The Best Hotels & Ryokans In Nikko
- Ollie Toth
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
An expert list of the best accommodation in Nikko to suit all budgets, based on thousands of customer reviews and knowledge of Japan
The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
Overview
Nikko is an incredible national park only 2 hours from Tokyo. It's a popular destination well-known for its incredible nature, featuring beautiful lakes, huge waterfalls, and amazing hiking trails. But choosing where to stay can be difficult, especially with so many options available. Instead of giving you a generic top 10 list with sponsored content, we've combined our expert knowledge of Nikko with a thorough analysis of customer reviews to bring you a reliable list of the best hotels and ryokans in Nikko to suit all budgets.
To ensure there's no disappointment, all of the options on this list must adhere to our strict criteria:
- An average review score above 8/10
- A minimum of 100 reviews
- Must be convenient for sightseeing, located in Nikko town or around Lake Chuzenji.
- The property must have quality photos
Our listing for each place has an efficient overview including a:
Gallery
Description
Highlights
Average Price (peak and off-peak)
Location
Review Score
Review Example
Luxury
$300 - $1200
The Ritz-Carlton — 9.1
The Nikko Kanaya  — 8.8
Mid-Range
$200 - $400
The Hoshino Yado  —  8.9
The Hatago Nagomi —  8.9
The Senhime Monogatari  —  8.6
Affordable
$40 - $200
The Sumica Guesthouse  — 9.2
The Nikko Station Hotel  — 8.1
The Yutorelo  —  8.0
The Best Luxury Hotels & Ryokans In Nikko
1.
The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
The new Ritz-Carlton in Nikko is one of the finest luxury hotel experiences in Japan. The location is absolutely perfect, right on Lake Chuzenji, and a short walk to Kegon Falls and nearby shops. The stunning views are perfectly integrated with the stunning architecture, making it a pleasure to walk around the hotel and explore the various facilities. The onsite hot springs offer incredible onsen baths, with private options available for reservation. The restaurants serve innovative Japanese and Western cuisine which is guaranteed to impress even the most experienced culinary experts, with two main restaurants, a bar, and a lounge. The rooms themselves are unbelievably beautiful, with upgrades featuring private onsen baths, balconies, and gorgeous views of Lake Chuzenji and Mt. Nantai.
• Highlights:
─  Incredible onsite restaurants specialising in innovative Japanese and Western cuisine.
─  Amazing onsen facilities, with private baths available for reservation.
─  Absolutely perfect location, right on Lake Chuzenji, and a short walk from the bus stop, Kegon Falls, and local shops.
• Price Range: $1000 - $2000 per night
• Location: Lake Chuzenji
• Review Score: 9.1 ★ (100+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We were expecting a fine hotel experience for our trip to Nikko but the Ritz Carlton exceeded all of our expectations. Elevated, serene, beautiful facilities and accommodation along with one superlative food experience, made for one of our favorite stays anywhere, ever. Both of our rooms were wonderful, but the suite was just amazing. All of the food was very great during our stay but the omakase experience was the best sushi ever and one of our favorite meals ever. Consistently friendly and helpful staff as well. This is a unique and special place and I can't wait to return on future trips to Tokyo."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Nikko Kanaya Hotel
The Nikko Kanaya is the oldest resort hotel in Japan, originally built in 1873. The majority of the original structure remains, creating an authentic atmosphere that transports you back in time. The high standards for maintenance and restoration have ensured the hotel retains its architectural charm, while also keeping up with modern standards for comfort and luxury. The French restaurant is exceptional, the staff are lovely, and the design of the rooms and facilities is stunning. You'll be surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains, forest, and maple leaves, and within walking distance to temples and attractions. The Nikko Kanaya really is an amazing luxury boutique hotel, and perfect for anyone seeking a unique experience while staying in Nikko.
• Highlights:
─ A historical luxury boutique hotel with incredible architecture and beautiful facilities.
─  Gorgeous location surrounded by maple trees and mountain views, with easy walking distance to shrines and attractions.
─  An incredible French restaurant, an amazing breakfast, and a nostalgic bar that transports you back in time.
