Kinugawa

Kinugawa

Kinugawa is a river that flows through Tochigi Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture in northeastern Kantō, Japan. It has a total length of 176.7 kilometers, making it the longest tributary of the Tone River (Japan’s second-largest river) and a Class 1 river under the Japanese government's river management system. It originates from Kinugaike Pond in Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture, and merges with the Tone River in Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture. With a drainage basin covering 1,760 square kilometers, it is one of the most important rivers in the Kantō region. Since ancient times, Kinugawa has been known for its frequent flooding, and during the early modern period, it came to be called “Kinugawa” — using kanji characters that sound similar but mean “furious like a demon’s rage” — reflecting its violent and wild nature.

The area around Nikkō City, where Kinugawa originates, developed into the Kinugawa Onsen hot spring resort due to the emergence of hot springs along its banks, and it is now one of the Kantō region’s most famous tourist and leisure destinations. Legend has it that hot springs were first discovered only within the grounds of Nikkō Temple, so initially only visiting daimyōs and monks were able to use them. Later, as tourism in Nikkō grew, the area gradually developed into a hot spring town. Visitors can experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Kinugawa River and then unwind at the Kinugawa Onsen hot springs to soothe their fatigue.

Kinugawa River

Must-visit reason: One of the major rivers in Japan’s Kantō region

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Tochigi Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture [Ibaraki Prefecture and Tochigi Prefecture ]