What kind of luxury onsen hotel is The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko?
In the cold winter month of January, we took the express train on the Tobu Isezaki Line from Asakusa Station, got off at Tobu Nikko Station, and took a cab to the hotel. We took a cab up the winding Iroha slope, passed through a tunnel, and came in sight of the hotel. When we arrived at Nikko Station, it was snowing and clouds were gathering, but by the time we arrived at the hotel, the snow had stopped and blue skies were visible. This is a rural tourist area, so there is no sophisticated atmosphere here, but once inside the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, we found ourselves in a different world. At the front of the building, there was a stately appearance of the entrance, which was indeed in the style of the Ritz-Carlton of the world.
Once inside, we were greeted with a cool, citrus-like aroma. The modern interior, furniture, and ornaments made from traditional Tochigi crafts caught our attention. Immediately, a staff member showed us to to the bar lounge. Through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, we could see snowy landscapes glistening in the sunlight, blue skies and lakes. We had been to Nikko many times before, but we had never seen such a spectacular view of Nikko. This is exactly the view of the world that the Ritz-Carlton creates.
Behind the bar counter, a dynamic shelf covered with porcelain tiles and lined with bottles from all over the world was a surprise. It was truly a space for adults. Across from the bar counter was a modern fireplace, and watching the flames gently swaying made us feel very relaxed. The yuzu cocktail we had while admiring the natural beauty of Oku-Nikko was exceptional. Here, we completed check-in formalities and the staff showed us around.
This time we booked the most reasonably priced riverside garden room on 1F. At the entrance of the room, there was an impulse stand made of Kanuma-gumiko, a traditional craft of Tochigi Prefecture, and the walls of the room were also decorated with a pattern of kumiko work. The room was spacious, luxurious, and modern. There was a veranda with a cozy sofa, from which one could see a silver-world forest covered in white snow and an emerald-colored river flowing by. At the back of the balcony, there was a small garden expressed in stone called karesansui, which was quaint.
The view of the lake and Mt. Nantai from the bar lounge was spectacular, but the view from our room was also breathtaking. It was like being lost in a picture book. For a while, although it was cold outside, we sat on the balcony sipping coffee and admiring the mystical forest scenery. Then, a parent and child deer passed by, nimbly hopping on the pure white snow. Perhaps they were looking for food. Looking closely, we could see the cute deer tracks on the pure white snow.
After staying on the balcony for a while, my body was getting cold, so I changed into a yukata and decided to go to the communal hot spring baths on 1F. There is also a bath in the room with a view of the outside, but unfortunately it is not a hot spring.
When I entered the communal bath area, I could smell the fragrance of hot spring water. It was freezing cold that day, but soaking in the cloudy white hot spring water while gazing at the snowy landscape was a sensation that soothed my body from the core. The dry sauna with the aroma of Japanese cypress was also great.
I went back to my room and looked outside to see a blizzard outside. It was pitch black and I could not see anything. Having warmed up in the hot spring, I wanted to view the snowy landscape and forest lit by moonlight from the balcony, but alas, I could see nothing. I had no choice but to stay in my room until dinner.
Then there are two restaurants in the Ritz-Carlton Nikko, one for Japanese food and the other for Western food, and we opted for Western food. Reservations on the day seem to take a long time to be arranged, so advance reservations are recommended. The restaurant has a luxurious ambience with dark lighting during dinner time. The grilled Ashikaga marc beef was especially good, but the other dishes were not very impressive. We regretted a little that we should have made a reservation at a good sushi restaurant called Sushi Kurosaki we had been to before, which was a 2-minute walk from here. This small sushi restaurant offers excellent value for money. Reservations are required because of the small number of seats.
After dinner, we were supposed to go stargazing, but it was postponed because of a snowstorm outside. Normally, the staff will take you to the parking lot at Senjogahara by car. They also lend you binoculars.
