Daniela Puyos 
Are you looking for a ryokan in Nikko? Then you came to the right place. I’ve been researching for hours the best ryokan in Nikko so you can have an amazing vacation while you wander in this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This article is arranged to start with the most luxurious ryokan first but to be completely candid, all the ryokan in this article look like a dream, and by the end of the article, you’ll be booking the hotel of your dreams.
A ryokan is a special kind of Japanese inn. It lets you really feel Japanese traditions and is famous for making guests feel at home and relaxed. It’s a simple, friendly place that shows the heart of Japanese culture.
These hotels are super popular, so the wise thing is to book as soon as possible to get good deals and secure the hotel you like!
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Kanaya Hotel Kinugawa – with outdoor hot spring baths
- 2. Nikko Hoshino Yado – offering kaikesi multi-course dinner
- 3. TAOYA Nasushiobara – ryokan with karaoke facilities
- 4. Kyukamura – discover tranquil gardens with seasonal blooms
- 5. Asaya – breathe in the scent of aromatic cypress wood
- 6. Nikko Senhime Monogatari – excellent location
- 7. Kinugawa Grand Hotel – beautiful surroundings
- 8. Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel – Nikko ryokan with a Western touch
- 9. Hatago Nagomi – discover Lake Chūzenji
- 10. Hacho no Yu – a ryokan in front of Kinugawa River
- 11. Okunikko Hotel Shikisai – a ryokan with perfect views
- 12. Minshuku Fukufuji – amazing staff
- 13. Kinugawa Onsen Hotel – amenities for families
- 14. Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa – surrounded by forests
- 15. Ryokan Marukyo – stay in Nikko’s lush forests
- 16. Akasawa Onsen Ryokan – for a wholesome stay
- FAQs about ryokan in Nikko
If you are in a hurry
If you need to book your ryokan in Nikko fast and don’t have a lot of time to read the entire article, here you have the best 3 options in the area:
- Best luxury hotel – TAOYA Nasushiobara
- Top hotel with a view – Kyukamura
- Best hotel for a honeymoon – Kanaya Hotel Kinugawa
1. Kanaya Hotel Kinugawa – with outdoor hot spring baths
Wow! This hotel looks completely stunning, surrounded by lush mountains and movie-like scenery. It is a 40-minute train ride from Tobu Nikko train station and 1 hour from Nikko Toshogu Shrine. There is an on-site restaurant where you can savor an exquisite kaiseki dinner prepared with local ingredients, a fireplace lounge overlooking the greenery, free wired internet, and free private parking.
If you want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality with tatami rooms and relax in private onsens with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, this hotel will cover your expectations! The hotel offers Western-style rooms, and some of the Nikko ryokans come with a private balcony overlooking the mountains, as well as an outdoor onsen.
2. Nikko Hoshino Yado – offering kaikesi multi-course dinner
Explore nearby temples and shrines from a centrally-located ryokan! This hotel is only a 20-minute walk away from JR Nikko Station and a 50-minute drive away from Nikko National Park and Nikkosan Onsen JI Temple. It doesn’t matter when you visit, the scenery will be beautiful with cherry blossoms or autumn leaves during your stay. From this Nikko ryokan, you can admire a Japanese garden.
There are hot springs on-site, but if you want to use the private hot spring bath, you must make a reservation. This traditional ryokan is perfect for experiencing the serenity of traditional tatami rooms and Japanese-style accommodations. All the guest rooms can use the room service, and most come with a private bathroom.
3. TAOYA Nasushiobara – ryokan with karaoke facilities
Located in Nasushiobara, this hotel offers guests the amazing opportunity to soak in an onsen (hot spring) open-air bath with mountain views! Tobu Nikko Station and World Square Amusement Park are 1 hour away by car. Dive into centuries of Japanese hospitality and relish authentic kaiseki multi-course meals in the on-site restaurant.
There is a sauna room on-site, and a Japanese or continental breakfast is available every morning. This ryokan features mostly Japanese-style rooms, with free internet access and an electric kettle; some have an en suite bathroom, and others share a bathroom, so book according to your preferences. If you’d like to explore more of the country after your stay in Nikko, here is our guide to the best places to stay in Japan.
4. Kyukamura – discover tranquil gardens with seasonal blooms
I am obsessed with this stunning accommodation. it is located in Yumoto, and the Yumoto Onsen bus stop is only a 5-minute walk away. This traditional Japanese inn offers a buffet breakfast to guests, an on-site restaurant offering traditional Japanese cuisine, including kaiseki, the traditional multi-course meal, free parking, and outdoor and indoor hot spring baths to relax.
