Sapporo Heading South - Can't keep the Idiot Out

[Noel Mugavin]

My destination today was Kinugawa Onsen, a place that peaked in the late 80's and has since fallen on hard times since the collapse of the economy in the early 90's. Like a lot of the destinations I travel to in Japan, my interest was piqued by seeing coverage of the town in an Abroad in Japan you tube episode.
To get there, not only did I have to change trains, I had to change stations. About a pleasant 10 minute stroll to Shimo-Imaichi Station.












Not a JR line, but run by Tobu, so had to fork over 290 of my hard earned yen

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Wow what a trip! And a crazy time to do it in a record breaking snow year. Abroad in Japan is one of my favourite youtube channels and there's certainly some bucket list 'off the beaten track' places he's opened my eyes to. Looking forward to the rest!

 

[Noel Mugavin]

I had no idea about this, however there is a steam train that runs between Shimo-Imaichi and Kinugawa. Was a bit of excitement on the platform from the hordes.
My 290yen ticket did not afford me a trip on this one




I had about another 15 minute wait for the local. Took about 20 minutes to get to my stop and my visit to Tobu World Square.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

I went to this place fully expecting it to be pretty tacky and underwhelming. Bit of a shock when hit with a 2000 yen plus entrance fee, however this place was worth every yen.
It's obviously a bit dates, however the detail that goes into every replica is amazing, not only visually, but also with the sounds that emanate from each display.
Really is a shame this place is so off the beaten track

 

[Matt_01]

I went to this place fully expecting it to be pretty tacky and underwhelming. Bit of a shock when hit with a 2000 yen plus entrance fee, however this place was worth every yen.
It's obviously a bit dates, however the detail that goes into every replica is amazing, not only visually, but also with the sounds that emanate from each display.
Really is a shame this place is so off the beaten track

We have also been there and thought it was an interesting place to visit.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

 

[Noel Mugavin]

 

[jastel]

Where is Godzilla?

 

[Noel Mugavin]

 

[Noel Mugavin]

 

[Noel Mugavin]

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Still working on the Sagrada Familia

 

[Noel Mugavin]

My camera battery packed it in at this stage, I took some more photos on my phone but I'll spare you any more.
It was freezing cold and I was keen to get to the hotel.
Back to the station, however on my way sighted a bus stop with the destination of Kinugawa Station posted. A stroke of luck, as the bus turned a corner and approached where I was and I was able to jump on. About 5 minutes to Kinugawa Station, quite a bit of activity around, mostly centred on the steam train turntable.
6 or 7 minute walk to the hotel, bit of ice on the footpath here and there, but pretty easy to find and get there

 

[Noel Mugavin]

I was staying at the Kinugawa Park Hotel. After check-in went for a bath in the onsen overlooking the Kinugawa (Angry Demon) River.
Back in the room just after 5, camera battery was charged, and out I went for a bit of exploration and some dinner






Headed up tp the area around the station, where I would most likely find some restaurants







Steam train turntable






Unfortunately, the town closes down pretty early. This was a Saturday night, around 5.30 and nothing was open. Found a Lawsons eventually, however the offerings were pretty scant.
Cut my losses and decided to head back to the hotel and forego eating. However, fortunately stumbled across a lone restaurant, an onion based ramen place

 

[Noel Mugavin]

It was pretty good


Walk back to the hotel and another property had a bit of a display going. Probably not going to rival The Bellagio in Vegas, but was number 1 in Kinugawa





Just after 6 and not much happening


Back to the hotel


Quick stop to stock up on eggs and coffee for breakfast the next morning. 100 metres or so from the hotel, didn't notice it earlier in the day, however stood out like a sore thumb in the darkness






Modern bathroom in the hotel room

 

[Noel Mugavin]

The rest of the room




Another bath, then another early noght

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Early morning soak, bath all to myself




Then out for a wander




Criss-crossed the river 2 or 3 times

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Fist sighting of an abandoned hotel







Footbath, was getting cleaned at the time




Back across another bridge





Looking back at the footbath

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Takimibashi suspension bridge, great views, not so great for the lack of balance and fear of heights

The bridge is in the middle of the most dense section of abandoned hotels, and I really wanted to get some decent pictures. Unfortunately, with the bridge swaying quite a bit I was probably more concerned with not soiling myself .

 

[Matt_01]

Early morning soak, bath all to myself.....

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@Noel Mugavin we have stayed at Kinugawa Onsen, our accomodation was a couple of streets/ lanes from where you stayed and am also familiar with everything closing early other than the 7/11. The photo you posted was of interest as I have one from a similar spot however back in 2017 that small hotel perched on the rock face (between the 2 white ones, mid photo) had lost part of its structure and was lying in the river. There were diggers and dozers removing it and cleaning up. It looks like it has been rebuilt.