NIKKO, Japan - AussieJournal -- The annual Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival will be held from January 30 to March 1, 2026. At the main venues, Heike no Sato and Sawaguchi Riverside, hundreds of miniature kamakura (snow huts) will be illuminated, creating an Instagramable, fairy-tale-like atmosphere attracting attention from around the world.

Located in Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture, Yunishigawa Onsen is renowned among hot spring enthusiasts for the therapeutic and healing properties of its waters. During winter, when heavy snowfall blankets the area, the warm waters beckon and the snow-covered landscape shines brightest. The brilliantly lit snow huts of the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival further enhance the desirability of this area on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

Yunishigawa Onsen is a small hot spring village with an 800-year history. It's nestled quietly in the mountains of Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture and is accessible by train in just under 3 hours from Tokyo's Tobu Asakusa Station.

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Yunishiagwa Onsen Kamakura Festival - Three Venues

(1) Sawaguchi Riverside

Hundreds of small kamakura snow lanterns arranged along the riverside welcome visitors with a fantastical scene. Stroll along the riverside illuminated by candlelight or view the lanterns from the bridge overlooking the Sawaguchi River. This enchanting event is held only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

(2) Heike no Sato

Yunishigawa Onsen is a hot spring town steeped in legend. After the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, the defeated Heike clan fled their enemies and settled here. "Heike no Sato" is an open-air museum consisting of ten thatched-roof houses, recreating life from that era. During the festival, snow huts of various sizes are displayed and illuminated in a mystical blue at night. While different in character from the snow huts along the riverbank, they are equally captivating. The walkways are also illuminated in various colors, resembling a galaxy floating in the dark universe.

(3) Suigō no Sato Snow Park

This snow park is sure to thrill the kids! Regardless of age, everyone can enjoy winter wonderland activities like sledding and playing in the snow. After playing in the snow, warm up in the luxurious hot springs of Yunishigawa Suigō no Sato. There's also a free foot bath to warm tired ankles, feet, and toes.

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

Dishes cooked over an irori hearth.

At Yunishigawa Onsen, dishes cooked over an irori hearth are extremely popular. In the warm ambiance of a traditional Japanese house, guests savor local delicacies like venison and wild boar, freshly caught river fish, and mountain vegetables and mushrooms rarely found in the city. Irorikiri cuisine is offered at nearby hotels and ryokans, and you can even enjoy meals in snow huts!

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Soak in Hot Springs Known for Their Therapeutic Effects

Yunishigawa Onsen's hot spring water is alkaline. Colorless and odorless, it is gentle on the skin. With few components, it is versatile for various uses. It is said to be effective for arteriosclerosis, muscle pain, neuralgia, lower back pain, and diabetes.

About TOBU Railway

TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of nearly 70 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton Nikko, FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort, the Nikko Kanaya – the oldest Western-style hotel in Japan, and in Tokyo - the AC Marriott Ginza and family-oriented Tobu Asakusa hotel, among others. More information: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/sightseeing/recommend/tourism/