Tatami room with low table, shoji screens and veranda overlooking green foliage at Issinkan, Tochigi, Kantō, Japan
Stone-edged indoor onsen at Issinkan in Tochigi with wooden lattice windows and garden greenery
Bubbling indoor onsen with wooden handrail, tiled surround, potted plants and window light at Issinkan Tochigi
Bubbling indoor onsen bath with wooden ledge at Issinkan in Tochigi, Kantō
Indoor onsen bath with bubbling water, tiled steps and wooden spout at Issinkan, Tochigi
Indoor circular tiled onsen bath with handrail and wall tiles at Issinkan, Tochigi, Kantō
Indoor onsen bath with washing stools and large windows facing greenery at Issinkan, Tochigi
Wooden sauna with tiered benches and brick heater at Issinkan ryokan, Tochigi, Kantō, Japan

Issinkan

8.2
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.2/10, based on 99 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Hot Spring Town Valley Scenery Public Onsen Private Onsen Open-Air Bath Sauna
Staff 8,7/10
Facilities 8,0/10
Cleanliness 8,1/10
Comfort 7,9/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 8,1/10

Ryokan highlights

A traditional Kinugawa Onsen ryokan with its own hot spring source, varied baths, and easy station access.

Own Source OnsenUses 100% private hot spring water, a standout feature for onsen-focused stays.
Private Outdoor BathReservable open-air bath suits couples or families wanting a more secluded soak.
Kurhaus FacilitiesRare on-site kurhaus and indoor hot spring pool add extra wellness appeal.
Easy Station AccessAbout 8 minutes by shuttle bus from Kinugawa-Onsen Station, convenient without a car.
Choice of Room StylesPick pure Japanese tatami rooms or Japanese-Western rooms with beds.
Traditional Meal SettingMeals are served in a tatami dining room and can be enjoyed in yukata.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsThe strongest stay driver is the onsen-and-meal rhythm: arrive mid-afternoon, use the baths or private bath, eat dinner, sleep, enjoy breakfast, then pair one nearby attraction or move onward. A second night works if you want a slower bath-focused stay and one more Kinugawa-area outing, but the immediate area is not dense enough for a long base.
Trip-planning verdict: A good 1-2 night Kinugawa Onsen stay for travelers who want baths, dinner, and easy access to family sights, not a deep old-town or intensive Nikko temple base.

Know before booking

Weak long-stay baseKinugawa supports a short onsen break better than a multi-night regional base unless you already planned nearby theme or nature stops.
Not station-sideAccess is straightforward by bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station, but it is less convenient than staying right near the station.
Town atmosphere limitsSome travelers find Kinugawa practical but not especially charming for long evening walks or lively dining outside the ryokan.

Food & drinks

A historic Kinugawa ryokan with creative local-course meals, tatami dining rooms, breakfast, and standard drinks service.

Satsukiya (on-site)
on-site

Tatami dining room with table seating for ryokan meals.

  • Premium GozenfoodSpecial multi-course dinner set.
  • Hyakunen Onsen NabespecialtyHouse hot pot with two broths.
  • Tochigi Wagyu Shabu-ShabufoodLocal wagyu in hot pot style.
  • Beer and local sakedrinkCommon dinner drinks available.
Hanamiya (on-site)
on-site

Sunken-floor dining space for breakfast and course meals.

  • Japanese breakfastfoodRice-friendly morning side dishes.
  • Yuba sashimispecialtyNikko-style tofu skin sashimi.
  • Seasonal appetizersfoodSmall bites with local flavors.
  • Sour and shochudrinkSimple meal-time drink choices.
Matsubaya (on-site)
on-site

Private tatami dining room for small groups and family meals.

  • Oninuta GozenfoodPopular gozen-style dinner set.
  • Bishoku GozenfoodQuality-focused course with select ingredients.
  • Tochimato NabespecialtyYellow tomato soup hot pot.
  • Wine and beerdrinkStandard alcoholic drinks served with meals.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Kinugawa Onsen area of Nikko and is most practically reached via Tobu Kinugawa-Onsen Station, then a short bus or taxi ride.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a long-running hot spring ryokan in Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko, with its own source water, a distinctive bath lineup, and a more old-school atmosphere than a polished luxury feel. It suits travelers who want a traditional onsen stay with character, but it may disappoint if you expect sleek modern rooms or easy station-side convenience.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Own-source hot spring bathsThe ryokan highlights 100% natural hot spring water from its own source, which gives the bathing experience a stronger identity than a standard hotel bath setup. It is a good fit if the onsen itself is your main reason for staying.
  • Unusually varied bath facilitiesBeyond the main baths, it offers a private reservable outdoor bath and even an indoor hot-spring pool, which is not common in many traditional ryokan. That variety makes the stay more interesting for couples, families, or guests who want more than one bathing style.
  • Classic ryokan room choicesYou can choose between a fully Japanese tatami room with futons and a Japanese-Western room with beds. This is useful if you want a traditional atmosphere without forcing every traveler to sleep on the floor.
  • Good base for Kinugawa sightseeingThe property is in Kinugawa Onsen, with local bridges and riverside sights nearby, and Nikko Toshogu is reachable by car in about 40 minutes. It works well for travelers who want an onsen town stay rather than sleeping in central Nikko sightseeing areas.
  • Traditional meal-focused stayDinner and breakfast are a meaningful part of the experience here, with meals served in a tatami dining space while wearing yukata. Travelers looking for the classic ryokan rhythm of bath, dinner, and breakfast will likely enjoy that format.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Dated overall styleThe property appears to lean heavily into an older, classic ryokan look rather than a freshly renovated luxury style. If you want sharp modern interiors or a premium boutique feel, this may feel tired instead of charming.
  • Not right by the stationIt is not directly next to Kinugawa Onsen Station, so arrival is less effortless than at station-adjacent properties. The walk is possible but long enough that many guests will prefer a bus or short taxi ride.
  • English support seems limitedThe ryokan does accommodate international guests, but guidance on site is noted as basically being in Japanese. Travelers who want smooth English-first service may find communication less comfortable.
  • Some room styles are very traditionalIts pure Japanese rooms use futons on tatami, which can be less comfortable for guests who prefer standard Western beds. Even though bedded rooms exist, not every room type gives the same ease.
  • Less suited to ultra-luxury expectationsThis looks more like a characterful, mid-range onsen ryokan than a high-end luxury retreat with cutting-edge design and flawless resort polish. Travelers celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime splurge may want something more refined.

Ranking around this ryokan in Tochigi

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 44th out of 76 ryokans in Tochigi.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
39th Hotel Shikisai 8.2/10 1,833
40th Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko Hotel 8.2/10 516
41st Sakahijiri Nikko 8.2/10 200
42nd Kinugawa Park Hotels 8.2/10 187
43rd Nasu Muku no Ne 8.9/10 6
44th Issinkan Current ryokan 8.2/10 99
45th Wan Wan Paradise Premier Shiobara 8.1/10 1,280
46th KAMENOI HOTEL Okunikko 8.1/10 651
47th Kinugawa Onsen Hana no Yado Matsuya 8.1/10 266
48th Yama no Ie 8.1/10 111
49th Tokiwa Ryokan 8.1/10 67
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Traveler routes

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This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

6 days – Tochigi > Gifu > Tokyo-to > Nagano

6 stops
Anna Simon Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 27% Mountain Setting 20% City Center 14% Forest Surroundings 13% Old Town 13% Station Access 13%
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