Hatago Fukudaya

Used the hot spring for a day trip. The spring quality and open-air bath were surprisingly excellent, so I would recommend it even to enthusiasts. It's in a rather unfortunate location, a little far from both central Nikko and Kinugawa. It has a lodge-like exterior and the feel of a tourist bathing facility. It also operates as an inn and seems to be used by guests, but it feels like it's mainly for day trips. It closes at 10pm, which is quite late for a tourist spot, which is a plus point. There are also the Seven Lucky Gods, donated by Gokoku Shrine and made by Kangoro's disciple, and a mysterious mascot-like stone statue of Yume Tenjin in the open-air bath (also donated by a temple or shrine, and the staff it holds is made of a different stone and has a kiriku carved into its back, making it an elaborate piece). Since many people visit on their way back from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, these vaguely related exhibits are also quite nice. Anyway. The water is alkaline, clear, extremely slippery, and has a strong sulfurous smell, typical of hot springs. It's not a recycled bath, so it's a one-time use only bath, which is quite luxurious. Even among clear springs, this one is a hidden gem, offering a long-lasting, lasting warmth. The bathrooms are retro-style, with few washing areas and only two baths, an indoor and an outdoor one, giving the facility an old-fashioned feel, which is likely why it's getting so many 4-star ratings. Personally, I really like the shape of the outdoor bath and the open-air feel. I visited at night, and the lighting was just enough to see the stars, and the garden area was small, so the bathtub was made a little larger. So, although it's small, it still has a great sense of openness and relaxation, which is great. Also, the mascot-like stone statue in the center, as mentioned above, surprisingly enhances the feeling of being in Nikko, which is a nice touch. Overall, it has a very old-fashioned local hot spring facility feel, but considering its retro feel and the high-quality hot spring, it's perfect for a quick soak at the end of a day trip. (This rating may be a bit generous, given the low number of visitors that day.) The quality of the water is modest but noteworthy, so I'd encourage enthusiasts to come and rate it for themselves. Visited in November 2025.

This hot spring is famous for its fried chicken. It's a deep hot spring that even has a crucian carp fishing pond. It seems you can stay overnight. The nostalgic facility is quite spacious, and the hot spring is also spacious. The open-air bath is also spacious. The quality of the water is, of course, excellent. It's smooth, yet moisturizing. The quantity is generous and it's fresh. There's a slight sulfuric smell... The stalls are spacious, so you can relax in a spot with just the right temperature. Shampoo and other amenities are available, but if you have specific needs, bring your own. The fried chicken here is famous and delicious, but it's really... huge. Takeout is available. The yuba is also delicious, and there's a wide variety of food. The curry made in a large pot was also well-received. They also gave us complimentary watermelon when we went in the summer. Thank you. Eating fried chicken is a great way to wash off the sweat, so it's recommended for touring or physical labor. I'd love to have young people try that fried chicken.

For this area I will give it four stars. It has a lot of competition but it is unique that it only is a day. Use onsen/bath house. Each respective onsen has both an in and out door. The outdoor is a beautiful scenery. The indoor is the ordinary layout as most bath houses. Johnson does seem to be natural water resource as it has a volcanic smell /sulfur hint to it. The inside water was hotter during this time of the season. The outside water was cooler due to the weather and the wet rain. But it does have at the source a pretty scorching temperature. There are several amenities within the onsen location. Such as lounging food, relaxation, massage chairs and various other accommodations. There are no towels provided and very little amenities unless purchased at the counter. But as mentioned earlier, it has tough competition to compare with what all the other onsens in the area. Still a great place for just a day use.

This is a hot spring where you can relax until 10pm. The staff said that they would be happy if you could take your meal by 9pm and bathe by around 9:30pm. The open-air bath is quite spacious, and it was blissful to be able to relax in it while gazing at the starry sky. The dining area was also large, and the fried chicken was quite filling and delicious. Everyone ordered fried chicken and shared it. They also provided free takeaway packs, which was a nice touch.

Pretty much old-styled Onsen/hot spring. Regarding facilities, you need to bring your own bath towels so pls don’t forget them. I had to put my belongings into a big basket, I do recommend you to leave your valuables in a small locker to avoid it getting stolen. ( make sure to put 100 yen )Onsen itself is just AMAZING!! My skin really got smooth ;) there’s a place you can take some rest and also have some food.