Climber46534951583
5/5Perfect
If you are looking for a traditional Japanese resort experience in an area laden with history and lore, this is the place to book: rooms with tatami beds and sliding partitions, private and public hot springs, relax rooms, lounges and an inner landscaped garden dotted with fish ponds and interesting vegetation. Plus, of course, today’s necessities like Wi-Fi, climate control, sentient toilet seats and a full array of quality complimentary cosmetics. Based upon a casual observation, the place seems to target primarily couples looking for rest and relaxation, but worked just as well for our family of four, which includes two teenagers. As everywhere else we went, the staff was always very attentive and ready to assist however possible. LOCATION: offering both privacy and convenience, the hotel is located along an unassuming country road, a ten minute walk from the main thoroughfare connecting Nikko with Lake Chōzenji and served by local buses, with a stop just 100 meters down the road. Buses generally run two or three times an hour, but without a regular pattern, so plan accordingly (the front desk, of course, has all the schedules and route information handy). The hotel is also within walking distance of the shrine complex that is Nikko’s main attraction. ROOM: we spent two nights in an Aqua Deluxe Suite, which accommodates four guests in two separate partitioned areas, one with Western beds and the other with tatami beds set up every night. The room also features a sitting room and separate toilet, sink and shower areas. We had to be a little creative in storing our suitcases (pack lightly when travelling around Japan!) but the room actually offered more storage space than initially observed. The key feature of the room is an outdoor hot bath tub overlooking a private man-made pond closed off by a wall, offering complete privacy. After a day of hikes, it was a pleasure to soak in the tub surrounded by nothing but the sound of cascading water and chirping insects. AMENITIES: breakfast and dinner were included in the room rate, and I recommend taking full advantage of them. All the meals, with a set rotating menu, offered a great variety of what we took as local fish, meat and vegetable dishes, all prepared with quality ingredients and artfully served in private rooms. And don’t be deceived by the small portions: you will end up eating a lot! All meals are served at fixed hours, requiring advance reservations. The hot springs offer both indoors and outdoor basins: in a place like this, just wear the hotel-provided yukata and slippers and embrace the Japanese way of relaxation.
48 Reviews