Cherry Blossoms by Boat and Gorgeous Illuminations

Recommended Length: 2 Days

See the best of Kinugawa Onsen and Okunikko's famous cherry blossoms by day or night. Popular cherry blossom highlights include scenic riverboat rides and nighttime cherry tree illuminations.

Day 1

Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station

By bus

45 minutes on a bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen, then a 5-minute walk from the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop

Lake

Lake Chuzenji

About 20,000 years ago, an eruption of Mt. Nantai created Lake Chuzenji at its foot. At an altitude of 1,269 meters, Chuzenji is Japan’s highest natural lake, with a 25-kilometer hiking trail along its perimeter. During the 19th and 20th centuries it was a popular summer resort for villas owned by foreigners and embassies. The landscape includes blooming azaleas in early summer and bright foliage in autumn.

Read More

Nature

By bus

10 minutes from the Yuransen-Hacchakusho bus stop on a bus bound for Yumoto Onsen. Get off at the Ryuzunotaki bus stop.

Waterfall

Ryuzu Falls

One of Nikko’s great waterfalls, Ryuzu Falls consists of two cascades dropping over 210 meters. It is especially beautiful when the rhododendrons are in bloom (May to June), and when the leaves of the surrounding maple and linden trees burst into full autumn colors (September to October). There is an observation deck right by the falls.

Read More

Nature

By bus

15 minutes from the Ryuzunotaki bus stop on buses bound for Nikko Station. Then a 5-minute walk from Chuzenji Onsen bus stop.

Waterfall

Kegon Falls

Cascading from Lake Chuzenji at a height of 97 meters, Kegon Falls is ranked among Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls. Lush greenery surrounds the area in spring, migratory Asian house martins visit in summer, and the waterfall freezes solid in winter. Paid admission to an observatory platform at the base of the falls offers close-up views.

Read More

Nature

Other

40 minutes from the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop on buses bound for Nikko Station. Transfer at the Tobu-Nikko Station. Take a train bound for Asakusa Station 10 minutes to Shimoimaichi Station, then transfer and ride 20 minutes to 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.

Read More

HOT SPRING

End of Day 1

Day 2

Kinugawa-Onsen Station

On Foot

Short walk

Cherry Blossoms

Sakuranamiki Street

Over 300 meters of Yoshino cherry trees line this relaxed walking street. The best time to view cherry blossoms here is mid-April.

Read More

Nature

On Foot

Short 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.

Read More

Water Activities

By bus

5 minutes on a free shuttle

Ropeway

By bus

5 minutes on a free shuttle

Kinugawa-Onsen Station