OKukinu Hot Spring Teshirosawa Onsen
Hot Spring Overview
Teshirosawa Onsen is a secluded mountain hot spring inn located in the deepest part of the Oku-Kinugawa Onsen area, at approximately 1,400 meters elevation in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Nestled along the Teshirosawa stream, a tributary of the Kinugawa River, this single-lodge establishment features rustic wooden architecture and is renowned as the most remote and atmospheric of the four hot springs in the Oku-Kinugawa area. Day-trip bathing is not accepted, making it an exclusive retreat where only overnight guests can enjoy its exceptional waters.
Despite requiring a 2 to 2.5-hour hike from the Meotobuji parking lot, the interior is surprisingly clean and modern. The facility, rebuilt around 1998, offers the refined atmosphere of a quality ryokan rather than a simple mountain hut, with only six spacious guest rooms. The surrounding area features carefully maintained flowers, creating an unexpectedly sophisticated ambiance for such a remote location.
The hot spring is a hydrogen sulfide-type simple sulfur spring, characterized by beautiful milky-white water with floating white flakes of yubana (mineral deposits). There are separate indoor and outdoor baths for men and women. The women's outdoor bath features a flat rock in the center for sitting, surrounded by decorative rocks. The men's outdoor bath offers a unique floating sensation with extraordinary openness. The baths are available 24 hours a day, with fresh water flowing directly from the source.
The cuisine exceeds expectations for such a remote mountain location, featuring authentic course meals using local ingredients such as wild vegetables and iwana (char). The wine selection, particularly focused on organic wines, has earned high praise from food enthusiasts. The facility is equipped with underfloor heating, ensuring comfort even during winter months.
The inn's mascot dog, Take, is a Kawakami dog, a natural monument of Nagano Prefecture, specially obtained and beloved by guests for its gentle nature. Reservations are required up to two months in advance for weekends and autumn foliage season, making this a highly sought-after destination. It truly deserves its reputation as a "reward inn" that more than compensates for the inconvenience of reaching it.
About Secluded Rating
Access (Difficulty to Reach)
Easy access
Scenery & Atmosphere
Deep forest
Onsen Value
Natural hot spring
Hot Spring Details
Practical Info
Visit Log
Bath Types
Facilities
Access Information
Access by Car:
Exit at Utsunomiya IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Via Imaichi IC on the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road
Through Kinugawa Onsen and Kawamata Dam to Meotobuji parking lot
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes from Urawa IC (about 175km)
Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Imaichi IC to Meotobuji parking lot
Free parking at Meotobuji (general vehicles can only go this far)
2 to 2.5-hour walk from Meotobuji parking lot to Teshirosawa Onsen
Access by Public Transportation:
Take Tobu Limited Express "Liberty Kinu" from Tobu Asakusa Station or Kita-Senju Station to Kinugawa-Onsen Station (approximately 2.5 hours, about 3,500 yen)
Take Nikko City Bus "Kinugawa Onsen-Meotobuji Line" from Kinugawa-Onsen Station to Meotobuji bus stop (approximately 1 hour 35 minutes, 1,570 yen)
Bus schedule from Kinugawa-Onsen Station: 7:35, 10:15, 13:25, 15:50
2 to 2.5-hour walk from Meotobuji bus stop to Teshirosawa Onsen
Walking Routes:
Two routes are available from Meotobuji to Teshirosawa Onsen:
Oku-Kinugawa Promenade Course: Natural mountain trail along the valley (suitable for trekking)
Oku-Kinugawa Super Forest Road Course: Maintained gravel road (easier to walk)
The route passes through Haccho-no-Yu (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes walk) and Kaniyu before reaching Teshirosawa Onsen. Hiking boots or shoes, rain gear, and warm clothing are essential.
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