This is a 140-meter-long pedestrian suspension bridge which connects the Kinugawa hot spring resort to the Place of Scenic Beauty， “Tateiwa” (lit. Shield Rock). Below the bridge which has a height of about 40 meters， you can see the Kinugawa River， and you can enjoy the mountains which are dyed crimson and yellow during the season of autumn colors. Standing near to the suspension bridge， “Tateiwa” as its name suggests resembles the shape of a shield. It is also known as the “marriage bridge” as it connects the two， both the manly “Tateiwa” which rises up opposite the bridge and the feminine Kinugawa River which leisurely flows past."

Discovered more than 300 years ago， these venerable Onsen were open only to monks and daimyo samurai visiting Nikko at that time. Since opening to the public in late 19th century， the hot springs have had many visitors and developed into a great spa resort. The hot spring water is smooth and gentle on the skin with a light alkalinity， and is thought to help nerve pain and stiff shoulders， relieve tiredness and promote good health. There srounded many theme parks or sightseeing spots， and good place for the base to go sightseeing in Nikko.

For the Ryuou Festival at Goryuo Shrine in Ryuokyo Canyon, a priest is invited from Nikko Toshogu Shrine to perform a Shinto ritual. Afterwards, in the evening, a grand festival is held in the hot spring towns of Kinugawa and Kawaji. At the main festival in Kinugawa Onsen, there is a procession of the magnificent Manto Mikoshi, or "Ten Thousand Lantern Mikoshi" (a mikoshi is a portable Shinto shrine), as well as the beautiful Onna-Taru Mikoshi, which is carried by women only. Additionally, there are folk entertainment performances, stalls， and for the grand finale, a brilliant fireworks display that lights up the night sky.  

Setsubun Season – Celebrating with “Oni” from Around the World to Pray for Good Fortune and Drive Away Evil The Kinugawa Onsen “Oni” Festival (Shōfuku Oni Matsuri) is a winter celebration that combines the “Oni” in Kinugawa’s name with Japan’s Setsubun traditions. Held annually from late January to late February, the entire Kinugawa Onsen area becomes a festive stage where people and “oni” dance together to bring good luck and ward off evil. With the theme “Demons of the World Gather in Kinugawa – Humans and Oni Join in Festive Exorcism,” the event is both a blessing ceremony and a lively, family-friendly celebration. One of the highlights is the “SL Shōfuku Oni Train,” where participants dressed as oni ride a steam locomotive and interact with adorable local mascot characters like “Kinuta,” “Kinu-chan,” and “Kawa-chan.” Visitors can also enjoy taiko drum performances, monkey shows, chainsaw wood carving, demon-themed food, cultural experiences, and stamp rally games. It’s one of Kinugawa’s most vibrant seasonal events during the Setsubun period.

With the Nikko Mountain Range, the Nasu Mountain Range, and Mount Yamizo, Tochigi is a mountainous prefecture with many sources of fresh water. Pure water is said to be the "life of sake making," and many delicious sakes are created here.   We would love for visitors to Kinugawa Onsen to sample our excellent local sake. That's why, on weekends during the spring, Kinugawa and Kawaji Onsen Tourist Information Center will be holding a sake tasting event.   Please feel free to drop by for a quick drink after arriving in Kinugawa Onsen or while you wait for your train home. Don't miss this opportunity to savor local sake made with the utmost care by master brewers.   *Event period, time, and contents are subject to change without notice.