Nikko’s Luxury Retreat － Snow, World Heritage and Onsen Bliss, Just 2 Hours from Tokyo.

We invite you to discover a diverse array of winter experiences in Nikko City, ranging from encounters at the World Heritage Shrines and Temples of Nikko to a relaxing stay at a Snow-View Onsen (hot spring).

With the arrival of winter, Nikko National Park is transformed into a world of profound silence and ethereal beauty. Discover a landscape of snow-dusted forests, frozen waterfalls, and an overwhelming sense of clarity in the crisp air. Amidst the serene atmosphere where nature and culture breathe as one, come and find your own miraculous moments that only winter can offer.

Nikko hosts a variety of captivating winter festivals, including the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival—a bucket-list event even for locals—as well as the Setsubun Festival on February 3 and the Oni(Guardian Ogre) Festival themed after the legendary "guardian ogre" of Kinugawa Onsen. Bundle up in your warmest clothes and come experience the magic of our local celebrations!

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival Held annually from late January to early March, this romantic snow festival has a history spanning over 30 years. The festivities take place across three main venues, each offering a unique winter experience.

1. Heike no Sato Venue
Step back in time at this historic site featuring traditional thatched-roof houses. The grounds are transformed into a snowy wonderland dotted with large and small kamakura (snow huts). During the day, you can savor local flavors like Tochimochi (horse chestnut rice cakes) and Oshiruko (sweet red bean soup with mochi).

2. Sawaguchi Riverbed Venue
This is the festival’s most iconic site, where countless miniature kamakura line the riverbed. At night, they are illuminated by candles, creating a breathtaking, mystical landscape.
Note: Illumination at this venue is held only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the festival period.

3. Mizu-no-Sato Snow Park
A perfect spot for families! Children can enjoy fun snow activities like sledding during the day. Best of all, the admission fee includes access to a day-trip hot spring, allowing you to warm up in 100% natural, free-flowing thermal waters after playing in the snow.


[Details]
Festival Period  January 30 (Fri) – March 1 (Sun), 2026

Heike no Sato Venue
Open daily throughout the festival
Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:45 PM)
Illumination: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Admission: Adults JPY510 / Elementary & Junior High Students JPY250
*Re-entry is permitted on the day of purchase.

Sawaguchi Riverbed Venue
Open Days: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only during the festival period.
Illumination: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Yunishigawa Mizu-no-Sato Snow Park
Closed: Every Wednesday.
Note: Open on Feb 11 (Wed, National Holiday); Closed on Feb 12 (Thu) instead.
Snow Park Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last entry 2:00 PM)
Hot Spring Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry 6:00 PM)
Admission: Adults JPY1,200 / Children (Elementary Students) JPY600
*Fee includes sledding equipment rental and admission to the Mizu-no-Sato Hot Spring.

Access: 
Heike no Sato Venue: Take the bus bound for Yunishigawa Onsen from Yagan Railway "Yunishigawa-Onsen Station" (approx. 20 min). Get off at the last stop, "Yunishigawa Onsen," and it’s a short walk from there.
*It is about a 7-minute walk one way from the Heike no Sato venue to the Sawaguchi Riverbed venue.

Invite good luck for the year at Kinugawa Onsen!

Join us in celebrating the "Oni" (ogres) of Kinugawa Onsen! This festival is a lively event where we drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune alongside our local ogres. While ogres are often depicted as scary creatures in folklore, the ogres of Kinugawa are beloved symbols of "good luck" and prosperity.

[Event Period] February 1 – February 28, 2026 Various events will be held throughout the month.


1. Special Event at Kinugawa Onsen Station
A two-day celebration featuring local culture and flavors.

Dates: February 7 (Sat) & 8 (Sun), 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Kinugawa Onsen Station Plaza (Right outside the station)
Highlights: Local food stalls, traditional performing arts, and fun activities like target shooting and shuriken (ninja star) throwing. Note: Stage performances are free to watch. Food and activities require a fee.


2. Limited-Time "Oni-Gourmet"
Discover unique "Oni" themed dishes created by over 20 local restaurants! From adorable ogre-shaped sweets to "Oni-mori" (mega-sized portions) and "Oni-kara" (extra spicy) dishes, there is something for everyone.
Period: February 1 - 28, 2026


3. Seven Lucky Ogres Stamp Rally
Explore the town and find the ceramic statues of "Kinuta" and "Kinuko," the guardian ogres believed to ward off evil. Collect all 6 remaining stamps to receive a special limited-edition gift!

Participation: Free
Stamp Sheet & Prize Collection: Kinugawa-Kawaji Onsen Tourist Information Center (Open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
How to Join: One stamp is pre-marked on the sheet. Visit the bridges and landmarks across the hot spring town to find the rest.


4. Be an Oni! – Special Discounts & Perks
Wear "Oni" goods (such as ogre masks or horns) to receive special discounts and small gifts at participating facilities. Let’s all become ogres and enjoy the festivities together!

Details: Participating facilities and specific dates will be announced soon.


5. Traditional "Mamemaki" (Bean Throwing)
Experience the traditional Japanese custom of Mamemaki to bring in good luck. Guests staying at participating hotels will receive a complimentary "Fukumame (Lucky Beans) & Mini Oni Mask" set.

Eligibility: Guests at participating accommodations (One set per room). Note: Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution periods vary by hotel.

Savor the Winter Flavors of Nikko: Yuba, Yokan, and Strawberries

In Japan, the New Year is celebrated with Osechi-ryori—an assortment of lucky foods served in beautiful lacquered boxes, each dish carrying a wish for prosperity. In Nikko, it is a long-standing tradition to include Yuba (soy milk skin) and Mizu-yokan (soft bean jelly) in these boxes, enjoying them in the cozy warmth of a Kotatsu (heated table).

Yuba is a versatile delicacy: savor it in a steaming bowl of Soba noodles or try it as "Sashimi Yuba" to appreciate its delicate, natural flavor. For sweet lovers, Nikko is famous for Yokan. We recommend the refreshing Mizu-yokan for immediate enjoyment and the firmer Neri-yokan as a perfect souvenir. With many historic confectionery shops in town, finding your favorite is a journey in itself.

Winter is also the peak season for strawberries. The freezing temperatures concentrate their sweetness, creating a perfect balance with a hint of acidity. This "edible ruby" is a gift from Nikko’s pure water and the dedicated craftsmanship of local farmers. Whether you visit a farm for fresh picking or indulge in exquisite sweets at a local cafe, Nikko’s strawberries are a must-try.

Explore more about Nikko’s culinary delights through the link below.

Find Your Sanctuary: Nikko’s Winter Onsen Areas
From the milky-white healing waters of Yumoto Onsen nestled in the snowy peaks to the magnificent lakefront vistas of Chuzenji Onsen, Nikko’s hot springs offer diverse paths to relaxation. For those seeking a deeper escape, the hidden gems of Oku-Kinu Onsen—secluded retreats accessible only by hiking or dedicated shuttles—provide the ultimate "off-the-grid" experience amidst a pristine white wilderness.

Okunikko Yumoto Onsen
Famous for its rich, milky-white sulfur springs. This area serves as a perfect base for exploring Nikko National Park, including Lake Yunoko and Senjogahara Marshland.

Chuzenji Onsen
Located on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, guests can enjoy both sulfur and alkaline simple springs depending on the ryokan. The contrast between the deep blue winter lake and the surrounding snow-capped peaks is breathtaking.

Okukinu Onsen
A secluded sanctuary featuring only four rustic lodges. Two of these exclusive retreats are accessible only by a 90-minute trek through the snowy forest, preserving the area's pristine nature and wild spirit. Surrounded by silence, these "wild" springs offer a rare chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.

Kinugawa Onsen
A historic resort discovered in the Edo period, once reserved exclusively for high-ranking officials and monks. Diverse accommodations line the Kinugawa River valley, offering everything from luxury hotels to private open-air baths. It is an ideal hub for exploring World Heritage sites.

Nikko Onsen
The closest hot spring area to the World Heritage Shrines and Temples. Offering a range of stays from traditional ryokans to luxury hotels, the mild alkaline springs are perfect for soothing your body after a day of walking. You can also visit "Yashio-no-yu," a local public bathhouse loved by residents.

*There are many other unique hot spring areas to explore. Click here for more details.

Click the link below for access to Nikko City and information on discounted bus passes for sightseeing.