An Onsen Town with Fantastic Winter Views (2-Day Trip)

Michi-no-Eki Yunishigawa is a roadside station located in the north of Nikko， about 300 metres from the former Aizu-nishi highway (Route 121). It offers natural hot springs and a stone sauna， and local delicacies such as smoked salamander， strawberry buns and Bandai-mochi rice cake (not available in winter). The cafeteria serves uniquely dam-shaped rice and curry as well as locally produced soba noodles. Look out for Kurippa here， a local mascot based on a folk tale of the mythological creature Kappa. Accommodation can be arranged at the information desk. The car park has rapid charging points for electric vehicles. Located 600 metres above sea level， the location offers fine views of the natural surroundings. Enjoy the seasonal beauty of verdant greens， autumn leaves and snowy winter scenes.

This feature festival of Yunishikawa Onsen is held from late January to early March every year. Hundreds of small snow houses (mini-kamakura) are built and lighted up by candle lights. During the day enjoy sleighing. This illuminated snow-filled town is simply mesmerising.

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival 2025
■Dates:January 31st-March 2nd,2025

Venue1:Sawaguchi Riverside
■Lighting Dates:Only on Fridays, Saturdays,and Sundays during January 31st-March 2nd,2025
■Lighting Hours:5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
■Admission:Free

Venue2:Heike-no-Sata Village
■Opening Hours:9:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m.(Last entry at 8:45 p.m.)
■Lighting Dates:January 31st – March 2nd ,2025
■Lighting Hours:5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
■Admission:1-day ticket(9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.):510 yen for adults / 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students(re-entry possible on the day)

Venue3:Yunishigawa Mizu-no-Sato Snow Park
■Closed:Wednesdays
■Opening Dates:Feburary 2nd-March 2nd,2025
■Business Hours:10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.(Last reception 2:00 p.m.)
■Admission:1,200 yen for adults,600 yen for children(including sledding fee and hot spring bathing fee at Mizu-no-Sato.The hot spring open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,last entrance 6:00 p.m.)

You can find accommodations on the websites below.
Bookig.com
agoda

The roadside station “Michi-no-Eki Nikko Kaido Nikoniko Honjin” held a grand opening to the public on 27 April 2015. It is located at the junction of three highways known as the Nikko Cedar Avenue (Nikko-Kaido， Aizunishi-Kaido and Reiheishi-Kaido)， in the city centre of Nikko. The roadside station is a hub for tourism and transportation that leads visitors to sights such as the UNESCO World Heritage “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” and one of Japan’s most popular hot spring towns， “Kinugawa and Kawaji Onsen”.

Nikko’s official “Michi-no-Eki” is home to a commemorative museum to the famous local composer Toru Funamura as well as restaurants and shops offering original local products， locally produced vegetable and fruits. A wide range of events take place in the performance hall and open space throughout the year.

Water is an important ingredient making up 80 per cent of Sake. Tochigi has abundant clear spring water perfect for Sake， thanks to the range of mountains in the north and its one and only fresh stream near Tokyo. Skilled brewers produce a range of Sakes with unique flavours in various parts of Tochigi. Sake tasting and a tours of the production process are available at these breweries. You can also purchase Sake， cups for Sake and cosmetics and sweets made with Sake.