Nikko Yunishigawa Heike Honjin

Yunishigawa Onsen is, according to legend, the spot where the Heike, defeated at the Battle of Dannoura in 1185, built new lives for themselves in hiding. Along the banks of the mountain stream are many thatched houses that create a traditional atmosphere. Nikko Yunishigawa Heike Honjin is a hot spring resort by the Yunishigawa River, where visitors can enjoy an elegant sojourn. We hope you will enjoy a relaxing stay as you bask in the outdoor garden baths surrounded by giant trees and the beauty of nature in every season. Other facilities include a spacious large public bath with reclining bath and sauna, communal outdoor baths, and private outdoor baths available by reservation only.

It’s just a 3-minute walk to the Heike no Sato museum, where the legend lives to this day. In order to preserve the lifestyle of the Heike refugees, the thatched houses in the village have been relocated as a folk village—a sightseeing spot that recreates the memories of medieval lifestyle. In the upper reaches of the Kinugawa River, there are many dams to protect the region from flooding. Their overwhelming size is a sight to behold, and many people enjoy touring these dams. The most recent, Yunishigawa Dam, can be best experienced with the Yunishigawa Duck Tour, which we highly recommend. It’s about 5 minutes by car to the Mizu no Sato dock. Why not try a new experience of riding the first amphibious sightseeing bus in Japan and splashing into the reservoir?

The winter atmosphere of Yunishigawa Onsen can really be enjoyed at “Kamakura Matsuri,” held roughly between late January and early March each year. Heike no Sato, located nearby the hotel, is the main venue: it is an event enjoyed by the whole community, and many tourists flock here to see it. In particular, the “Sawaguchi Kasenjiki Mini-Kamakuras” are certified as a particularly beautiful “Night View Heritage of Japan” sight. Several hundred small “kamakuras” are lit by candles, creating a magical atmosphere. Mizu no Sato Snow Park, another of the event’s venues, boasts large kamakuras, a long snow slide, and more: it allows visitors to enjoy playing in the snow in a manner that can’t be experienced in the city, so it’s sure to delight all the kiddies! For your trip to Yunishigawa Onsen, make it Nikko Yunishigawa Heike Honjin.