Recommended Length: 3 Days
Trek through dense forestland to visit Kinunuma Swamp, the highest altitude marsh in Japan at 2,040 meters. The best season to view the area's alpine plants is June through July.
Trek to Secluded Kinunuma Swamp
Day 1
Kinugawa-Onsen Station
By bus
95 minutes from the Kinugawa-Onsen Station by buses bound for Meotobuchi
Hiking
Okukinu Nature Exploration Path
This hiking trail goes from Meotobuchi Onsen to Okukinu through Hatchonoyu, Kaniyu and Nikkozawa Onsen. Part of the hike is through primeval forest and takes in Orosohi Falls. Hiking the trail takes about one hour from Meotobuchi to Hatchonoyu, one and a half hours to Kaniyu, and two and a half hours to Nikkozawa Onsen. The course features significant inclines and declines and is recommended for more advanced hikers.
Hiking
On Foot
90-minute hike
Accommodation
Okukinu Onsen
Okuniku Onsen is one of the hardest hot spring resorts to visit in the area. Cars are forbidden here, so it’s only accessible by ryokan shuttle bus or a 90-minute walk on a mountain road. Those travelers who take the time to visit are rewarded with abundant hot springs, unspoiled nature and complete seclusion—and in winter, the great pleasure of yukimiburo (bathing while taking in a snowy scene). There are four springs at Okuniku Onsen, each of which has different properties: Kaniyu, Hatchonoyu, Teshirozawa and Nikkozawa.
HOT SPRING
End of Day 1
Day 2
Okukinu Onsen
On Foot
5-hour round trip hike
Nature
Kinunuma Swamp
Kinunuma Swamp is a highland marsh located at the southern foot of Mt. Kinunuma. At an elevation of 2,020 meters, it is Japan’s highest wetland, and features 48 ponds of varying sizes and an abundance of alpine plants. Visitors can view Aleutian avens and bog rosemary in July, golden grass at the end of August, and flaming-red leaves in the middle of September.
Nature
By bus
95 minutes from the Meotobuchi bus stop by buses bound for Kinugawa-Onsen Station to Kawaji-Yumoto Station, then a 10-minute walk
Accommodation
Kawaji Onsen
About 11 kilometers upstream from Kinugawa Onsen is Kawaji Onsen, first discovered in the Edo period and said to help wounds heal. The resort lies where the Kinugawa and Ojikagawa rivers meet, and has about 10 hotels and ryokan. You can also buy the Yumeguri Yuko Tegata here, a ticket that gives you access to several of the baths in the area. Because of the quiet, mountainous location, visitors at Kawaji Onsen can immerse themselves in the open-air baths on the river bank, taking in the rustic beauty of the area in each season.
HOT SPRING
End of Day 2
Day 3
Kawaji-Yumoto Station
By train
20 minutes to Kinugawa-Onsen Station
Daytrip Onsen
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
On Foot
Short walk