Spring and Early Summer
In Yunishigawa, spring begins with cherry blossoms, quickly followed by a burst of fresh greenery.
The early summer season brings refreshing green mountains. On the first Saturday and second Sunday of June, over 200 participants dressed as Heike warriors and princesses parade through the town in the magnificent Heike Emaki Procession.
The event also features performances of the biwa (Japanese lute) and gagaku (ancient court music), reviving the romance and spirit of the Heike era.
Summer
Yunishigawa Onsen sits at an altitude of 750 meters, offering a dry and refreshing summer climate.
Visitors can also enjoy the Kokoro River Light Festival, where glowing, rainbow-colored spheres gently float and sparkle on the river’s surface, creating a magical and serene evening scene.
Autumn
The mountains of Yunishigawa are ablaze with brilliant autumn colors.
As one of the first places in the Kanto region to welcome fall, Yunishigawa’s high elevation creates dramatic temperature differences, resulting in stunningly vivid foliage.
Guests can admire the breathtaking mountain stream scenery and autumn leaves from every guest room, as well as from the lobby and the open-air baths.
Winter
Winter in Yunishigawa
On the opposite bank of our inn, a grand and magical icefall is sculpted each year. This glittering work of ice art, illuminated against the darkness, can be viewed from the lobby and open-air baths—an awe-inspiring display of beauty and mystery. (Early February to late March)
Just a 10-minute walk away, the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is held, where both adults and children can delight in returning to their childhood hearts amidst snow huts and playful winter fun. (Early January to early March)
The Seasons and Events of Yunishigawa Onsen
Honke Bankyu Icefall Festival (In-House Ice Illumination Event)
Period：Early February to Late March
A massive icefall is sculpted on the opposite bank of the Yunishigawa River starting in January, and is beautifully illuminated from early February through the end of March.
The view from the main building’s guest rooms, lobby, and open-air baths is truly magical and breathtaking.
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Period：Late January to February
Hundreds of large and small kamakura (snow huts) are built, and at night, candles are lit inside them, creating a breathtakingly beautiful nightscape.
Opening of the Mountain Stream Fishing Season
Period：From the first Saturday of April to the first Sunday of September
Iwana (Japanese char) and yamame (landlocked salmon) swim gracefully through the crystal-clear streams of Yunishigawa.
Heike Grand Festival
Period：The first Saturday and the second Sunday of June
The Heike Emaki Procession, in which over 200 participants parade in the costumes of Heike warriors and courtly princesses, is truly a majestic spectacle.
Accompanied by biwa (Japanese lute) performances and gagaku (ancient court music), the festival revives the romance and elegance of a bygone era, bringing the Heike legend to life.
Yunishigawa Onsen Kokoro River Light Festival
Period：Late July to Early August
Colorful “Yamahotaru” lights in seven hues are gently released into the Yunishigawa River.
As they shimmer and drift along the water’s surface, they create a truly magical and dreamlike scene.
This enchanting event transforms the cool mountain stream of Yunishigawa into a flowing river of seven-colored jewels.