🕓 2024/9/22
#Hotels
About Tochigi
Tochigi Prefecture is known for its beautiful nature and rich historical and cultural heritage. Located in the northern part of the Kanto region, visitors can enjoy scenic landscapes that change with the seasons. Tochigi Prefecture attracts many tourists from across Japan. Particularly popular spots include Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and renowned scenic spots, as well as the famous hot spring resorts of Kinugawa Onsen and Shiobara Onsen.
The prefecture also boasts unique local cultural events such as the Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival and Nikko Festival. To make the most of your visit to Tochigi, here are three carefully selected luxury hotels.
3 Handpicked Luxury Hotels in Tochigi
Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel
Source: Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel Official Website
■The Appeal of Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel
Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel is a prestigious luxury hot spring inn located in Kinugawa Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture, founded in 1893. Known as one of Japan’s classic hotels, it is highly regarded for its blend of tradition and innovation in service.
1. Guest Rooms with Stunning Views and Open-Air Baths 
The suite rooms offer a particularly captivating accommodation experience. Located on the top floor, the suites feature spacious terraces and open-air baths made of Towada stone fed by natural hot spring water, providing panoramic views of the beautiful Kinugawa Gorge. The scenery changes with the seasons–cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage are especially breathtaking–offering a luxurious space to relax while taking in the gorge’s magnificent views.
2. Hot Springs and Healing Spaces 
The hotel’s hot spring facilities include large communal baths such as the “Ancient Cypress Bath” and “Four Seasons Bath,” where guests can enjoy alkaline simple hot spring water. These springs are known for their benefits for neuralgia and rheumatism, and feature colorless, transparent water that is gentle on the skin. The luxurious open-air baths, crafted with cypress wood and marble, allow you to relax and rejuvenate body and mind while surrounded by nature.
3. Creative Cuisine with Local Ingredients 
Guests can enjoy creative Japanese-Western fusion cuisine made generously with fresh local ingredients. Menus featuring seasonal produce are prepared throughout the year, offering an elegant and luxurious dining experience. The dishes are a feast for the eyes as well, and dining while gazing at the Kinugawa Gorge scenery is truly an extraordinary luxury.
4. Modern and Sophisticated Design 
The interior is characterized by a refined design that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity. The club floor suite rooms in particular feature luxurious living areas crafted with ash wood grain, styled in sophisticated tones. This creates a tranquil space where warmth and serenity coexist. Additionally, underfloor heating is installed throughout, ensuring comfortable stays even during winter.
5. A Luxurious Atmosphere Blending History and Tradition 
This historic luxury hot spring inn, established in 1893, traces its roots to the Nikko Kanaya Hotel, Japan’s oldest classic hotel. Carrying on the philosophy of founder John Kanaya, the hotel offers spaces where tradition and modernity merge into a luxurious atmosphere. Kinugawa Onsen itself was discovered in 1691 during the Edo period, boasting over 300 years of history as a hot spring destination that has captivated visitors for generations.
■Access Information for Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel
- Official Website: https://kinugawakanaya.com/
- Access: 3-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Station
- Address: 1394 Ohara, Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko City, Tochigi 321-2522
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PsTeZJukkUdLaqss7
Fufu Nikko
Source: Fufu Nikko Official Website
■ The Appeal of Fufu Nikko
The charm of “Fufu Nikko” lies in providing a luxurious stay that harmonizes refined Japanese traditional beauty with modern design, a nature-rich environment, and exceptional service. Below, we introduce its highlights in detail.
1. A Fusion of Taisho Romance and Modern Design 
The guest rooms beautifully blend Taisho-era romance with contemporary modern design. The “Stylish Suite” in particular offers a luxurious and romantic space where history and modernity are perfectly balanced.
The room design employs warm wood, velvet fabrics, and soft lighting to create a classic atmosphere. This transports guests back in time, evoking the charm of the Taisho era.
2. All-Suite Luxury Private Spaces 
All 24 rooms are designed as suites, each equipped with its own natural hot spring bath. Guests can enjoy the luxury of relaxing in their private hot spring while taking in the seasonal beauty of the surrounding nature. The rooms are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, offering spacious, serene, and healing spaces.
3. An Exquisite Dining Experience 
The in-house restaurant “Setchu” serves luxurious Japanese-Western fusion cuisine featuring seasonal local ingredients and world-renowned delicacies. At the live teppanyaki restaurant “Ko,” chefs prepare dishes right before your eyes, delivering an entertaining dining experience. Each dish beautifully expresses Japan’s delicate flavors while showcasing premium ingredients in a truly special culinary experience.
4. A Location Surrounded by Nikko’s Rich Nature and Culture 
Located next to the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, the hotel is surrounded by beautiful nature in every season. The location offers a special sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where guests can spend leisurely time listening to the murmur of the river and the songs of birds. Being close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, there are also plenty of activities for exploring the area’s history and culture.
5. An Exclusive Lounge Experience 
The lounge, exclusively for hotel guests, is highly praised as a relaxing space with a tranquil atmosphere. In the afternoon, guests can enjoy sweets made with locally grown Tochigi Tochiotome strawberries and afternoon tea, providing a truly relaxing and indulgent experience.
■ Access Information for Fufu Nikko
- Official Website: https://www.fufunikko.jp/
- Access: 10 minutes by taxi from Nikko Station
- Address: 1573-8 Honcho, Nikko City, Tochigi 321-1434
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XG4Nbv5Swmux2AuZ8
Hanare no Yado Kanon
Source: Hanare no Yado Kanon Official Website
■ The Appeal of Hanare no Yado Kanon
“Hanare no Yado Kanon” is a small, intimate hot spring inn with just 10 rooms, located in Nasu-Shiobara, Tochigi Prefecture. Here are five unique features that make it special.
1. All Rooms with Private Open-Air Baths in Detached Cottages 
All rooms are designed as detached cottages, each equipped with a private open-air or semi-open-air bath. From rooms overlooking the Houki River, guests can enjoy seasonal landscapes along with the soothing sound of the flowing water, creating a sense of oneness with nature. The private open-air baths allow for completely undisturbed, relaxing moments.
2. Spaces Designed for Ultimate Privacy 
With only 10 rooms in total, the inn maintains a tranquil and private atmosphere throughout. Each room is an independent cottage, and some are equipped with private gardens and hammocks. Surrounded by nature, guests can enjoy a truly luxurious space of complete privacy.
3. Hot Springs with Skin-Beautifying Properties 
The hot springs at Kanon are rich in metasilicic acid, known for its exceptional skin-beautifying effects. With 132mg per kilogram, this far exceeds the standard threshold. Metasilicic acid is a natural compound known to promote skin cell turnover and enhance moisture retention, promising beautiful, radiant skin.
4. Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine 
Kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal local ingredients is served, allowing guests to enjoy fresh flavors that change with each season. The beautifully presented dishes are a feast for the eyes as well, and since meals are served in private dining rooms, guests can enjoy an intimate dining experience without distraction.
■ Access Information for Hanare no Yado Kanon
- Official Website: https://www.shiobara-kanon.jp/
- Access: 10 minutes by bus from Kamimiyori-Shiobara Onsen-guchi Station
- Address: 23 Kamishiobara, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi 329-2923
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/21L8Si3aAXqV19Nz7