The drive is quite beautiful on mountain roads through lush forests however the speed limits are quite low. We decide on one more stop to visit an onsen, Oku-Nikko Yumoto Onsen. We are lucky and we can actually walk through at least part of the hot springs area which is quite interesting with some miniature houses built over some of the springs. And of course the sulphur smell is overwhelming.
We walk around for some time trying to avoid the most smelly areas but enjoying the otherwordly landscape. There is no one else around which is quite surprising really but great for us.
A few of the ponds are closed in, likely for personal use or to rent out but seems quite weird when passing by and exploring.
The water feeds a surrounding marshy area which is actually full of birds especially herons and a few doves. They don’t seem to mind the smell and seem quite happy so there must be enough food in the marsh.
There is also a nearby temple likely built in thanks to the hot springs which are very much appreciated by the Japanese people.
Before leaving we decide on a short hike into the mountains which is more strenous than we expected with lots of stairs but we enjoy the vegetation and the great views of the town and the hot springs area before returning to the car and proceeding to our accomodation.
