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Nikko: 7 Hotels With Excellent Cuisine and Hot Springs
Nikko, easy to reach from Tokyo in about two hours, is a famous travel destination with notable sites such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Lake Chuzenji. Read on to learn about hotels in Nikko where guests can enjoy fine food and hot springs. Affordable lodgings are also on the list.
Nikko, a Must-Visit Destination in Japan!
Photo by Pixta
Nikko is a prominent travel destination in eastern Japan famous for World Heritage sites such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Lake Chuzenji, an area with splendid fall foliage.
This article introduces five inns and hotels highly acclaimed for their meals and hot springs in Nikko, one of the leading travel destinations in Japan. We also introduce two affordable hotels at the end for those who prefer focusing on sightseeing!
Top 7 Hotels in Nikko
1. Yunishigawa Onsen Ageha no Yado
2. Auberge Hanabusa Nikko
3. Pondtail
4. Shiunso
5. Asaya Hotel
6. Nikko Tokinoyuu
7. Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
1. Yunishigawa Onsen Ageha no Yado
Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel
Yunishigawa Onsen Ageha no Yado is an inn reminiscent of an old samurai residence, which contributes to its unique charm.
There are antiques and folkcrafts displayed inside, making the facility resemble a museum. The guestrooms are also designed in the same style.
The hot spring bath has clear, odorless alkaline water that helps warm the body. The meals are buffet-style and cost less than 6,000 yen per night for an adult, including two meals. This is truly a budget-friendly deal!
Those who wish to spend a night at a historical accommodation should choose this inn.
Hotels near Yunishigawa Onsen Ageha no Yado
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2. Auberge Hanabusa Nikko
Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel
It is a ten-minute walk from Nikko Station to Auberge Hanabusa Nikko. The inn exclusively welcomes six groups of up to 13 people per day. Guestrooms are detached cabins with an open-air bath, offering a private and luxurious experience.
The meals showcase creative Japanese cuisine with carefully selected seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy these meticulously cooked meals in a private dining room.
The open-air bath will make guests feel liberated while surrounded by the beautiful scenery.
Hotels near Auberge Hanabusa Nikko
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3. Pondtail
Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel
Pondtail is a pension-type inn known for its Western-style course meals made from local ingredients.
The interior is designed in a nostalgic European style. Although there are no hot springs on the premises, guests can bathe in a ceramic tub while listening to the sound of the river and birds.
Those who wish to unwind and enjoy fine cuisine should book a reservation at this inn.
Hotels near Pondtail
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4. Shiunso
Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel
Shiunso is a very popular inn in Nikko Yumoto Onsen. Since there is a hot spring source nearby, guests can bathe in pristine waters.
There is the option of having meals served in one's guestroom or at the restaurant. The high-quality Japanese cuisine crafted from local ingredients has been popularized by word of mouth.
The hot springs at Shiunso are said to be effective for boosting the skin's appearance. Alongside the meals featuring a nostalgic taste, this inn is suitable for a girls' trip to even solo travels.
Hotels near Shiunso
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5. Asaya Hotel
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Asaya Hotel is the oldest inn in the Kinugawa area, with a history spanning 130 years. It consists of two buildings, the Shuho-kan, which boasts an atrium, and the Japanese-styled Hachiban-kan.
With its spacious interior and Japanese-style guestrooms, this inn has a tranquil ambiance only provided by a long-established business.
Shoryu no Yu is located on the 13th floor of Shuho-kan and designed in the image of a hanging garden. This is the highest-located bath in Kinugawa Onsen. Additionally, guests can enjoy different natural sceneries each season.
The inn offers various meals, from Japanese-style cooking to private-room dining. The buffet serves over 100 dishes from Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. It is also famous for its gorgeous food arrangement.
Hotels near Asaya Hotel
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Two Recommended Lodgings for Overnight Stays With No Meals
In addition to the accommodations above, there are no-frills lodgings in Nikko for travelers who solely want toenjoy sightseeing.
These lodgings do not serve meals and offer a comparatively inexpensive fare. Those interested in dining at local restaurants or spending their budget sightseeing should check out this type.
6. Nikko Tokinoyuu
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Nikko Tokinoyuu is a one-minute walk from the Shinkyo Bridge, a World Heritage site. This accommodation mainly offers overnight stays without meals.
From this inn, guests can easily access various sightseeing spots by bus or on foot. It is especially recommended for those planning to go mountaineering or fishing.
Hotels near Nikko Tokinoyuu
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7. Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
Picture courtesy of Booking.com.
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko is part of a Michi no Eki (roadside rest stop) project. Similar inns managed by Marriott are located near rest stops across Japan.
The immaculate and luxurious interior features simple accommodations. It is perfect for those planning to drive around the Nikko area.
Hotels near Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
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Car Rentals
In Nikko, a majority of tourists rely on buses for transportation. Those who wish to move around on their own should consider booking a rental car.
In cooperation with Nippon Rent-A-Car, MATCHA is offering readers a 10% discount code on their car rental reservation. Various brand-name cars are also available at KLOOK, so be sure to take a look.
Enter the special code for MATCHA readers "jyd3sWbrAM" to receive a 10% discount.
Nikko Offers a Wide Range of Attractions
There are various types of lodgings and hotels in Nikko. With this article in mind, find an accommodation that suits your needs, whether you want to enjoy delicious local cuisine or soaking in a soothing hot spring.
Born in Tokyo and raised in downtown area, I am a mother of one child (INFJ-A).
In September 2021, I joined MATCHA as an editing assistant.
I also hold a qualification in USDA-certified ORGANIC SUGARING, a hand hair removal technique.
My hobbies include going out with my son and researching properties on my smartphone (I used to work in the real estate industry).
Eating Korean food and watching Korean dramas are my daily stress relief activities.