Part 34: The charm of "local hot springs" from the guardian of a hot spring in Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu, Tochigi Prefecture

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2025/04/21

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The charm of "THE ONSEN" is revealed!

The most enjoyable part of traveling is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the hot springs! Did you know that there are many hot springs in eastern Japan that are called "ji-onsen," or "local hot springs," and have been loved by local people for a long time? Once used as therapeutic hot spring baths, and even today, there are many hot spring resorts that offer healing and comfort to visitors. In this interview, we introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul!

What is a "Yumamori"?

The word "yumori" means "guardian of hot spring water. In other words, a "yumori" is a caretaker of a hot spring. They are in charge of controlling the amount and temperature of the hot water. The traditional hot spring baths that have taken root in each area and are the pride of the yumori of the "local hot springs" introduced in this project have been protected by them throughout their long history.

Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu" is located in Okukinu Onsenkyo, the last unexplored region in Kanto.

In the 34th installment of our series "Ask a Yumori-Manager about the Charms of Local Hot Springs," we will introduce you to Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu in Tochigi Prefecture. We interviewed Mr. Komatsu, the bath guardian.

History and benefits of "Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu

Please tell us about the history of "Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu".

Komatsu-san, the hot spring guardian
- It is said that the Komatsu family used it as a hunting base as long ago as the Edo period, and that it was later buried once by earth and sand caused by a typhoon in 1902.
It was rediscovered in 1927 by the current president, Minekichi Komatsu, the fourth generation before Komatsu, and developed by his grandson, Nagahisa Komatsu, after an unmanned hut before and after World War II. Originally known as "Kani-yu," it was renamed to its current name, "Kani-yu," in 1950, and continues to this day.

Five springs with different qualities are "one season, one bath".

It has a very long history, dating back to the Edo period. Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu" has five hot springs.

Komatsu-san, the hot-spring guardian
- "Okukinu Onsen Kani-yu" has five sources: "Kogano-yu", "Okukinu No. 4", "Iwano-yu", "Cliff-no-yu", and "Takeno-yu". Of these, only "Takenoyu" does not contain sulfur, so it does not turn cloudy white. The other four contain ingredients that make them cloudy, but they do not have the same color due to differences in concentration and balance of ingredients.
The temperature, atmospheric pressure, and temperature also make a difference in how muddy the water becomes, so it looks a little different every day. This is the reason for the saying, "One season, one bath.

Is there a recommended way to enter the hot springs (time of day, order of entry, etc.) during your stay?

Komatsu-san, Yumamori
Ichikanin-yu has only indoor baths with washing stations, so you cannot wash your body in the open-air baths. How about entering the open-air bath after washing or rinsing in the indoor bath first? Although the water is not a strong sulfur spring, it may remove too much oil from your skin if you bathe repeatedly. Therefore, we recommend that those with weak or sensitive skin do not wash too strongly.
If you are a woman, first enjoy the difference in color and quality between the upper and lower baths in the "first open-air bath (for women only)," which is the pride of the bathhouse, and then try the mixed baths, where you can enter with a bath towel wrapped around your body! If the Kiki-yu and Kamoshika-no-yu baths are open, we encourage you to take them. Please enjoy them with your companion.

Romanyu Hot Spring and Takenoyu Hot Spring

I heard that "Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu" also offers day trips to the hot springs.

Komatsu-san, Yumamori
- We offer two plans for day-trip hot springs: a set plan that includes transportation, lunch, bath towels, towels, beverages, etc., and a plan for those going trekking or fishing, etc., that excludes lunch. We limit reservations because we believe that crowding is not good, so please check our website in advance.

For details on one-day spa plans, please visit

All of the hot springs are very attractive and I would like to take my time and enjoy the hot water of Kaniyu during the coming cold season.

How to spend time in a guest room at "Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu

I saw on your website that you have renewed the guest rooms.

Yumori Komatsu-san
- A little renewal. We changed the color of the interior in a Japanese-style room with an orthodox layout.

