with a six-kilometer rafting trip on inflatable rubber boats. Another popular excursion is the passenger boat trip offered by Kinugawa Line Kudari, in which participants are treated to both a guided tour by the knowledgeable captains and an impressive display of paddling prowess. The trip also provides plenty of thrills, allowing for up-close observation of otherworldly rock formations and other features as the crafts proceeds down the river.
Visitors can view the stunning waters of the Kinugawa without venturing onto a boat, though, thanks to the Otaki River Promenade, a footpath along its banks that opened in 2007. Situated along the promenade is a popular observation platform, which offers views of both a large waterfall and the intensely beautiful river scenery.
Kinu no Seiryu sweets. (C)Torahiko Seika Inc.
Hot Spring Inns
Needless to say, the biggest draw for many who come to Kinugawa is the area's hot springs. The waters from the springs are soothing and gentle on the skin, and visitors will wish to stay at a local ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in order to fully enjoy the bathing experience.
Some of Kinugawa's inns boast a century or more of history. Guests can relax amid the lavish facilities, in particular the Japanese-style rooms offering tatami flooring and views of the river canyon. Among the other attractions on offer at the area's inns are fine meals prepared with choice ingredients, private open-air baths, and expansive Japanese gardens, to cite a few examples.
A famous souvenir of the Kinugawa area is Kinu no Seiryu. These sweets feature anko (sweet bean paste) or jam and other fillings sandwiched between two baked, Japanese-style cookies made with high-quality flour and not a drop of oil. They are certain to be a hit with people of all ages back home.(Desember 2010)
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