This entirely non-smoking property features traditional Japanese rooms where you can embrace the ambiance of rooms with futon bedding and Western-style rooms. In all of them, you can make use of the flat-screen TV, free toiletries in the bathrooms, and a safety deposit box.
5. Asaya – breathe in the scent of aromatic cypress wood
Staying at this beautiful hotel would be such a treat! Stay steps away from sacred shrines, the hotel is located a 20-minute walk to Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station, and Nikko’s forests surround it. The on-site restaurant offers a buffet-style Western and Japanese dinner, a seasonal outdoor pool and indoor and outdoor hot springs, a gift shop, and wellness facilities.
If you wish, you can stay in a Western-style room. Still, I recommend staying in a traditional room with Japanese futon bedding, a private bath, air conditioning, and a tea station with an electric kettle and green tea bags so that you can arrange your tea ceremony!
6. Nikko Senhime Monogatari – excellent location
Stay minutes away from sacred Shinto Shrines! This centrally located hotel offers free shuttle service to JR Nikko Train Station and Tobu Nikko Train Station, which are very close by. The hotel comes with an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner in a common room. If you wish to enjoy these services, you must request them when booking. The accommodation has a wellness center with hot springs, massage services, and a sauna.
Nikko Senhime Monogatari offers traditional Japanese rooms with tatami flooring and some Western-style rooms, all of which are air-conditioned rooms. To enhance the experience, I recommend the Japanese-style room with an open-air bath, which is located on a private balcony with amazing views!
7. Kinugawa Grand Hotel – beautiful surroundings
Located in Kinugawa Onsen, this hotel features the most stunning decor, a beautiful mix between tradition and modernity, so that you can enjoy places with handcrafted artisanal decor. Enjoy local customs, and relish in-house tea ceremonies and cultural activities!
The property offers a wide range of beauty and body treatments, together with private and public hot spring baths so that you can relax like no other in a beautiful setting. You can choose the traditional Japanese to admire and enjoy Japanese traditions! The biggest Japanese room can host 5 guests and comes with traditional futon beds and tatami flooring.
8. Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel – Nikko ryokan with a Western touch
This hotel has a cabin vibe, and you can delight in serene spots near Lake Chūzenji. The most stunning Japanese garden surrounds the hotel, and the hotel has a classic Western decor with some Japanese touches. There is an on-site spa and wellness center offering saunas and hot spring baths.
There is a cozy lobby where you can relax by the fire after hiking in the nearby surroundings. All the rooms come with Western-style beds, a private bathroom, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, and most of the rooms come with a balcony with a unique view.
9. Hatago Nagomi – discover Lake Chūzenji
Oh my God! The views from this hotel are unbeatable, it is located in front of Lake Chuzenji and surrounded by a beautiful landscape where you can go for hikes and discover unique Japanese nature. The hotel comes with an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Japanese breakfast and multi-course dinners, as well as à la carte dinner.
All the rooms feature a traditional Western style and incredible views of the lake, which you can enjoy from the privacy of your private balcony. The biggest room can host up to 4 guests, making it the perfect choice for families or friends!
10. Hacho no Yu – a ryokan in front of Kinugawa River
This property is located in Kawamata, and I have to say it looks like a movie set; everything in this property is simply perfect. If you are looking for a place to relax surrounded by nature, you will feel like a forest fairy! The property has an on-site restaurant, free parking, and a wellness center with hot spring baths overlooking the forest.
This hotel offers classes and workshops about the local culture, which I highly recommend! The rooms have a cabin vibe since the walls and floors are made of wood. Some of the rooms come with Japanese futon bedding, and some other rooms, like the villas, come with Western beds and a small kitchenette.
11. Okunikko Hotel Shikisai – a ryokan with perfect views
I am obsessed with this hotel – it looks incredible! It is located near Lake Chuzenji and features an out-of-this-world, super luxurious, with the most amazing views of a cypress forest. There is a 24-hour reception desk with helpful staff to help you with anything you need. The on-site gift shop is perfect for those who love buying souvenirs for friends and family.
All the rooms at this hotel are completely impeccable, modern, and stylish. Some rooms come with futon bedding and tatami flooring, and some with beds. I highly recommend the rooms with a private open bath on the terrace overlooking the forest.
