Jan 1, 2015 - 1 min read

Yunishigawa Onsen

A unique winter getaway accessible from Asakusa

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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A snow-covered bridge in Yunishigawa Onsen

A snow-covered bridge in Yunishigawa Onsen

A view of the bridge and the riverwalk

A view of the bridge and the riverwalk

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

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

Snow covers the region from early December to early March

Snow covers the region from early December to early March

A view of the riverwalk from the bridge

A view of the riverwalk from the bridge

Riverside onsen, hidden behind bamboo screens

Riverside onsen, hidden behind bamboo screens

The mountains on the edge of town

The mountains on the edge of town

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

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.

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Mandy Bartok

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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