Recommended Length: 2 Days
Take in the colorful leaves of the Kinugawa Ravine on foot or by riverboat. Then head to Edo Wonderland for a samurai-era experience.
View Leaves by Boat and Explore Edo Wonderland
Day 1
Kinugawa-Onsen Station
On Foot
5-minute walk
Boat Ride
Kinugawa River Boat Tour
Experience the Kinugawa River on a motorless boat guided by a skillful boatman. During the 40-minute ride, enjoy gentle stretches, thrilling moments on rapids, views of changing seasons, and diverse rock formations.
Water Activities
By bus
10 minutes from Kinugawa-Onsen Station by buses bound for Kawaji Onsen / Yunishigawa Onsen to the Ryuokyo-Iriguchi bus stop
Nature
Ryuo Valley
Over millennia, the Kinugawa River has carved a path through 22-million-year-old deposits of volcanic rock, creating the beautiful Ryuo Valley. The winding route—which seems to mimic the shape of a dragon, hence the name "Dragon King"—runs for seven kilometers between Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen. From the hiking route through the valley (3-4 hours, beginner-friendly), you can enjoy the clear waters, dramatic rock formations, dense woods and leaves that are fresh and green in the springtime and crisply red and yellow in autumn.
Nature
Other
20 minutes from Ryuokyo Station to Kinugawa-Onsen Station. Transfer to a bus to Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura and ride for 20 minutes.
Theme Park
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Experience the culture of the Edo period (1603-1867) at Edo Wonderland. Soak in the atmosphere of centuries ago as you stroll through the realistically recreated towns and samurai residences. Enjoy family-friendly events such as a thrilling ninja show, and dress up as a samurai or princess as you interact with period role-playing staff. Edo Wonderland combines history with expansive, theme park-style amusement for an extraordinary day out with plenty of fun photo opportunities.
Entertainment & Leisure
By bus
20 minutes on buses bound for Kinugawa-Onsen Station
Accommodation
Kinugawa Onsen
Kinugawa Onsen is actually made up of two hot springs—Taki Onsen on the west bank of the Kinugawa River, and Fujiwara Onsen on the east. It’s known for its relaxing properties and it attracts many travelers each year. Currently Kinugawa Onsen has over 80 hotels and ryokans, ranging from traditional Japanese style to modern Western style.
HOT SPRING
End of Day 1
Day 2
Kinugawa-Onsen Station
By bus
5 minutes by a free-of-charge shuttle bus
Ropeway
Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway
Ascend 300 meters in four minutes to the mountaintop observation deck with a panoramic view of Kinugawa Onsen and Mt. Tsukuba. Visitors can also feed dozens of monkeys.
Scenic Rides
By bus
5 minutes by a free-of-charge shuttle bus
Sightseeing
Tateiwa Rock
More than 70 meters high, Tateiwa was named for its shape, which resembles a warrior’s shield (tate in Japanese). An observatory platform at the top of the rock provides a panoramic view of the Kinugawa River and Mt. Keicho. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the scenery from a pedestrian-only suspension bridge between the area and Kinugawa Hot Spring Resort.
Nature
On Foot
10-minute walk