12. Minshuku Fukufuji – amazing staff
This hotel is located in the Wakama area and has a Shinto Shrine within walking distance. There are karaoke facilities you can use for a fee, and I would say it is an absolute must if you want to have fun with friends and family!
There is a breakfast and dinner service at the hotel, and all the rooms feature an authentic traditional Japanese style. The rooms have a tatami floor, can host up to 4 guests, and have a shared bathroom. Of course, there is a hot spring bath open to all visitors.
13. Kinugawa Onsen Hotel – amenities for families
What a cute hotel in Kinugawa! This hotel comes with gorgeous views and the most incredible staff. Around the hotel, you can go hiking or practice different sports like kayaking and paddle boarding. The on-site restaurant serves a delicious breakfast every morning and a buffer dinner, both of which need to be selected when you book a room.
The on-site spa comes with a sauna, public baths, private hot springs, and massage services. The rooms look traditional, and some come with a bathtub, a play area, and toys for little kids. The biggest room can host 6 guests.
14. Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa – surrounded by forests
This hotel is less than a 10-minute car drive from Nikko Station and is in the middle of natural forests. It is the perfect place to relax and let go of all your worries while your lungs oxygen with the purest air! The property features a lovely traditional style, and you can tell they took care of every single detail!
The outdoor Japanese garden is stunning, and there is a public bath open to all guests. The rooms look comfortable and spotless clean, and some of them come with an open hot spring bath, for example, the Premium Suite with Open-Air Bath, which is spacious, and offers the perfect setting for couples.
15. Ryokan Marukyo – stay in Nikko’s lush forests
Enjoy the melody of nearby flowing streams. This beautiful hotel is located in Kinugawa, which makes it the perfect place to take in all of Nikko’s natural beauty and relax in the best setting there is. The accommodation comes with an on-site restaurant with private booths for dining, a spa with massage services as well and hot spring baths on site.
The traditional Japanese rooms allow you to experience the beauty of ornate sliding fusuma doors and Japanese customs. All the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and some come with open-air onsens to enhance the experience.
16. Akasawa Onsen Ryokan – for a wholesome stay
What a perfect ryokan in Nasushiobara! This cute property features a traditional Japanese style and comes with a wide range of activities available to guests on-site. Apart from having a spa center with hot springs, this hotel has ski-to-door access and water sports facilities on site, for example, you could go canoeing in the nearby rivers.
All the rooms have a beautiful traditional look, including tatami flooring and futon bedding. If you wish to have a private bathroom, you need to select the option by the time of booking, as the other rooms come with shared bathrooms.
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | TAOYA Nasushiobara |
| 👩❤👨 Best honeymoon hotel: | Kanaya Hotel Kinugawa |
| 🌲 Top hotel with a view: | Kyukamura |
| ♨️ Hotel with private onsen: | Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa |
FAQs about ryokan in Nikko
♨️ Which ryokan in Nikko comes with private onsen?
I have featured so many amazing ryokans in Nikko that come with a private onsen. Some of them are Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa and Kanaya Hotel Kinugawa.
🤔 What is the difference between ryokan and onsen?
A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese room that comes with futon bedding and tatami flooring, an onsen is a hot spring bath.
👨❤️👨 Which ryokan in Nikko is the best for couples?
Oof, I have mentioned so many cute hotels that would make a perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Some incredible options are Kanaya Hotel Kinugawa and Hacho No Yu.
👪 Which ryokan in Nikko is best for families?
Many ryokans in this article have family-friendly amenities and spacious rooms for big families. Here are some of them: Kinugawa Onsen Hotel and Kinugawa Grand Hotel.
Conclusion
That is a wrap for today, my lovely travelers! Those were the best ryokan in Nikko. I have featured 16 beautiful options, so I am sure that by now, you will know exactly which hotel room you want to book!
Honestly, all the ryokans in Nikko mentioned in this article look more than perfect, and I’d be more than happy to stay in any of them. Still, my complete 2 favorites are:
- Kanaya Hotel Kinugawa – I want to revel in the luxury of private open-air baths overlooking the mountains!
- Hacho No Yu – I just love that it is surrounded by nature, and all the rooms come with a view of the lake and a private balcony!
Which of these ryokans in Nikko was your favorite? Let me know in the comments, and right after, go and book the room of your dreams and secure your vacation in Nikko, Japan!
Until the next adventure,
Daniela
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