Best Luxury Hotels in Nikko

With the rugged nature of Nikko National Park and several immaculately preserved shrines and temples, it's no wonder Nikko is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations.

Since at least the eighth century, this sacred space has been a location for Shinto and Buddhist practices. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site that welcomes visitors from across the globe every year.

With waterfalls, mountains, and hot springs surrounding the area, Nikko is also a wonderful place for a relaxing vacation. Every season has something different to offer: vibrant foliage in autumn, skiing and powdery snowfall in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, and beautiful greenery in summer.

And if you're willing to splurge on an extra-special trip, Nikko is also home to some truly outstanding luxury hotels that can offer you an unforgettable experience.

Here are some of the best that we've found; private hot spring baths, multi-course dinners, and tranquility await.

By and large, one of the most famous luxury resorts in Nikko is The Ritz-Carlton Nikko. Historically, the renowned luxury hotel chain has set a high bar for elevated hotel experiences worldwide — and in Nikko, that’s no exception.

Located within Nikko National Park, you’ll find yourself well immersed in nature. You’ll get a clear view of Mount Nantai or the gorgeous Lake Chuzenji from your room. Traditional Japanese design combines contemporary touches for a particularly unique look, as far as Ritz-Carlton goes. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Japanese luxury hotel experience without a hot spring bath.

The world’s only Ritz-Carlton-brand hot spring runs on water naturally sourced from the famous Nikko Yumoto Onsen — a hot spring discovered over 1,200 years ago.

You’ll have your choice of Japanese-style dishes at the hotel restaurant prepared with local ingredients, or western-style dining on site at the peaceful Lakehouse restaurant. For a lighter meal, you can get their signature Nikko Afternoon Tea experience in the lobby lounge and unwind by the fireplace.

The Kinugawa Onsen area, famous for the moisturizing qualities of its natural spring water, was discovered in 1752. Here, you’ll find Kinugawa Onsen Sanraku, a luxury hotel hidden in the nature of Kinugawa Valley. It’s easily accessible, with a free hotel shuttle from the Kinugawa Onsen train station — only a five-minute drive away.

The hotel faces the Kinugawa River, meaning guests can admire a riverside view from their rooms. Whether it’s the lush greenery of the summer or the brilliantly bright foliage of autumn, you’re sure to enjoy some gorgeous views all year round.

Enjoy a kaiseki banquet dinner consisting of seasonal local ingredients. And, of course, the hot spring baths at Kinugawa Onsen Sanraku are an absolute delight. You can spend hours relaxing in the natural spring waters via the indoor bath, outdoor bath, ice bath, and cypress wood steam sauna.

If you want to be closer to Nikko's famous shrines and temples, look no further. Located within walking distance of Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine and situated in a serene forested area, Fufu Nikko is an elegant luxury hot spring hotel.

All 24 rooms come with their own private hot spring bath so that you can have the ultimate bathing experience in the comfort of your own room. And if you'd prefer a larger bath, there's both an indoor and open-air bath available for communal use.

Setchu, Fufu Nikko's Japanese restaurant, offers a kaiseki dinner, and if you're looking to unwind after your bath or meal, check out the Fufu Lounge. It's the perfect cozy place to listen to music and enjoy a glass of wine or tea.