When we woke up the next morning and went out on the balcony, the snow had stopped and we could faintly hear birds chirping and the sound of the river flowing. The surface of the piled up snow was bathed in the morning sun, and the area gradually became brighter and brighter. Then, a father and daughter of foxes arrived, scampering around, looking for food. It was a heartwarming moment to observe these wild creatures so close at hand.
Check-in time is at 12:00, so after breakfast, we took a free art tour, which was quite a sight to see, with over 100 pieces of art, including architecture, interior design, and crafts from Tochigi Prefecture. The staff’s detailed explanations reminded us that this is a wonderful art hotel.
If I were to mention a drawback, it would be the lack of rooms with private hot springs. It’s a shame, because each room has a bathtub with a wonderful view of the outside. Also, as mentioned above, I think that more thought needs to be given to the food, and I hope that this will be improved in the future.
Also, during the foliage season from mid-October to early November, the area around Lake Chuzenji and the Iroha slope become crowded, so weekends during this period are not recommended.
Is the location easy to access?
From Asakusa Station, take the Tobu Isezaki Line to Tobu Nikko Station, and then take a cab for about 30 minutes. The cab fare is JPy4,000 to 5,000.
Alternatively, take the Tobu Bus from the station for about 40 minutes and get off at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko Bus Stop. Refer to the time table. The bus fare is JPY1,250 one-way for adults.
There are also ways to get there from Shinjuku or Tokyo Stations, but they are not recommended as they are infrequent or require a transfer on the way.
On the way from the station to the hotel, there is a long, winding slope called Iroha-zaka, so those who get carsick should take anti-sickness medicine beforehand.
Rooms I would recommend?
We stayed in the most affordable Riverside Garden View room and we loved it. We would recommend it especially for those who want to relax on the balcony while viewing the fresh greenery in early summer, beautiful autumn leaves, and snowy landscape.
Is this child-friendly?
Staff can provide baby cots, slippers, toothbrushes, samue outfits for small children if you request in advance. Sleeping with up to 2 children under 12 years old is free. There is also a Ritz Kids program available.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, bathrobes, pajamas, yukatas, bottled water, a coffee machine with capsules, tea bags, welcome fruit, and a green tea set. Also, there were Asprey bath amenities and Omnisens Paris skincare products in our bathroom. There is no convenience store within 10min walking. The free Wi-Fi reception was good.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are wonderful indoor and outdoor communal hot springs with saunas. Spring quality would be special. They are open between 5:30 and 23:00. The communal hot spring baths are also available for those with fashion tattoos. Children in diapers are not allowed to bathe.
Then the spa treatment shop is available. Feel free to telephone the spa at 0288-25-6666 or to email rc.nikko.spafitness@ritzcarlton.com
There is a gym, open 24 hours a day, for ages 16 and older, with sportwear and shoes available for rent.
There were several bicycles for rent at the entrance of the hotel. On a nice day, you may want to cycle around the lake.
Then the hotel is a universal design. Wheelchairs are available for borrowing. If you bring people with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift.
How about meals?
We were also looking forward to breakfast, but were somewhat disappointed. It was very beautifully presented, like a jewel box, but most of the food was cold and not satisfying for the price of JPY6,000 per person.
My impressions
Since the hotel has only been in business for a short time, some of the staff were unfamiliar with it, but overall, the service was sophisticated. We would like to visit next time in late October or early November when the autumn leaves around Lake Chuzenji are beautiful.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
Info about The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
| Style | luxury Resort Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/12:00 |
| Estimated Price | 110,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | rc.nikko.ge@ritzcarlton.com |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The parking lot is available for JPY3000 per day Valet parking is available |
| Location | The Ritz-Carlton,Nikko’s MAP |
| Access | 30min by taxi from Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station |
| Address and TEL | 2482, Chugushi, Tochigi 321-1661 321-2522 Tel +81 288 25 6666 |
| Official Homepage | The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko’s HP |
*All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog.