Japan offers more than just the popular cities like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. It also boasts peaceful locations where you can breathe fresh air and experience living like a true Japanese local. One of our favorite off-the-beaten-track destinations in Japan is definitely Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen.
Nikko, an ancient and traditional Japanese town, is in the mountainous north of Japan’s capital. Travelers love visiting this spot because of its beautiful natural landscapes, iconic red bridge, and historical temples, and we know you will love Nikko too. This town also has quite a few World Heritage sites, undoubtedly making it a must-see place during your trip to Japan.
Kinugawa Onsen is located next to Nikko, along the Kinugawa River. This famous hot spring resort offers various amusements, including Nikko Edomura and Tobu World Square. It also has several hot spring baths for a relaxing experience.
Are you considering spending a night or two in Nikko or Kinugawa Onsen? How about skipping the usual resorts and trying out traditional ryokans? Experience living like a local with kaiseki meals, warm Japanese hospitality, and therapeutic onsen baths. Continue reading to explore the most beautiful ryokans in Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen.
Nikko
1. Hotel Shikisai
First on the list is a luxurious ryokan accommodation. Hotel Shikisai is located in a more secluded location in Nikko. It features a private onsen in a forest near the Lake Chuzenji borders. Additionally, you can also meet other guests if you prefer the public baths. Nevertheless, public and private baths feature beautiful forest views with crisp mountain air.
Rooms at Hotel Shikisai are all Japanese-style, with tatami floors and futon bedding. The bathrooms look elegant, with high-end toiletries and a huge bathtub. Hotel Shikisai also features a dining room and an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast and dinner. You need to pay an additional fee for the meals on top of the room, but they are undeniably worth it. We love the Japanese Kaiseki meal for dinner, so be sure to try that one out.
Book It Here: Hotel Shikisai
2. Fufu Nikko
Fufu Nikko is another luxurious recommendation near the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. We highly recommend this ryokan because all rooms have private hot spring onsen baths. If you want to spend more, we suggest booking the big rooms with stylish open-air baths.
You can sense a retro atmosphere when entering Fufu Nikko. Every corner looks and feels relaxing, with gramophone speakers that play ancient Japanese tones. Fufu Nikko also features Setsuchu, an on-site restaurant that serves excellent kaiseki cuisine. Setsuchu also serves Western cuisine. Finally, head to the Fufu Lounge and order your favorite cocktail or wine.
Book It Here: Fufu Nikko
3. Nikko Hoshino Yado
How about a centrally-located ryokan in Nikko that’s near shrines and temples? Nikko Hoshino Yado is only a 20-minute walk from the train station, and you can also get to Nikkosan Onsen JI Temple and Nikko National Park from this ryokan. Even better, Nikko Hoshino Yado has the best views with cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn.
The Japanese Garden is to die for in Nikko Hoshino Yado. It’s lush and peaceful, perfect for strolling and lounging while enjoying your favorite cup of tea. This ryokan also has on-site cypress hot springs for all guests, but you can book the private onsen by the front desk.
Rooms at Nikko Hoshino Yado look traditional, with tatami mats and futon bedding.
Book It Here: Nikko Hoshino Yado
4. Nikko Senhime Monogatari
Nikko Senhime Monogatari is also near sacred Shinto Shrines; it’s also centrally located and only minutes away from the Tobu Nikko and JR Nikko Train Stations. This ryokan offers both Japanese and Western-style rooms. We recommend booking Japanese rooms with a private open-air bath if you want to feel like a Japanese local.
Nikko Senhime Monogatari also has a wellness center with hot springs. You can reserve massage services or relax in the sauna.
Book It Here: Nikko Senhime Monogatari
5. Hacho no Yu
Feel like you’re shooting a movie scene with Hacho no Yu as your backdrop. Every corner of this property looks perfect, with relaxing nature surroundings and manicured gardens for calmness. What we even love about Hacho no yu are the workshops and classes you can take to learn more about Japan’s local culture.
Rooms at Hacho no Yu give off cabin vibes with wooden floors and walls. Most rooms have Japanese futon bedding, but there are also villas that provide soft Western beds. The villas are perfect when traveling in large groups.
Hacho no Yu also has an on-site hot spring bath and wellness center. The on-site restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes.
Book It Here: Hacho no Yu
Kinugawa Onsen Area
6. Kinugawa Plaza Hotel
Kinugawa Plaza Hotel is next to Northern Niko’s Kinugawa River. We included this recommendation because it has one of the most flexible meal options. You can go with no meals, only breakfast, or both breakfast and dinner. The breakfast is buffet-style, while you can enjoy a Japanese multi-course kaiseki meal for dinner.
Another unique feature of Kinugawa Plaza Hotel is the various room prices, depending on your budget. You can choose the most affordable ones with no onsen and meals or spend more with the larger room options.
Kinugawa Plaza Hotel has outdoor and indoor public onsens for all guests. You can also rent karaoke rooms, ping-pong and billiards tables, and even a hot spring foot bath. If you don’t want to enjoy the hot springs with other guests, rent the onsite private onsen by the hour.
Book It Here: Kinugawa Plaza Hotel
7. Tsuganoki
Tsuganoki is one of the most luxurious yet affordable ryokans in Kinugawa Onsen. It features a traditional Japanese look, with open-air onsen baths, low-rise furniture pieces, tatami mat flooring, and Japanese sliding doors.
Guests can enjoy soaking in the sun on the beautiful terrace, and the rooms are huge and perfect for families! And because Tsuganoki is within Kinugawa Onsen, it’s pretty close to other local hot springs. The indoor and outdoor onsens are always available for reservation, and we suggest ordering breakfast and dinner at Tsuganoki because you can’t find nearby convenience stores.
Book It Here: Tsuganoki
8. Asaya Ryokan (Kinugawa Hot Spring Hotel)
Kinugawa Hot Spring Hotel, commonly known as Asaya, is one of the most stylish Japanese ryokans in Kinugawa Onsen. The mountain views are breathtaking, especially if you try the open-air hot spring bath on the rooftop.
Most guest rooms also have private onsen baths, but we even love the world-class buffet more. You can enjoy them both for breakfast and dinner. Additionally, Asaya has a pretty convenient location. It’s right next to the bus stop and within walking distance from the Kinugawa Koen Train Station.
Asaya also offers onsite karaoke facilities for rent and massage services. Nearby attractions include Edo Wonderland and Nikko Toshohu Shrine.
Book It Here: Asaya Ryokan
9. Kinugawa Grand Hotel Yumenotoki
Another luxurious ryokan and hotel is Kinugawa Grand Hotel Yumenotoki, blending traditional and modern experiences. The highlight of your stay would probably be the indoor onsen overlooking the Japanese Zen Garden. Moreover, there’s also an outdoor onsen where you can catch breathtaking mountain views from your room.
Kinugawa Grand Hotel Yumenotoki also offers on-site spa services, which you can book after a long day exploring the onsen resort town. All rooms are Japanese and feature woven-straw flooring, futon bedding, and oversized windows with beautiful mountain views.
A unique feature of this ryokan is its Blooming Spa Kaika, a spa center that offers rejuvenating and relaxing treatments.
Book It Here: Kinugawa Grand Hotel Yumenotoki
10. Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel
Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel is a world-class accommodation. This five-star ryokan is near the onsen station and features royalty-worthy amenities and facilities.
For starters, the traditional Japanese-style rooms are larger than typical ryokan guest rooms. The windows are floor-to-ceiling, and the balcony is the perfect place to hang out while breathing in crisp, fresh air. Every corner of this ryokan also boasts well-curated furniture.
Certain rooms at Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel feature open-air private baths. Dining John Kanaya is an on-site restaurant that serves Japanese and French fusion. You can also choose between a Japanese and Western breakfast. We suggest trying the ryokan’s traditional kaiseki meal if you’re staying here.
Book it here: Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel
11. Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko Hotel
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko Hotel is perfect for all travelers. The views are amazing, and the guestrooms are generously-sized to fit large groups with kids. This ryokan is famous for its authentic and spacious onsen baths and hospitable staff.
The hotel has a 24/7 front desk service and a must-try breakfast meal. Upon arriving at the ryokan, you are even greeted with a welcome drink and complimentary snacks.
However, we think the best-selling feature of this ryokan is the 10 onsen baths you get to try! Every day, the staff swap the genders for all baths, allowing you to try out all! We recommend reserving your preferred onsen in advance because all the baths are easily booked.
Book It Here: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko Hotel
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There you have it – the most beautiful ryokans in Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen for the most peaceful experience. Did we miss out on anything? Let us know in the comments below! We’d also love to hear about your experience in any of our recommendations above!
Want more recommendations of traditional Japanese inns? Check out our selections of the best ryokans in Nagano, the best ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen or the best ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen!
If you are new to ryokans, you can also read our guide on Ryokan Etiquette and Onsen Etiquette!