• Price Range: $200 - $1200 per night
• Location: Nikko Town
• Review Score: 8.8 ★ (700+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The staff were really friendly, polite and helpful, and I really liked the creaky historical architecture. Theres a small gallery behind reception showing some of the hotel's history and notable guests who've stayed over the years. The original features of the hotel take you back in time. The bathroom was modern and clean with loads of amenities. One of my best experiences in Japan. Big room in the refurbished Annex. Great breakfast. We also had dinner, exquisite. Fantastic garden with a nice panorama of the mountains around Nikko. You're right next to the area with all the temples, perfect spot for sightseeing."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Mid-Range Ryokans In Nikko
1.
The Nikko Hoshinoyado
The Hoshinoyado offers an authentic and luxurious ryokan experience at a very reasonable price. The onsen facilities here are amazing, offering open-air baths with gorgeous views of the forest and maple leaves, with private baths available for reservations. The rooms are beautifully designed with traditional elements like tatami floors and shoji screens, and come with all the modern amenities to ensure you have a comfortable and convenient experience. Their onsite restaurant has become famous for its incredible kaiseki cuisine, made from locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and will even tailor the menu to vegan or allergy preferences. The location is away from the busy streets, and still within walking distance to the famous Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, and Rinnoji Temple.
• Highlights:
─  An authentic and luxurious ryokan experience at a very reasonable price.
─  Gorgeous onsen facilities, and incredible kaiseki cuisine.
─  Amazing location away from the busy streets, and within walking distance to Toshogu Shrine, the Shinkyo Bridge, and Rinnoji Temple.
• Price Range: $200 - $600 per night
• Location: Nikko Town
• Review Score: 8.9 ★ (400+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We had an incredible stay at this authentic ryokan, walking distance from the Toshogu shrine, Shinkyo bridge, and museum. We are both vegetarian and the staff were extremely accommodating, providing an amazing meal full of local specialties. The private onsen is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. This was an authentic, but luxurious stay. Very friendly, helpful staff"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Hatago Nagomi Hotel
The Hatago Nagomi is perfectly located on Lake Chuzenji, offering gorgeous views of Nikko National Park and easy access to many of the attractions. You'll be within walking distance to shrin es, hikes, and the beautiful Kegon Falls. This humble hotel provides a luxury level of service from the kind and friendly staff, and the food here feels like it should be twice the price. You should definitely take to full-board option, they serve amazing kaiseki cuisine and a nice buffet breakfast.
• Highlights:
─  Perfect location on Lake Chuzenji, with amazing views and peaceful surroundings.
─  Within walking distance to the Mt. Nantai hiking trail and Kegon Falls.
─ Amazing kaiseki cuisine and a lovely buffet breakfast.
• Price Range: $160 - $700 per night
• Location: Lake Chuzenji
• Review Score: 8.9 ★ (1200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We had an excellent two-night stay here, right in the heart of Nikko National Park. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, making us feel right at home. Our room was spacious, with a comfortable sofa and a beautiful view of Lake Chuzenji, perfect to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The hotel features a very pleasant onsen. We opted for the half board option, and it was absolutely worth it. Each dinner was unique, beautifully presented, and made up of many delicious courses, all served with great attention to detail. Can't wait to return!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3.
The Senhime Monogatari
The Senhime has a very unique and special location, surrounded by the forest, and only a short walk from the Toshogu Shrine and 5-story pagoda. This place feels like an authentic escape from all the busy attractions, tucked away yet still convenient for sightseeing. It's a traditional Japanese ryokan with the choice of western beds or futons, and upgrade options that include your own onsen bath. The hot spring facilities here are one of the main highlights, beautifully designed to make you feel connected with the natural environment. The food here is also exceptional, with a blend of modern cuisine and traditional Japanese dishes. Make sure you include this in your reservation as they source their ingredients daily and won't make changes upon check-in.
• Highlights:
─  Traditional ryokan and a beautiful location, only a 7-minute walk from the 5-story pagoda. ─ Luxurious onsen facilities, with room options that include your own private onsen.
─ Amazing food with a fusion of Western and Japanese cuisine, along with some traditional dishes. Ingredients are sourced daily, so ensure you include this in your reservation.
