This is the weekend pricing for the author’s family: ¥2,000 per adult × 2 + ¥1,200 per child × 2.
For a grown-up holiday well spent, our family boarded a limited express train and started the day with some well-deserved morning drinks.
Our destination was Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture, specifically Shimodaimichi Station. While the highlight of the trip was the Tobu World Square, a delay of over 30 minutes for the local train led to an unexpected detour: a spontaneous ride on the SL Taiju steam locomotive and a trip to Kinugawa Onsen for a day of bathing bliss.
Hotel Mikazuki: Conveniently Close and Perfect for a Rainy Day
After a morning “world tour” at Tobu World Square, we hopped on a bus for a 10-minute ride to Kinugawa Onsen.
Standing proudly within view of Kinugawa Onsen Station is the venerable Hotel Mikazuki. While a search for "Kinugawa Onsen day trips" yields numerous results, the priority for us—bound by a return schedule—was proximity to the station.
Enter Hotel Mikazuki, famous for its catchy jingle (ゆったり・たっぷり・の〜んびり♪). Located just a three-minute walk from the station, even the rain (90% chance of precipitation) was no obstacle, as an umbrella sufficed for the short stroll.
A Streamlined Entry System
After heading to the correct reception on the second floor, we paid the fee and descended to the B1 level where the baths awaited.
The price included towel service—a blessing for families with kids and those with long hair like me. No towel restrictions meant no need to skimp, a thoughtful touch we greatly appreciated.
Day-use onsen hours: 12:00–18:00, last entry at 17:00.
Elegance in Every Detail
Perhaps because of its appeal to international visitors or its esteemed reputation, the pathways evoke the tranquility of a Japanese garden. Even as someone raised in Japan, I found myself captivated by the atmosphere. A journey that delights even as you walk to the bath!
Ten Baths to Conquer
At 2:00 PM on a Sunday, the baths weren’t overly crowded. The facilities include three outdoor baths and seven indoor options, one of which is a sauna.
While the outdoor baths tempted me, the rainwater flowing into them made me pause. Perhaps next time, on a sunny day, I’ll enjoy them to their fullest.
The Golden Bath: A Must-Experience Highlight
The golden bath alternates between the men’s and women’s sections daily, and today it was in the women’s area.
Promising prosperity and fortune, the shimmering gold interior was a hit with everyone, from my children to other visitors. Naturally, I joined in, savoring the luxurious soak. Here’s hoping for ¥500 million to rain down on me!
Thoughtful Touches That Enhance the Experience
Shampoo & Conditioner Bar
While not uncommon, the chance to try premium products was a treat. It’s a great way to test something new before committing to a full-sized bottle at home. My daughters enjoyed selecting their favorites, turning this small touch into a fun experience.
ReFa Shower Heads
The highlight for me? The ReFa shower heads. These luxury items had long been on my wishlist but remained out of reach—until now.
Offering four modes (mist, point jet, pure straight, and straight), I, of course, tried them all. A luxury touch that reflects the hotel’s dedication to quality.
Lotion & Emulsion Bar
Even after bathing, the amenities continue to impress. Unlike the typical onsen staples, the lotion and emulsion here include brands like Curel and Hada Labo Gokujun. Familiar and safe for my children to use, this thoughtful selection made our post-bath routine worry-free.
A Quick Bite Before Departure
For lunch, we had two options: a buffet or light meals. Short on time, we opted for light meals.
A delightful surprise: complimentary welcome drinks (a.k.a. a drink bar) available until 4:00 PM. As we ordered our food, a staff member kindly pointed us to the drink bar, exemplifying exceptional hospitality.
Back to the Station—Rain and All
We caught the 4:00 PM local train from Kinugawa Onsen Station to Shimodaimichi, then hopped on the Spacia at 4:47 PM to head back to Tokyo.
A Day Well Spent
From departing Omiya Station to returning, our adventure spanned about 8.5 hours. A day filled with unexpected discoveries reaffirmed the joy of spontaneous travel and the value of my tightly honed packed-schedule skills.
While traveling with young children requires flexibility, the satisfaction of this day cannot be overstated.
If you’re feeling the urge to explore, why not embrace the spur-of-the-moment and embark on a lighthearted journey of your own?
