Enjoy the Nature of Okunikko! Introducing Recommended Spots Around UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO by a Nature Guide
When you hear the name “Okunikko,” you might wonder, “Is it different from Nikko?” or “Where exactly is it?” In this article, the staff at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO will share the perfect guide to answer those questions.
What is Okunikko?
Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture is famous for the World Heritage site, Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Driving about 15 minutes west and up the mountain from the shrine will bring you to the Irohazaka Slope.
As the name suggests, the slope features 48 hairpin turns—20 going up and 28 going down—named after the 48 syllables of the traditional Japanese Iroha alphabet. The area waiting at the top of this slope is known as “Okunikko” in Tochigi Prefecture.
Surrounded by nature and mountains ranging from 1,300 to over 2,000 meters in elevation, this region remains cool even in summer, often with a temperature difference of more than 10 degrees Celsius compared to Utsunomiya, the prefectural capital. We asked Mr. Abe, a staff member at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO and a local nature guide, about the best spots to visit in this beautiful area that showcases stunning views year-round, from spring flowers to winter snowscapes.
Top 3 Recommended Spots in Okunikko
SPOT 1: Lake Yunoko — A Luxury Surrounded by Sky, Mountains, and Water
Lake Yunoko is within easy walking distance for a casual stroll right after checking into the hotel.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it showcases stunning, colorful autumn foliage in shades of red, yellow, and brown. Walking along the lakeside trail allows you to complete a full loop in about an hour, making it a wonderful way to search for your favorite photo spots while exploring.
Access from UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO
- On Foot: Approx. 5 minutes to the lakeside
- By Car: Approx. 5 minutes (Free parking available)
SPOT 2: Yutaki Falls — The Powerful Contrast of Waterfalls and Greenery
Heading south from Lake Yunoko brings you to Yutaki Falls. This impressive 70-meter-tall waterfall is formed by the waters flowing out of Lake Yunoko. The view from the observation deck located right in front of the basin is truly breathtaking.
Access from UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO
- By Car: Approx. 5 minutes (Parking available)
- By Bus: Approx. 30 minutes (Board at “Yumoto Onsen” -> get off at “Yutaki Iriguchi,” followed by an 11-minute walk)
SPOT 3: Lake Chuzenji — A Natural Lake Shifting Expressions with the Four Seasons
Continuing further south from Yutaki Falls, you will see Lake Chuzenji, a massive lake over 30 times larger than Lake Yunoko. Selected as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan due to its ever-changing year-round beauty—such as early summer azaleas and autumn leaves—the lake offers various activities including campsites, rental boats, and sightseeing cruises. While the lakeside along the main national highway is popular and highly accessible by car, we highly recommend taking a low-emission bus in June to visit Senjugahama beach. You will be greeted by a field of Japanese primroses (Kurinso) blooming in full glory.
It is said that the Kurinso carries the floral meaning of “stacking happiness,” inspired by the way its blossoms open in tiers like concentric rings. Strolling through the flower fields while caught in a gentle breeze feels like pure happiness itself.
Access from UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO
- By Car: Approx. 20 minutes
- By Bus: Approx. 35 minutes (Board at “Yumoto Onsen” -> get off at “Chuzenji Onsen”)
- *To reach Senjugahama, it takes approx. 50 minutes (Board at “Yumoto Onsen” -> get off at “Akanuma” -> transfer to the low-emission bus from “Akanuma Shako” for a 30-minute ride)
5 Questions for Our Nature Guide!
We sat down with Mr. Abe, a nature guide who knows Okunikko inside and out, to dive a bit deeper into the unique charm of the “Yumoto” area, where UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO is located.
Profile
Teruyuki Abe
A staff member at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO who has been active as a nature guide since arriving in Okunikko in 2001. Ask him a single question about Nikko, and he will give you a hundred answers—he is a true expert on all things Nikko.
Q1. What is the greatest charm of Yumoto?
A1. “Being able to experience the classic Japanese four seasons that people traditionally picture.” The beauty of Yumoto lies in the fact that you can experience it all: cherry blossoms and fresh sprouts in spring, lush greenery in summer, brilliant tree colors in autumn, and snow covering the landscape as ice forms over the lake in winter.
Q2. For first-time visitors to Yumoto, what is the number one “must-visit” spot?
A2. The hot spring source (Gensen) It is a rare opportunity to actually watch hot spring water bubbling up straight out of the ground and feel its warmth. It might give you a newfound appreciation for the power of the earth. (The Nikko Yumoto Onsen Source is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel—perfect for a light stroll!)
Q3. Is there a particularly memorable story from your time working as a nature guide?
A3. Introducing snowshoeing to a guest who preferred staying indoors, and having them absolutely love it. It happened when I guided a couple consisting of an ultra-outdoorsy woman and a thoroughly indoorsy man. At her request to find an activity they could enjoy together, I recommended snowshoeing. The boyfriend joined in while wearing a long bench coat, telling himself it would be his first and last time. However, he ended up returning to visit us every single year after that, and it was wonderful to see his gear get upgraded with each visit.
Q4. What is your recommended way to spend time at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO?
A4. After checking in, I hope guests will take a moment to look out the window, enjoy the view, and take a deep breath. While spending a relaxing time soaking in our sulfur hot springs to soothe your travel fatigue, I highly encourage you to step outside and explore the surroundings. Go find your own favorite spots—whether it’s a corner where the breeze feels incredible, the song of a wild bird you love, or a place where the stars look breathtaking at night.
Q5. Could you share a message for guests planning to visit UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO?
A5. A senior guide once taught me that the job of a guide is to be a “pointing finger.” One of our roles as nature guides is to point out things, saying, “Look, this is here,” while encouraging people to wonder, “Why is this located here?” and sparking their curiosity. I want to help everyone discover the magic of Okunikko and find their own personal favorites, so please feel free to say hello if you see me around the hotel!
About UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OKUNIKKO
Set 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.