Surprisingly easy as a day trip from Tokyo Kinugawa Onsen trip

Enjoy hot springs, golf, and nature. A Kinugawa outing guide for those who want to venture a little farther on the weekend.

Even Kinugawa, which many think is “hard without an overnight stay,” can actually be enjoyed as a day trip from Tokyo.

The Kinugawa area of Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture is a popular destination known for its hot-spring town along a gorge. It may seem a little far from Tokyo, but if you take a limited express train or drive, it’s definitely a viable option for a weekend day trip.

Not only can you relax in the hot springs, but there are also golf courses and sightseeing spots scattered around, surrounded by nature. Leave Tokyo in the morning, enjoy golf or a soak at midday, and head home in the evening. That “mini-getaway vibe” for a day is exactly what makes Kinugawa so appealing.

A day trip from Tokyo: Enjoying Kinugawa’s hot springs and golf

Kinugawa is often associated with overnight trips, but if you leave Tokyo in the morning, it’s an area where you can enjoy a travel mood even on a day trip. You can plan your day according to your purpose—spend leisurely time in hot springs, enjoy golf amid nature, or add a bit of nearby sightseeing.

STEP 01

Depart Tokyo in the morning

From Asakusa or Kita-Senju, take the Tobu Line, or drive toward Nikko. By setting out a little early, you can secure plenty of time to spend in Kinugawa.

STEP 02

Heighten the travel mood in the hot spring town

After arriving, stroll through the hot spring town or enjoy a day-use bath. Simply spending time while feeling the river’s flow and mountain scenery lets you experience a mood different from outings within Tokyo.

STEP 03

Enjoy golf amid nature

Around Kinugawa, there are golf courses where you can play while taking in the mountain ranges and greenery. The destination’s unique sense of openness brings the satisfying feel of a short trip, even on a day visit.

STEP 04

Take a hot-spring break before heading home

Being able to drop by a hot spring after golf or sightseeing is a hallmark of the Kinugawa area. If you rest your body before the journey back, even a day trip will give you a “properly traveled” feeling.

For a day trip, the key is not to cram in hot springs, golf, and sightseeing all at once—focus on the day’s main purpose. As there are long-beloved golf courses in the Kinugawa area, such as Kinugawa Country Club, check official sources for play fees and reservation methods, and plan an itinerary that isn’t too demanding.

View the official website of Kinugawa Country Club

※Required time varies depending on departure point, transportation, road conditions, and train schedules. Please check the latest information before you go.

Unwind at a gorge-side hot spring, even on a day trip

Hot springs

Kinugawa Onsen, where you can feel the river’s flow

Kinugawa Onsen is a nature-rich hot spring area with inns lining the gorge. Although it’s a place often associated with overnight stays, by adding day-use bathing, you can enjoy the hot-spring vibe even on a weekend outing.

How to spend your time

Head to the hot spring after sightseeing or golf

Travel in the morning, spend midday sightseeing or golfing, and relax in the hot spring before heading home. With a flow like that, even a day trip will feel like you’ve “really taken a trip”.

Spots around Kinugawa that even non-golfers can enjoy

Kinugawa River Boat Ride

A quintessential Kinugawa nature experience where you can take in the gorge scenery from a boat.

Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway

A spot to look out over the hot spring town and surrounding mountains from an elevated viewpoint.

Tobu World Square

A theme park that’s easy to include in family or group trips.

A detour to the Nikko area

If you have extra time, consider pairing your trip with sightseeing in Nikko.

For a day trip, the key is to narrow your focus

Hot springs-focused

Hot springs＋light sightseeing

Stroll around the Kinugawa Onsen town and relax with a day-use bath. Adding a bit of nearby sightseeing, such as a riverboat ride or a cable car, makes it more fulfilling.

Golf-focused

Golf＋hot springs on the way back

Enjoy golf during the day, and take a short break at a hot spring before heading home. Taking travel time into account, keeping your schedule from being too packed will make it more comfortable.

Different ways to enjoy Kinugawa each season

Summer

Natural coolness, more comfortable than the city

In summer, Kinugawa’s appeal lies in spending time along the river and amid mountain greenery. Strolling the hot spring town, sightseeing along the gorge, or golfing surrounded by lush nature—it’s perfect for days when you want to escape the city heat and refresh.

Autumn

Quintessential Kinugawa scenes wrapped in autumn foliage

Autumn is when the mountains and gorges turn color. The views from the hot springs and the foliage you see while traveling become part of the trip’s pleasures. For golfers, too, it’s a delightful season to spend time surrounded by nature’s hues.

Winter

Warm up with silvery landscapes and hot springs

In winter, Kinugawa charms with clear air and tranquil scenery. After enjoying snow-capped mountains and silvery vistas, taking your time to warm up in the hot springs feels especially pleasant.

Seasonal Trip

Discover a different side every time you visit

In Kinugawa, even a day trip offers new ways to enjoy it depending on the season. Combine hot springs, golf, and nature walks to suit the day’s weather and your plans for a fulfilling, unhurried day.