The city of Nikkō in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan is small but perfectly formed.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience traditional Japanese architecture, hospitality, and nature.
Nikkō draws more than 12 million people to its wonderful sights each year, including many Japanese who long for the pampering of a traditional ryokan stay.
In this article, I will share where you should stay in Nikkō, with the best areas and ryokans for a new visitor.
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Where you should stay in Nikkō: best areas and hotels for visitors
Many people head to Nikkō as a day trip or short excursion, but I guarantee that you will want to spend time in this beautiful part of Japan.
Nikkō perfectly balances a warm hospitable culture with the preserved traditions of Japan.
It also has outstanding natural assets including the magnificent Lake Chūzenji in Nikkō National Park.
Here are my top picks for accommodations that are fitting for such a beautiful destination.
1. Itoen Hotel New Sakura
| Location | 1060 Kinugawaonsen Ohara, Nikkō, Tochigi 321-2522, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Ryokan |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Fukushima Airport (48 miles) |
| Nearest park | Takimi Park (0.8 miles) |
If you are looking for a restorative Nikkō stay with a rejuvenating hot spring soak, this traditional ryokan has its own outdoor onsen bathhouses!
Itoen Hotel New Sakura offers comfortable private rooms that have traditional screens and tatami flooring.
This spacious, air-conditioned accommodation is private and is furnished with futons, traditional chabudai tables, mini-fridges, and TVs.
More photos on booking.com
Like most ryokan, the hosts at Itoen Hotel New Sakura know how to feed their guests.
You can take breakfast in the buffet restaurant and have a variety of Japanese meals made to order.
The guest house offers family entertainment that includes table tennis, a pool, karaoke, and garden access.
You can also sweat off your delicious meals in the on-site sauna.
2. LiVEMAX RESORT Kinugawa
| Location | 321-2522 Tochigi, Nikkō, Kinugawa Onsen Ohara 2, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Ryokan |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Fukushima Airport (50 miles) |
| Nearest park | Takimi Park (3.1 miles) |
Enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi) at this authentic ryokan that is just moments from Kosagoe Station.
This ryokan is run by the LiVEMAX hotel chain and has luxurious amenities including:
- Onsen
- An outdoor swimming pool
- Open-air bathtubs in hotel rooms
- Karaoke rooms
- Bicycle rentals
- High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity
- Roof terrace and BBQ
The LiVEMAX RESORT Kinugawa has the following room types:
- Modern Deluxe Room with Open-Air Bath
- Modern Premium Room with Open-Air Bath
- Modern Premier Western Style Room with Open-Air Bath
More photos on booking.com
In addition, these ensuite rooms feature massage chairs, tatami flooring, low tables with cushion seating, and TVs.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the ryokan. The LiVEMAX RESORT serves a hearty Japanese breakfast and dinner daily in its dining room.
3. Little Forest Inn Nikkō
| Location | 321-1661 Tochigi, Nikkō, Chugushi 2484, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Guesthouse |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Fukushima Airport (62 miles) |
| Nearest park | Hans Hunter’s Villa Site (800 yards) |
This pleasant and affordable guest house, 30 minutes from Nikkō’s mainline train station, is worth considering for its great views of Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai.
Guests enjoy cycling, hiking, and angling in its locality as it is right in front of Lake Chuzenji.
Guests have the choice of traditional Japanese rooms with tatami flooring and futons or western-style rooms.
More photos on booking.com
All rooms are ensuite, but you have to pay for towels, traditional Yukata robes, or toiletries. There is also a shared kitchenette with a microwave and fridge.
Meals are served in the guest house’s restaurant, Mihashiya restaurant. You can also hire snowshoes and a boat to use on the lake.
Nearby sites to Little Forest Inn include:
- Futarasan Shrine
- The Senjogahara Plateau
- Nikkō Toshogu Shrine
4. Minshuku Fukufuji
| Location | 321-2716 Tochigi, Nikkō, Nokado 225, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Ryokan |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Fukushima Airport (56 miles) |
| Nearest park | Senjogahara Field (8 miles) |
This traditional ryokan guest house is located in the rural Kuriyama region, where you can enjoy lots of agrarian sights and sounds.
Though the accommodation is basic, Minshuku Fukufuji does provide an in-house onsen and delicious Asian breakfast daily.
All rooms in this ryokan are air-conditioned with a shared bathroom for guest use.
More photos on booking.com
Minshuku Fukufuji has a homestay feel as the owners and staff of this family-run establishment are extremely hospitable.
The local scenery is pleasant, but be prepared to have to travel to see the rest of Nikkō.
The nearest sights to Minshuku Fukufuji include:
- Senjogahara Field
- Yomeimon
- Nikkō National Park
- Stone park
5. Kyukamura Nikkō-Yumoto
| Location | 321-1662 Tochigi, Nikkō, Yumoto Onsen, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Ryokan |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Ibaraki Airport (90.7 miles) |
| Nearest park | Senjogahara Field (2.2 miles) |
If you want the ultimate ryokan experience, this 4-star resort delivers the pampering and rejuvenation you need!
Kyukamura Nikkō-Yumoto is a complex set on the banks of Lake Yuno, amidst birch and larch groves. The ryokan also has an onsen and a 2.8 km loop trail that guests can walk or cycle.
Guests can stay in 63 guest rooms, including 26 authentically Japanese rooms.
More photos on booking.com
All rooms in this ryokan are ensuite and well equipped with the traditional Yukotan supplied to every guest.
There is Wi-Fi throughout the ryokan and meals can be enjoyed in either the restaurant or tea lounge.
Sights and attractions nearby Kyukamura Nikkō-Yumoto include
- Nikkō Toshogu Shrine
- Italian Embassy Villa Park
- Lake Yunoko
- Senjugahama
- Kegon Falls
- Ryuzu Waterfall
In Conclusion
Nikkō is esteemed as one of the best destinations for escaping Japan’s frenetic modern lifestyle.
These ryokans provide a haven for the Japanese where they can enjoy traditional hospitality and restorative bathing and nature.
If you’re looking to experience the iconic North Kanto region, a Nikkō ryokan is where you should stay.
