I stayed at Karinyu Hotel in Okukinu Onsenkyo, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture JAPAN.
Okukinu Onsenkyo is said to be the last uncharted territory in the Kanto region. Private cars are prohibited from entering after Meotobuchi Parking Lot, so you can get to the uncharted territory by bus on the Okukinu Super Forest Road. If you are on foot, there is a well-maintained promenade, and it takes about 90 minutes to hike there.
There are four inns in operation near the Kinugawa River, which originates from Kinunuma in the Nikko Mountain Range: Karinyu, Haccho-no-yu, Nikkogasaki Onsen, and Teshirozawa Onsen. Karinyu is the largest of them all.
The fact that it is an inn that cannot be reached by car gives it a secluded feel, but Karinyu originally had its roots in a mountain hut and is surrounded by nature. You can enjoy the atmosphere deep in the mountains just by taking a quick stroll around the area.
It is a large inn with 48 rooms, but the ingenious hot spring facilities, including many bathtubs and kikiyu, make it difficult to enjoy them all in one night. In addition, bath towels can be used in the mixed baths, making it a friendly environment for those new to mixed bathing. At check-in, we were told that we wanted guests to enjoy mixed bathing, and many guests did so.
The building was very lively, and there were still traces of it being a lively mountain lodge deep in the mountains. It was raining on the day, so there were only a few hikers, but it seems that many people set out hiking the next morning. Next time I stay here, I would definitely like to enjoy hiking from Meotobuchi and hiking in Oku-Kinu.
■ Hot spring details
Mainly sulfur spring - sodium chloride bicarbonate hot spring (hydrogen sulfide type)
Freshly flowing from the source
■ Oku-Kinu Onsen Karinyu
http://www.naf.co.jp/kaniyu/
https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/ryokan-single/Kaniyu/
* Some of the information in the video is based on information collected online.
* Permission has been granted to film the hot spring.
* Normally video/photo shooting inside bath is not allowed.
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