Nikko is a picturesque tourist destination with a fascinating history that has captivated foreign visitors for over 125 years. And after a day of sightseeing, don't miss the chance to enjoy a soak in the region's famous onsen hot springs.

Choose from our selection of luxurious accommodations that offer top-notch hot spring amenities, delectable cuisine, and stunning vistas for a memorable stay.

Asaya is a large Nikko ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, located in Nikko's Kinugawa hot spring town and has been in business since 1888!

The open design of the third to 12th stories of the building is absolutely worth a second look, especially when viewed along with the resplendently decorated lobby. You would be forgiven for thinking you've somehow wandered into a live-action setpiece for the fantastical Studio Ghibli film, "Spirited Away"!

In this Nikko ryokan, there are two wings with vastly different design schemes. The Hachibankan wing has a tranquil Japanese motif, whereas the Shūhōkan wing exudes a flamboyant flair.

All guest rooms are connected to hot spring waters, so you can basically have your own private onsen hot spring without ever leaving your room! Some rooms even come with open-air baths or baths that overlook the beautiful landscape outdoors.

Hot spring facilities here make use natural spring waters from a private source, filling up four large pools. They also offer four types of baths that can be booked for exclusive use, like a jetted rub in the common bath area, a nano-mist sauna in Hachibankan's women-only common bath area, and a silky bath that produces ultrafine particle bubbles.

What we would really recommend you try is the Hanging Garden Open-Air Bath on the 13th floor. This is the highest hot spring bath you'll find in all of Kinugawa! There's even an interesting tub that's made from a repurposed boat usually used for Kinugawa river cruises.

The buffet at this Nikko ryokan is a spread of more than 100 types of food from Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. Some counters with items like pasta, steak, tempura, or something else also offer on-the-spot cooking, ensuring you always receive freshly cooked hot meals.

Why not try something new while you're here? Since the Nikko ryokan also has other facilities such as bedrock bathing, massage parlors, video games arcades, and karaoke booths, it's entirely possible to keep yourself entertained for an entire in the building itself and never feel bored!

All guest rooms have Wi-Fi access.

Yunishigawa is a hot spring zone located deep within the mountainous area in northwestern Nikko. This is the place the Taira clan, a prestigious house in feudal Japan was said to have fled to in the year 1185, after they were defeated at the Battle of Dan-no-Ura. Honke Bankyu is a hot spring travel lodge that was established in the year 1666 by a direct descendent of the clan.

When you check in, you'll be welcomed by the customary "Irasshaimase (Welcome)!" along with a resounding Japanese taiko drum beat. This is a longstanding tradition that has been kept since the lodge opened for business!

All guest rooms overlook the Yunishigawa mountain stream, and each room design is unique. Room interiors feature clay walls and furniture made of choice wood that reflect the Japanese touch and will no doubt add to the excitement of your trip!

The men-only open-air common bath Fujikura no Yu makes use of the natural spring water of Yunishigawa Onsen that was discovered more than 820 years ago.

The hot spring water is pure and mildly alkaline. Additionally, it contains metasilicic acid, a natural moisturizing factor that makes your skin more beautiful. The women-only inner bath area is called Kodakara no Yu, which means "bath of treasured children", a name it has kept from times past.

To go to the lodge's restaurant, called the Heike Hideout, you need to cross a suspended bridge by the name of Kazurabashi. The restaurant features the traditional Japanese irori, or sunken hearth that adds flavor to the land's produce being served to you!

There's also a treasury within the premises where mementos of the Taira clan are being displayed, and you can don a 12-layered ceremonial kimono for a commemorative photograph of your stay too! Until someone invents a time traveling machine, this is probably your next best bet for an authentic feudal experience.

Wi-Fi is available at the lobby and most guest rooms. Room rates start from 24,000 yen (tax included) per night per room that accommodates up to two guests (rates vary depending on the season)

Located along the approach to Nikko Tōshō-gū, the building of this Nikko ryokan, which is oriented towards the wealthier class, has a unique and classy rounded appearance.

Designed around the concept of "Nikko modern luxury", you can find ōya stones, a Tochigi specialty product, and cedar boards being used as decor everywhere inside. These posh ornaments contribute to an air of refined elegance within the hotel.

All guest rooms are suite rooms. Each room has an unobstructed view of carefully planted rows of cedar trees that are more than 360 years old. Nothing says "luxury" quite like being able to surround yourself with Nikko's world-class nature in the comfort of your own hotel room.

Although suite bathrooms are not hot springs, the hotel does offer two hot spring bath spaces with free-flowing hot spring waters. These bath spaces can be chartered for your or your group's exclusive use. If you love hot springs but value your privacy, this is an option worthy of consideration.

Nikko's hot spring waters are clear and colorless. They refresh the body, relieve those pesky muscle aches, and give your skin a more beautiful glow.

The standard dinner fare at this hotel is authentic French cuisine using local ingredients like Tochigi wagyu, Nikko yuba (tofu skin), and tochiotome strawberries. There's also a sommelier on duty who can recommend the best wine to go along with your meal.

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a World Heritage site, is within walking distance from the hotel, making it a perfectly serviceable base for your Nikko sightseeing. Even if you're not up for going outdoors, the attached bar or cafeteria makes it easy for you to simply relax indoors.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Room rates (breakfast and dinner included) start at 52,800 yen (tax included) per night per room that accommodates up to two guests.

Nikko is well-known for its power spots, referring to places that contain an abundance of spiritual energy. Combining that with luxury Nikko ryokan offering premium hot spring facilities boosts the energy and may even recharge you beyond capacity!

If you've got the budget for it, this is one of the best ways to soothe away any fatigue you may have accumulated during your trip.

*This article was published based on information in August 2019 and has been updated in October 2023.

English translation by: Huimin Pan