Yunishigawa Onsen, Renowned for its Therapeutic Hot Spring Water, Hosts Annual Kamakura Festival January 31 – March 2, 2025
Washingtoner/10276065

NIKKO, Japan - Washingtoner -- Yunishigawa Onsen is a small village nestled in the mountains of Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. It can be reached by train from Tobu Asakusa Station in about 3 hours. Its relaxed atmosphere and indulgent, therapeutic hot springs await travelers to soothe their bodies and souls.

In 2025, the annual Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival will be held from January 31 to March 2. Hundreds of miniature kamakura or "snow huts" will be lit up at the main venue, Heike no Sato, and along the Sawaguchi riverbed. The nighttime snow hut lighting is particularly popular and has been declared a Japan Night View Heritage Site. It's an iconic and Instagrammable fairytale winter scene.

More on Washingtoner

• Tacoma: Homicide Investigation – 2100 block of N 30th St
• The City's Most Elegant Open-Air Dinner Party Returns September 12, 2026
• Spokane: Incorrect Info Regarding Downgraded Evacuation Status on Popular App
• FDA Clears Major Regulatory Hurdle as Preservative-Free Ketamine Program Moves Within Reach of Commercialization: NRx Pharmaceuticals: (NAS DAQ: NRXP)
• Autonomous Robotics Platform Expansion as Public Market Debut is Very Close: MBody AI Corp. (N A S D A Q: MBAI)

Three Locations for the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

(1) Sawaguchi Riverbed

Visitors are beckoned by the magical scene of locals lined up along the riverside with hundreds of small kamakura. Guests can stroll the candle-lit riverside or view from the bridge overlooking Sawaguchi. This enchanting event will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.

(2) Heike no Sato

Yunishigawa Onsen is a hot spring resort with a legend. After the Battle of Dan-no-ura (1185), the defeated Heike clan escaped from their enemies and settled here. Today, Heike no Sato has recreated the lifestyle of those times. Around the thatched-roof buildings, there are numerous small and even a few large snow huts. It feels like you step back in time.

(3) Mizunosato Snow Park

This snow park is sure to get the kids excited! Kids of all ages will enjoy sledding, playing in the snow and other activities unique to a winter wonderland. Plus, after playing in the snow, it's time to warm up in the indulgent hot springs of Yunishigawa Mizunosato. There's even a free footbath to warm weary ankles, feet, and toes.

More on Washingtoner

• Tacoma Voters Approve Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy (Proposition 1)
• Loud! OOH calls for prize draw advertising standards as £1.3bn category moves outdoors
• Black Ribbon Productions Launches With Fearless 2026 Horror Slate
• Spokane: Disaster Assistance Center will open Aug 6 at Shadle Park High School
• Actor Dominic Pace Returns to Television and Film

Don't miss local gourmet food and onsen hot springs.

Cooked on an irori or "sunken hearth".

In Yunishigawa Onsen, meals cooked on an irori or "sunken hearth" are very popular. In the warm atmosphere of a traditional Japanese house, guest can enjoy local delicacies such as venison and wild boar meat, freshly caught local river fish, and mountain vegetables and mushrooms that are hard to find in the city. While area hotels and inns offer irori cuisine, it is also possible to enjoy these meals in a snow hut!

Soak in the hot water known for its therapeutic effects

Yunishigawa Onsen's hot spring water is alkaline. It is colorless, odorless, and mild. It contains few ingredients and thus, is a hot spring with a wide range of uses. It is said to be effective for conditions such as arteriosclerosis, muscle pain, neuralgia, back pain, and diabetes.

Access:

For information on traveling to Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival by Tobu Railway, click here.