Access

Local Train Station: Tobu Nikko
From Tokyo: Take a JR loop train from Tokyo station to Ueno, and transfer to the subway. Get off at Asakusa station. Then, take the Tobu Railways Nikko line to Tobu Nikko. From Tobu Nikko station, take a bus toward Yumoto onsen and get off at the last stop.
Travel Time: Asakusa to Tobu Nikko, 2 hrs 30 minutes. Tobu Nikko to Miyakawa Ryokan, 1 hour and 10 minutes. Total travel time approx. 3 hrs and 40 minutes.

Location/Contact Info

Address: Yumoto Onsen, Nikko City
Tel: 0288-62-2139
Fax: 0288-62-2130
Web: www3.ocn.ne.jp/~miya... Japanese only

Accommodations

Price: Rates start at Y13,000 (including breakfast and dinner). The ryokan has 10 rooms.
Days Closed: None
Day Visit Option: Y800 (1:00pm - 8:00pm)
Credit Cards: None accepted

The Water

Onsen Specifics: Two indoor baths (one for men and one for women). One outdoor bath that changes from men, women or mixed as the occasion arises.
Water Good For: Rheumatism, skin problem, stomach problems, womens problems, nervous disorders, shoulder pain.
Water Composition: Suffice acid

The ryokan's small-scale operation creates a very home-made atmosphere, but overall, the feeling here is sophisticated. The family that run operation works hard to make sure the all customers are content.

It's worthy to note that Yu-Yado Miyakawa often get picked as the favorite onsen ryokan among Japanese onsen fans. And since the ryokan is located near the famous Nikko Tosho-gu shrine, you can combine a bit of site-seeing with your soaking.

One especially charming tradition at Yu-Yado Miyakawa is the fact that the outdoor bath will change from women-only to men-only to mixed-bathing depending on whoever is in the water. Here's how it works: Whoever goes to the outdoor bath will switch the small sign on a path to the bath to reflect whoever is bathing in the water -- men, women, or mixed. You never know what to expect. Don't worry about being shut out of bathing as there's always the men's and women's bath to go to indoors.

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Onsen in Northern Kanto