Can you give us any recommendations for the rooms and how to spend your stay?

Yumori Komatsu-san
- From the rooms facing the river, you can see the towering Byobu-Iwa (folding screen rock) in front of you and the waterfall that never dries up. The view is even more spectacular when snow dances in the winter landscape.

Special meals using ingredients from Tochigi

Please tell us about the food served at the inn.

Yumori Komatsu-san
- Our cuisine is mainly based on locally harvested wild vegetables and river fish.
Currently, we have a white hot pot for dinner, and tofu and fresh yuba made from the source of the spring water, as we have a drinking fountain. Deer tataki, salamander tempura, etc. are also available by separate order.
The menu changes depending on the season.

I heard that you are particular about breakfast. What kind of breakfast do you serve?

Breakfast includes "Heike natto" (fermented soybeans) with the family crest of the Komatsu family, since the Komatsu family is from a tribe of fallen Heike warriors, and grilled char (subject to change). They are also particular about Tochigi rice.

Enjoy "Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu" in its entirety

Are there any special things to do only in winter? Are there any other seasonal delights that you can share with us?

Yumori Komatsu-san
- In winter, there is a "Night Walk" held around twice a month. This tour takes you out in front of the entrance at night, across a bridge, and through a tunnel lit by more than 100 candles to see the night sky. There is just the right amount of hill in front of the entrance for sledding and other activities each day.
It is surprisingly cool in summer, and the heated pool from May to September serves as a "lukewarm" bath and is popular with guests.

There are many seasonal attractions. Please let us know if there are any spots we can enjoy when we visit "Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu".

Komatsu-san, a hot-spring guardian
- In winter, you should see the icefalls. Nikko City has many icefalls, but I especially recommend the Noshi Falls, which you can walk up to and actually touch. You can also enjoy the Hinataosoroshi Falls and the surrounding scenery.
In summer, the Kinu Marsh trekking is a must-do, and the Kinugawa River Stream walk between Kaniyu and Meotobuchi, which can be enjoyed throughout the year, is a must-see for its beautiful scenery.

Click here to read an article about the Oku-Nikko ice falls.

Oku-Nikko, Tochigi in Winter: Enjoying the Spectacular View and the Ice Falls of Kegon Falls

Finally, please tell us about your commitment to Yumori and your message to our guests.

The hot spring has a low acidity, which is rare among sulfur springs, and has a long history of being loved by those who love hot springs and want to bathe in it many times a day. Although it is located deep in the mountains and there is not much to do, please enjoy the "nigori-yu" (nigori-yu) that can only be experienced here.

Enjoy a trip to "Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu" to fully enjoy the hot springs of Tochigi.

What did you think? In this article, we asked you about "Kaniyu Onsen" in detail. You can enjoy the rich seasonal nature and the hot and abundant spring water at Kaninyu Onsen. Why don't you take a trip to Kaninu Onsen, the last unexplored hot spring in the Kanto region, and enjoy Tochigi to the fullest?

Location

871 Kawamata, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-2717

Access

Car: Tohoku Expressway Utsunomiya IC→Utsunomiya Nikko Road Imaichi IC→Route 121→Prefectural Route 23→Meotobuchi free parking lot About 80 km, 120 min.

Transportation：Private railway Tobu Kinugawa Line Kinugawa Onsen Station front exit → Nikko City Bus bound for Meotobuchi, about 105 minutes, Meotobuchi alighting

(Since general vehicles cannot pass beyond Meobuchi, please use a promenade course or a Kaniyu pick-up bus beyond that)

*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.

*All images are for reference only.

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For details on access to "Okukinu Onsen Kaninyu", please visit

◆Next notice

Please enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by nature at Lamp Inn Takamine Onsen! Please look forward to the next installment.
If you would like to know more about "Ji-onsen", please click the link button below.

JR East HP "Chi/onsen" (Japanese only)

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