Researched guide · Checked on Oct 21, 2026
A hot spring town strung along a deep river gorge, with a 140-meter suspension bridge, boat rides through the rapids, a ropeway up to a monkey park, and a steam train to get you there. Kinugawa Onsen is just under two hours from Asakusa on a direct Tobu train, and it pairs well with Nikko. Here is how to spend a day or a night.
Quick answer
Getting there: Tobu limited express SPACIA from Asakusa to Kinugawa-Onsen, about 1 hour 50 minutes direct. Direct trains also run from JR Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, about 2 hours.
Top things to do: the Kinu-Tateiwa suspension bridge, the river boat ride (mid-April to late November, ¥3,500) and the ropeway (¥1,400 return).
Free: the Kinuta-no-Yu footbath outside the station.
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Start at the station
Right outside Kinugawa-Onsen Station is a free footbath, Kinuta-no-Yu, and a statue of Kinuta, a demon holding a spiked club. Kinuta is the town’s mascot and one of seven demon figures you can find around Kinugawa.
Kinu-Tateiwa Otsuribashi suspension bridge
This pedestrian suspension bridge is 140 meters long and hangs about 40 meters above the river. It links the hot spring town with Tateiwa, a rock formation shaped like a shield. The gorge turns red and gold in autumn. Nearby, a terrace cafe lets you soak your feet while you have a drink.
Kinugawa river boat ride
Wooden boats steered by boatmen with poles carry you down the Kinugawa through rapids and past rock formations. A free shuttle bus brings you back from the landing point.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Season | Mid-April to late November, open every day in season |
| Time | About 30 minutes on the boat, plus about 30 minutes back by bus |
| Price | Adults (junior high school and up) ¥3,500, children (4 and up) ¥2,400, ages 1–3 ¥800. Babies under 1 cannot board, because there are no life jackets in their size |
| Check-in | At least 20 minutes before departure |
| Weather | Boats may stop without notice in heavy rain, thunder, strong wind or when the river is too high or low |
Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway
The ropeway climbs 300 meters in four minutes. At the top station, a monkey park keeps many monkeys, and an observation deck looks out over the mountains.
- Open every day, 9:00–16:00, with occasional stops for maintenance.
- Return: adults ¥1,400, children ¥700. One way: adults ¥800, children ¥500.
- Boat and ropeway pack: adults ¥4,300 instead of ¥4,900, children ¥2,700. Buy it at either ticket window. A free shuttle bus links the boat dock and the ropeway.
- From Kinugawa-Onsen Station it is about 30 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi.
SL Taiju steam train
Tobu’s steam locomotive SL Taiju runs between Shimo-imaichi and Kinugawa-Onsen in about 35 minutes, stopping at TOBU WORLD SQUARE on the way. Attendants on board share sightseeing information, and special SL Taiju station bento are sold at Tobu-Nikko, Kinugawa-Onsen and Shimo-imaichi stations. Check Tobu’s site for operating days and reservations.
Theme parks nearby
The Kinugawa area is also home to two popular theme parks: Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, a recreated Edo-period town, and TOBU WORLD SQUARE, with miniatures of famous buildings from around the world. Edomura is about 20 minutes by bus from Kinugawa-Onsen Station, and TOBU WORLD SQUARE has its own station on the Tobu line.
Getting there from Tokyo
| From | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Asakusa (or Tokyo Skytree) | Tobu limited express SPACIA, direct | About 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Shinjuku or Ikebukuro | Limited express SPACIA, direct through-service from JR lines | About 2 hours |
Kinugawa and Nikko are on the same Tobu network, so you can combine them in a two-day trip. See our Nikko day trip guide. Note that Tobu says the route from Shinjuku and Ikebukuro is not covered by its NIKKO PASS.
Find Kinugawa Onsen tours and tickets
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FAQ
How do I get from Tokyo to Kinugawa Onsen?
Take the Tobu limited express SPACIA from Asakusa to Kinugawa-Onsen Station (about 1 hour 50 minutes direct). Direct trains also run from JR Shinjuku and Ikebukuro (about 2 hours).
When does the Kinugawa river boat ride run?
From mid-April to late November, every day in season. Adults pay ¥3,500.
How long is the Kinu-Tateiwa suspension bridge?
140 meters, about 40 meters above the river.
Can I combine Kinugawa and Nikko?
Yes. They are on the same Tobu network, and many people visit both on a two-day trip.
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Sources
Train times come from Tobu Railway; the bridge and station area from the Nikko City Tourism Association’s Visit Nikko site; boat and ropeway hours and prices from their official sites (checked October 21, 2026).
