I thought we could have a change of scenery and look at foot baths (足湯 ashiyu).
They’re fairly common in Japanese destinations with natural spring sources. In fact, even in Nikko alone there are quite a few, and I figured I’d start with the most signature one.
Kinuta no Yu sits right outside of Kinugawa Onsen Station, you can see it as soon as you walk out. It’s a little pavilion behind the display board with the trademark Nikko SL on it.
It’s relatively small compared to other ashiyu that I’ve seen, and it’s almost always busy. I’ve only ever seen it empty after the sun sets.
There is a nearby tap where you can wash your feet before dipping, and you’d need to bring your own little towel for drying off afterwards.
Sometimes I like to take a walk along the Kinugawa river and hike to the small observatory to look at the Tateiwa bridge. When I make it back to the station it always feels welcome to soak my feet for a bit in the foot bath.
It’s a quick rest and reset without the commitment and effort of going into a full onsen, and when you’re waiting for the next train (they only come once an hour) it’s the perfect way to kill some time.
In the winter it feels the best, when the air is chilly but the warmth of the waters rejuvenate your tired feet and you can watch the steam in a daze.
Onsen Profile
Location: 1397 Kinugawaonsen Ohara, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2522
Day-use availability: Free public use
Day-use time: 09:00-18:00
Day-use cost: –
Type of onsen water: Alkalic simple (アルカリ性単純)
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