• Price Range: $200 - $450 per night
• Location: Nikko Town
• Review Score: 8.6 ★ (800+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"A magnificent ryokan ideally located just a stone’s throw from Nikko Toshogu shrine. The staff is incredibly attentive, providing impeccable service. The room was spacious, comfortable, and peaceful, and the baths offered an exceptionally relaxing experience. A special mention for the Japanese gourmet meal – absolutely exquisite! A true culinary experience that alone makes the stay worthwhile."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Budget Ryokans & Hostels In Nikko
1.
The Sumica Guesthouse
The best budget accommodation in Nikko happens to be this humble hostel, maintaining an average review score above 9/10 with nearly 1000 reviews. It's right next to the station, so travelling is super easy, and you're within walking distance to heaps of restaurants, shops, and the town's famous shrines and temples. The owners and staff are super friendly and helpful, they have a wealth of knowledge about sightseeing around Nikko and will go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. The property has a traditional Japanese vibe and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's the perfect base to spend 4-5 nights relaxing and exploring all the amazing attractions in Nikko.
• Highlights:
─  The best hostel in Nikko.
─ Amazing location next to Nikko Station, perfect for spending a few days exploring the town and national park.
─  Super helpful and friendly staff, offering awesome recommendations and tips during your stay.
• Price Range: $35 - $100 per night
• Location: Nikko Town
• Review Score: 9.2 ★ (900+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The hosts were amazing. All of their recommendations were great, from restaurants to onsen to the best itinerary for getting the most of the Nikko area. Definitely talk to them if you have questions! It's a small, simple guesthouse but it's perfectly clean with a very cozy atmosphere. It's an older building that has been well-maintained and has lots of character, and a very authentic Japanese vibe. It's walkable to restaurants, a grocery store and a convenience store. I'd definitely recommend staying here!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Nikko Station Hotel II
The Nikko Station Hotel II is the best budget hotel in Nikko. It's a nice modern property offering comfortable beds and mountain views. The architecture of the property is quite impressive, and the rooms are really well designed with a focus on convenience and comfort. You'll have easy access to transport all over Nikko, and be within walking distance of the town's famous shrines, temples, and restaurants. The value-for-money is really impressive for such a good location and a high standard of comfort.
• Highlights:
─  Conveniently located next to Nikko Station
─  Modern hotel with well-designed rooms and mountain views.
─  Amazing value for money, right next to public transport making it easy to explore the whole Nikko area.
• Price Range: $90 - $150 per night
• Location: Nikko Town
• Review Score: 8.1 ★ (3000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Excellent location - this hotel is within a short walk 3-minute from Nikko station and the bus station , making it a great base to explore Nikko. There is also a supermarket located 1 minute walk away. The hotel also helped to store luggage before check-in and after check-out. Staff at the front desk spoke English. The view from our room was amazing, looking towards the mountains"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3.
The Yutorelo Nikko
The Yutorelo offers everything you could possibly ask for: Lake Chuzenji views, budget hostel rooms or luxurious suites, incredible onsen facilities, and a really competitive price. The biggest highlights here are the views and the onsen, it's truly amazing to watch the sunrise or sunset over the mountains and the lake from the comfort of your own room. And then the onsen, such a beautifully designed onsen that really makes you feel close to nature. The location is great for hiking up Mt. Nantai, taking a walk to Kegon Falls, or catching the bus to other areas of the park. It's a surprise the review scores are not higher, the most common complaint is regarding cleanliness, but, most people don't seem to mind.
• Highlights:
─  Stunning views of Lake Chuzenji, and right next to the hiking trail for Mt. Nantai.
─  A wide variety of room options, from luxurious suites to hostel dorms, plus a big lounge area with board games and table tennis.
─  Within walking distance to shops, Kegon Falls, and the bus for travelling around the national park.
• Price Range: $45 - $450 per night
• Location: Lake Chuzenji
• Review Score: 8.0 ★ (1000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Our stay at Yutorelo was magical. The views were breathtaking. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the onsen. Both the indoor and outdoor baths were spectacular. The outdoor onsen with the snow was surreal. We also loved the traditional Japanese experience of sleeping on tatami floors. The futons were comfortable and we had a great night’s sleep, waking up to the serene lake views. The peaceful atmosphere, stunning views, and rejuvenating hot springs made this place truly special."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com