There are plenty of places within easy reach of Tokyo to enjoy a winter getaway, but Yunishigawa Onsen carries with it an extra historical punch. Reputed to be one of the villages to which the defeated Taira clan (also known as the Heike) fled after the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, the town maintains strong cultural ties to the feudal-era family. The clan's crest is found throughout the town and a parade of warriors and women in Heian-era garments takes place here every June. In winter, the town creates kamakura, small snow huts that are illuminated at night.
- 1 min read
Yunishigawa Onsen
A unique winter getaway accessible from Asakusa

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

A snow-covered bridge in Yunishigawa Onsen

A view of the bridge and the riverwalk

The lamp posts here are emblazoned with the Taira clan crest, a stylized butterfly

Snow covers the region from early December to early March

A view of the riverwalk from the bridge

Riverside onsen, hidden behind bamboo screens

The mountains on the edge of town
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
2
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
3
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
4
Kamenoi Hotel Atami
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
5
Ushikoi: Lean Meat Yakiniku Specialist
Tokyo -
6
Tokyo Ranks 12th on Vegan-friendly Cities List
Food -
7
Pokémon Center Fukuoka Reopens This June
Fukuoka -
8
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
9
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
10
Sakai’s Hidden Gem: Konpeito Kingdom and the Art of Candy Making
Osaka
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
4
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
10
Kanda Matsuri
Tokyo