Nikko Yumoto Onsen

This hot spring rises on a high plateau by Lake Yunoko in Oku-Nikko, at an elevation of about 1,500 meters. Said to have opened in the Nara period, it is an old spring known for its milky-white sulfur water. Far from the bustle of Nikko, it is cherished as a place to bathe in stillness.

Highlights

At the Yunodaira marsh, where the source rises, you can walk along boardwalks and watch the hot water bubble up from the ground right before your eyes. The milky water, scented with sulfur, retains heat well and is said to keep the body warm long after bathing. It is also a storied source that supplies spring water to places such as Chuzenji Onsen.

Enjoying the Seasons

Summer brings a cool highland climate perfect for escaping the heat, while autumn sets the surrounding mountains ablaze with color. Winter turns the whole area into a snowy landscape, and a ski slope opens nearby. Because of the high elevation, mornings and evenings are chilly even in summer, making a warm drink after bathing all the more pleasant.

Access and Basic Information

From JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station, a bus climbs the Irohazaka slopes, passes Lake Chuzenji, and reaches the area in about an hour and a half. By car, take the Kiyotaki interchange on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road and follow National Route 120. Public bathhouses and day-use facilities are available.

A Quick Tip

Roads freeze in winter, so winter tires are essential if you come by car. Combine a walk along the marsh trails with a soak to slowly enjoy both nature and the hot spring.