Travel with a Free Pass! Discover Waterfalls and World Heritage: A Scenic Bus Journey to Okunikko
From the historic streets of Nikko to the grand nature of Okunikko and Yumoto Onsen. Did you know you can travel this entire route on a single bus? This scenic highway is packed with incredible sightseeing spots. Grab an unlimited ride bus pass and embark on a journey filled with delightful stopovers!
*Please check the official Tobu Bus website for detailed ticket information.
1. Bus Journey: JR Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station → Yasukawacho
After purchasing your free pass at the Tobu-Nikko Station ticket window, hop on the bus! You can also board from JR Nikko Station, located just a 5-minute walk away.
The ride takes about 5 minutes. Get off at the Yasukawacho bus stop, and take a 15-minute walk toward Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Staff Tip: The streets between Nikko Station and Yasukawacho are lined with delicious food stalls, including traditional doll-shaped cakes (ningyo-yaki), long-established dango shops, and famous Japanese pepper (sansho) rice ball spots. It might be a fun idea to delay boarding the bus just a bit to enjoy a local food walk!
2. Nikko Toshogu Shrine
A UNESCO World Heritage site that is an absolute must-visit when in Nikko. It enshrines the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate. After purchasing your admission ticket, take your time admiring the gorgeous, brilliant carvings and historic architectural masterpieces.
3. Bus Journey: Yasukawacho Bus Stop → Chuzenji Onsen Bus Stop
Once you’ve fully explored the shrine, head back to Yasukawacho and get back on the bus. From here, enjoy the passing scenery out the window for about 20 minutes.
The absolute highlight of this leg is the famous Irohazaka Slope, where the bus driver’s exceptional driving skills truly shine. You’ll experience thrilling hairpin turns right from your seat! An interesting detail is that the bus takes the “Dai-ni” (Second) Irohazaka on the way up and the “Dai-ichi” (First) Irohazaka on the way back, offering two completely unique routes.
Shortly after clearing the slope, you will arrive at the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to our next destination: Kegon Falls.
4. Kegon Falls
Ranked as one of the Three Great Waterfalls of Japan, Kegon Falls is an awe-inspiring sight. Situated at the outlet of Lake Chuzenji, the water plunges down an intense 97-meter drop.
5. Bus Journey: Chuzenji Onsen Bus Stop → Ryuzu no Taki Bus Stop
After soaking in the immense power of the waterfall, trace your steps back to board the bus again. Be careful to check that you are on the opposite side of the street this time!
The ride takes about 10 minutes. After getting off, a short 6-minute walk toward the river will lead you to the sound of another beautiful waterfall.
6. Ryuzu Falls
Named “Ryuzu” (Dragon’s Head) because the mountain stream cascading down the stepped rock formations resembles the head of a dragon. The changing seasonal colors surrounding the water add to its immense charm.
If you’re feeling hungry, we highly recommend stopping for a bite at Ryuzu no Chaya.
7. Bus Journey: Ryuzu no Taki Bus Stop → Yumoto Onsen Bus Stop
Once your appetite is satisfied, step back onto the bus to head toward your final destination. To wrap up the trip, we arrive at Yumoto Onsen, often called the hidden parlor of Okunikko. Unwind and wash away your worries in high-quality hot springs filled with a soothing sulfur aroma.
A short 5-minute walk from the bus stop brings you straight to UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO.
After checking in at the front desk, your extraordinary stay experience surrounded by deep nature—far away from daily routines—officially begins. Melt away the fatigue from your day of exploring in our comforting sulfur hot springs, and enjoy a deeply relaxing time in a wonderfully warm space.
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO
et against the backdrop of Yumoto Onsen in Okunikko, surrounded by the deep forests of a national park, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO is a boutique hotel that embraces a mid-century design aesthetic. Featuring the rich textures of brick and wood, vintage furniture, the warmth of a fireplace, shadow-casting lighting, and grand windows that mirror the forest, we offer a truly unique stay experience where you can step away from daily life and feel as though you’ve walked straight into a storybook.
- Property Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO
- Address: 2549-5 Yumoto, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1662
- Access:
- 90 minutes by Tobu Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station.
- If traveling by car, please take the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road toward Okunikko.