Founded in 1873, the Nikko Kanaya Hotel is set to commemorate its grand 150th anniversary in June of 2023. As the oldest existing resort hotel in Japan, it exudes a timeless charm with a harmonious fusion of Japanese and Western cultures, making it a long-time favorite amongst visitors to Nikko, including distinguished VIPs from Japan and abroad.

Kanaya Hotel was established in the early Meiji Period (1868-1912) when its founder, Zenichiro Kanaya, extended his hospitality to a foreign guest in need of accommodation.

That guest was none other than Dr. Hepburn, inventor of the most widely used system of romanization for the Japanese language. And it was his suggestion that prompted Zenichiro to open the hotel, offering a part of his residence, the Kanaya Cottage Inn, as a haven for foreigners during the summer season.

The atmosphere generated by the hotel’s extensive history, not to mention its traditional, dignified appearance, is truly unique. Many international guests who have stayed here have expressed their admiration for it as a hotel of significant historical value.

The appeal of Nikko Kanaya Hotel ultimately stems from the historical value of the various artifacts that have been accumulated here over the past 150 years. A portion of the building itself is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.

A particular favorite amongst international visitors is Dacite Bar, which offers an impressive selection of over 200 types of single malt whiskies. The interior features an Oya stone fireplace, and Nikko sculpted tables, creating a chic and cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding with family and friends.

Within the hotel, you’ll also find a room that once accommodated esteemed guests like Einstein and Helen Keller. There are seven distinct room types available, which guests can select according to personal needs and preferences. These thoughtfully-designed spaces offer both comfort and convenience, while retaining its classical Japanese elements of the past. Gaze out the window from your room, and appreciate the tranquil beauty of the area’s bountiful nature.

Although it is currently open on an irregular basis due to weather conditions (suspended for 2023), visitors can enjoy the heated pool in the summer, and a natural ice skating rink in the winter.

Every corner of the hotel is adorned with sculptures crafted from traditional Japanese techniques and precious furnishings you won’t find anywhere else, offering an ambiance reminiscent of a museum.

The founder of Nikko Kanaya Hotel, Zenichiro Kanaya, was originally a Gagaku performer at the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. As such, many of the hotel’s items carry a distinct Nikko Toshogu feel. Without a doubt, these rarities are absolute must-sees for any visitors from abroad!

The hotel provides complimentary shuttle bus service on a regular schedule from Tobu-Nikko Station, offering visitors hassle-free transportation.

Many guests have expressed their utmost satisfaction with the impeccable hospitality of the staff and the high-quality services, as one could only expect to find in such a prestigious, classic Japanese hotel.

The Nikko Kanaya Hotel comprises four buildings: the main building, the new annex, and two other annexes, all of which have undergone repeated additions and renovations over time.

The new annex is set to open its doors on July 15. It will feature a new elevator and redesigned guest rooms that are more spacious and comfortable than ever before, all while retaining its timeless ambiance of the past.

Isabella Bird, a traveler, explorer, and travelogue writer, played a pivotal role in introducing the land of Nikko and the Nikko Kanaya Hotel to people worldwide.

In 1878, Isabella visited Nikko on a trip from Edo (present-day Tokyo) to Hokkaido. During her visit, she stayed for 12 days at the Kanaya Cottage Inn, the predecessor of the Nikko Kanaya Hotel. Isabella documented her stay in her book, “Unbeaten Tracks in Japan,” an influential publication that spread the word of Nikko’s “lovely inn called Kanaya” to other foreign residents of Japan, further expanding its popularity to those overseas.

The hotel is conveniently located near the essential World Heritage sites and popular tourist attractions in Nikko. You’ll find Shinbashi Bridge, one of Japan’s three most extraordinary bridges and an integral part of the Nikko Shrines and Temples World Heritage Site within walking distance. In addition, Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple, also World Heritage sites, are also just 15 minutes away on foot (6 minutes by car). Many guests have expressed their delight with the beautiful atmosphere and its easily-accessible location for sightseeing, allowing them to explore sites like Nikko Toshogu easily.

A 30-minute drive will also get you to the Oku-Nikko area, home to several natural attractions, as well as Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, another member of the Kanaya Hotel Group. You’ll also want to check out the impressive Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s top three waterfalls, and Lake Chuzenji, where visitors can immerse themselves in lush greenery and vibrant autumn foliage, and even enjoy canoeing, amongst other exciting activities.

As part of the hotel's 150th anniversary celebration, Nikko Kanaya Hotel is offering a series of special lunch and dinner menus, commemorative merchandise, and various other projects.

For today’s visit, Timothy and Chia-chi from LIVE JAPAN's editorial staff had the pleasure of attending the Kanaya Hotel 150th Anniversary Commemorative Lunch event, and sampling these delicacies firsthand.

This commemorative menu highlights the unique ingredients of Nikko, such as premium Yashio trout from Kiyotaki Trout Farm, Nikko yuba, and Tochigi Kirifuri-Kogen beef. Some of these dishes’ recipes have been passed down the generations from as far back as 1896!

At the tasting, the recommended foods from this commemorative lunch were presented on a single platter.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Traditional Consommé Soup Royale for its smooth texture and mild taste. Another favorite was the Tochigi Kirifuri-Kogen Beef Steak with Perigueux Sauce and Roasted Vegetables. It was grilled to perfection, and the red wine sauce was delicious.”

Chia-chi comments, “As a meat lover, the Tochigi Kirifuri-Kogen Beef Steak with Perigueux Sauce was superb. The meat was tender, and it paired flawlessly with the sauce! I was pleasantly surprised by its flavor from the very first bite!”

This lunch course must be reserved one day in advance (10,000 yen). It is available at the Nikko Kanaya Hotel to both hotel guests and non-guests alike. The Kanaya Hotel 150th Anniversary Dinner will be exclusively offered to guests of both the Nikko and Chuzenji Kanaya Hotels.

We also recommend the limited-edition original goods commemorating Kanaya Hotel’s 150th anniversary as memorable souvenirs. Items include original eco-bags, and collaboration items between Kanaya Hotel and metalware brand SUS’ popular TSUTSU line, such as mugs and mineral water with original labels. You’ll also find whiskey (available from July)!

What were their impressions after experiencing a tour of the hotel's interior and savoring the delectable 150th-anniversary lunch?

“It's easy to see why this hotel has been a beloved destination for Western tourists for over a century. The architecture, interior, and decor are truly unique to the Kanaya Hotel - a beautiful blend of Western and Japanese design. It’s truly wonderful that something so valuable has survived this long,” says Timothy.

Chia-chi, a passionate history enthusiast, commented, "The beautiful interior design, featuring traditional Japanese architectural styles and craftsmanship, was unbelievably detailed. And when I heard that historical figures like Einstein had visited Nikko Kanaya Hotel, I felt as if I was stepping into their world, transcending time and space. It’s a place full of surprises and lasting impressions! I wholeheartedly recommend Nikko Kanaya Hotel to fellow history buffs and anyone else seeking an elegant trip to Nikko!"

Foreign visitors who have had the pleasure of a Nikko Kanaya Hotel stay have consistently praised the hotel’s historical ambiance, perfectly captivating the essence of Japanese culture.

Here are some more reviews highlighting the high customer satisfaction:
"It was a delight to immerse myself in Japan’s rich history during my stay!”
"The hotel has such a beautiful and nostalgic charm.”
"The culinary offerings were exceptional, and the staff service was top-notch!”

So indulge in the unique nostalgia of Nikko Kanaya Hotel, and transport yourself to a bygone era of Japan.

Information in article as of June 2023. Please see official website for latest updates and information.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki