the first day
15:00
arrival
Welcome to Honke Bankyu in Yunishigawa Onsen, Nikko.
A tranquil retreat surrounded by deep mountain valleys.
Welcome to the nostalgic charm of wooden architecture.
Welcoming drum performance with the traditional greeting 'Irase raremase'
You will be welcomed by the rhythmic beat of the “Irase raremase” taiko drum.
As you step into the lobby, it feels as if time has stood still since ancient days.
Surrounded by nature’s embrace, your moment of peace begins — with features such as a towering 500-year-old Himekomatsu pine pillar and a majestic 1,300-year-old wooden table.
Since our founding in 1666 during the early Edo period, times may have changed, but our heartfelt hospitality remains steadfast.
Wooden lobby
Your peaceful moment begins, embraced by the warmth of wood and a majestic 500-year-old pillar.
Please enjoy your tea with a cup of your choice.
For your welcome drink, we offer coffee or tea, served in a cup of your choice.
Scenic lobby
Relax on the lobby sofa while admiring the clear stream of Yunishigawa and the surrounding deep mountain gorge.
15:20
Arriving at your room, warmly embraced by the natural touch of wood.
Each of our riverside rooms is uniquely designed, offering its own charm. Enjoy a harmonious moment with nature, as the gentle murmur of the stream soothes you like a lullaby.
15:30
A moment of pure freedom in an open-air bath beside the clear stream.
Immerse yourself in the healing waters of Yunishigawa Onsen, a hot spring with an 800-year history, continuously flowing from its original source.
Experience pure bliss as you soak in a riverside open-air bath so close to the clear stream, you could almost reach out and touch it.
Let your mind and body relax completely as you become one with the great outdoors.
Our mineral-rich hot spring water, abundant in metasilicic acid, leaves your skin smooth and glowing.
Recharge your energy with the power of nature — fatigue melts away and vitality returns.
Enjoy the full hot spring experience with separate open-air and indoor baths for men and women, as well as three private open-air baths available for reservation.
16:00
The Okami's Personal Library"
Please feel free to choose any book you like.
Heike Emaki Art Museum
Experience the dynamic spirit of the Heike clan through an epic historical picture scroll, featuring original paintings by Dr. Hajime Mizuhara, a leading authority on Heike history.
18:00
Kazura Bridge: A Heike Legend of Friendship and Fortunate Bonds
At dusk, crossing the bridge to the dining hall feels like a journey back in time — a moment of escape from the ordinary.
The “Kazura Bridge” connects the main building and the dining hall. This auspicious bridge was ceremonially crossed by both the Genji and Heike families in 1994 to commemorate their reconciliation at Yunishigawa Onsen.
Heike-Inspired Irori Hearth and Kaiseki Cuisine
The Heike Kakurekan is a raised-floor structure built using natural materials from the mountains. Beneath the soft glow of lanterns, a traditional irori hearth gathering begins.
Our commitment to serving hot dishes while they’re still hot led us back to the origins of Japanese dining—the irori hearth. With this spirit, our inn became the first in Yunishigawa to introduce irori-style cuisine.
Our signature Irori Kaiseki meal features fresh delicacies from the mountains and rivers, grilled to perfection over glowing red charcoal. The accompanying kaiseki dishes are crafted with seasonal ingredients, showcasing the chef’s creative touch and deep respect for nature’s bounty.
21:00
An open-air bath along a deep mountain gorge at night
On a mystical night in the gorge, you are enveloped by the shimmering stars and the quiet breath of the forest.
the second day
8:00
A hearty breakfast filled with the bounty of the deep mountains
Creative Japanese Cuisine – Every Flavor is a Meaningful Encounter
Just like a journey, flavor is born from the meeting of land, people, ingredients, and technique. Here in Tochigi Prefecture, we are blessed with a wide variety of exceptional local ingredients. Among them, we proudly incorporate the mountain’s bounty into our dishes.
Each ingredient is chosen with heartfelt wishes for good fortune, and we strive to bring out the full flavor of the season. It is our highest priority to present nature’s blessings in the most delicious and sincere way possible.
We treasure the spirit of ichigo ichie—the once-in-a-lifetime encounter—and look forward to creating a special moment with each and every guest.
— From the Head Chef
Honke Bankyu Gift Shop “Yorozu Akinaidokoro”
Take home special souvenirs to remember your trip, including Honke Bankyu’s original secret-blend “Kōzen Jūmi Togarashi” (10-flavor chili spice), Yunishigawa Onsen bath salts, and coasters made from Ōya stone — a local specialty.