Tochigi-Ji-Guide in English
Yunishigawa, Kawamata and Okukinu
secluded hot springs filled with a romantic mood
The beautiful natural environment and the legendary story of fugitive Heike clan are preserved in Yunishigawa and Kawamata Hot Springs, which extend along the mountain river. The romantic history and spas far from town never cease to fascinate visitors. Okukinu Hot Spring, located further into the mountains, is another secluded hot spring spot surrounded with virgin forests.
Sightseeing spot navigation
Kinu-numa Marsh
Kinu-numa, the riverhead of the Kinugawa River, is a high moor with an altitude of 2,000 meters. This marsh is known for alpine plants growing in abundance, which blossom one after another from early summer to early autumn, enchanting hikers.
Geyser
Located near Kawamata Hot Springs. The geyser blows up a high-temperature hot spring 20 to 30 meters high every 50 minutes. On days when the temperature is low, the entire area is veiled by white steam, producing an overwhelming atmosphere.
Seto Aikyo Ravine
Kinu-numa, the riverhead of the Kinugawa River, is a high moor with an altitude of 2,000 meters. This marsh is known for alpine plants growing in abundance, which blossom one after another from early summer to early autumn, enchanting hikers.
Heike Village
Heike Village was constructed in 1985 to observe the 800th anniversary of the Tairas’ defeat at the hand of the Minamotos in the Taira-Minamoto War. Several private houses in the village were moved here to reproduce and preserve the lifestyle of the fugitive Heike clan for future generations. Traditional everyday utensils and other items are on display here.
Fugitive Heike Clan Great Festival
This festival reviving the prosperous days of the Tairas is the most famous event in Kuriyama Village. For three days from June 5, the grand scene of procession unrolls at the Yunishigawa hot spring resort like a picture scroll from the Heian era. The village chief, children and other locals, all dressed as Heike warriors and princesses, parade in the street. A variety of time-honored Heike rituals are also held at Heike Village.
Festival of dazzling ice lanterns and snow caves
An annual festival held at the Yunishigawa hot spring resort in February. A variety of events are held in snow caves built in large numbers within the resort town. Toward evening, ice lanterns are lit, producing a fairy-tale-like world.
Yunishigawa Hot Springs
This hot spring resort is said to have been discovered by fleeing Heike warriors some 800 years ago after their defeat in the battle against Genji and legends of the fugitive Heike clan have survived here to this day. The recent popularity of secluded hot spring spots prompted an increase in the number of tourists and the construction of modern hotels and inns here. Meanwhile, this resort still abounds with traditional thatched-roof private houses and hot spring inns retaining a lot of atmosphere of a mountain village.
Kawamata Onsen
Kawamata Onsen is located in a ravine upstream of the Kinugawa River, dazzling visitors with the view of looming hillsides and mountain streams below. This hot spring area enjoys an abundance of hot spring water, and many inns here have open-air baths in the bottom of the valley.
Okukinu Onsen
This isolated hot spring spot is located in remote mountains surrounded by virgin forests. Four hot-spring facilities (Haccho-No-Yu, Kaniyu, Teshirosawa and Nikkosawa) are found here and there. The location amidst virgin forests enhances the distinct atmosphere of this secluded spa. Car traffic is allowed only to the bus terminal Meotobuchi Springs further into the mountain from Kawamata Hot Springs, from there all visitors should walk to Okukido Onsen (some inns offer pickup services). The warm hospitality and abundant hot spring water of inns here have been unchanged since olden times.