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Hiking to Kinunuma Swamp

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Hiking to Kinunuma Swamp

Take in the incredible landscapes and visit the secluded hot spring area on your way up to the highest wetland of Japan

Destination Management Organization NIKKO

Kinunuma Swamp is a high-altitude wetland in Nikko National Park, located at the southern foot of Mt. Kinunuma. At an elevation of 2,020 meters, it is known for being Japan’s highest high moor along with featuring 48 ponds of various sizes and an abundance of alpine plants.

On the way to Kinunuma, there is a hot spring area called Okukinu Onsen Village. As this area is a nature reserve, general vehicles are not allowed to enter, and it is only accessible by shuttle bus for hotel guests or a 1 hour and 30-minute walk up the mountain path. However, travelers who take the time to visit can experience the abundant hot springs and untouched nature.

Walking two hours further from the hot spring village through the virgin forest, hikers will discover Kinunuma, also known as the “sky top wetland.” This marsh is renowned for the beautiful reflections of mountains and clouds in its mirror-like waters. From the month of July, the alpine flora begins blooming in succession. In late August, the grass turns golden, and by mid-September, the entire marsh turns a fiery red. As such, from summer to fall, this region is highly recommended for hiking unexplored areas.

How to get there

From Utsunomiya Station, take the JR Nikko Line to Imaichi Station (30 minutes), and walk 10 minutes to Tobu Shimo-Imaichi Station. Take the Tobu Kinugawa Line from Tobu Shimo-Imaichi Station to Kinugawa-Onsen Station (15 minutes). From Kinugawa-Onsen Station, take the municipal bus Kinugawa-Onsen Meotobuchi Line for 1 hour and 30 minutes until the Meotobuchi terminal bus stop. From the Meotobuchi bus stop, it takes about 4 hours to walk to Kinunuma Swamp.
The Okukinu Onsen Village (on the way to Kinunuma Swamp) is 2 hours 30 minutes on foot from the Meotobuchi bus stop. If you are staying at Okukinu Onsen Village, shuttle buses are available from the Meotobuchi bus stop to your accommodation.

Kawamata, Nikko-shi, Tochigi-ken