Okukinu Onsen-kyo Kaniyu

This single secluded inn stands in the Okukinu hot spring district, embraced by deep mountains at the very upper reaches of the Kinugawa River. You cannot drive in directly; you arrive by inn shuttle or on foot from the Meotobuchi parking area, truly a place worthy of being called a hidden spring. Its great pride is the abundant water drawn from five different sources.

Highlights

With several sources, including milky-white sulfur springs, you can enjoy a variety of different waters all in one place. From the open-air baths dotted along the mountain stream, you feel the nature of Okukinu, wrapped in primeval forest, up close. In an environment where even mobile phone signals barely reach, you can forget daily life and sink into the water.

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh green and autumn foliage seasons the whole mountain is colored, and the beauty of the gorge seen from the open-air baths is exceptional. Winter is deep with snow, and warming up in an open-air bath amid a silvery world is a special experience. You may even encounter wild birds and animals, letting you fully savor the richness of nature.

Access and Basic Information

Take a bus to Meotobuchi from a station on the Yagan Railway or Tobu Kinugawa Line, then enter by inn shuttle or on foot. On foot it is a mountain path of about an hour and a half one way. It is reassuring to confirm the shuttle with the inn in advance.

A Quick Tip

Because it is a hidden spring, gear matters. Prepare comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and especially in winter, check the weather and trail conditions with the inn before setting out.