Kyukamura Nikko-Yumoto

The town was calm and pleasantly removed from the heavy tourism farther southeast. Breakfast and dinner were both great, and made a nice start and finish to my hiking days.

Being right beside Lake Yunoko, Kyukamura Nikko-Yumoto offered lovely mountain and forest scenery, with especially beautiful mist in the morning. The peaceful setting made it easy to switch off and enjoy the sounds of nature. I also walked nearby trails and visited Yudaki Falls and the lake, which were great for an easy hike and taking photos. The outdoor onsen was a real highlight. Soaking in the warm, milky water while looking over snow was unforgettable after a day out. My room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with both Western and Japanese touches, a bed, tatami area, and a nice view. It had a fridge and kettle, too. Breakfast and dinner came with the stay and were buffet-style, with lots of traditional dishes, seasonal flavors, and local ingredients. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. It was a restful, nature-focused escape, and I left feeling refreshed. I’d happily come back.

The breakfast and dinner buffets had lots of choice and were good quality, especially the sweets. Rooms were cozy, moderately spacious, and had nice lighting and views. The hotel looks modern and is well kept, despite the sulfur smell in the air from the volcanic area. It’s about a five-minute walk from the Yumoto bus terminal, among the hotels around Yuno lake. Being right by the lake made it easy to take a breezy morning walk. There’s also a stargazing activity when the weather allows, and it was both fun and educational. One annoying thing, the extension cord by the bed kept hissing and needs replacing. Still, I’d recommend it if you want to make the most of Nikko.

We spent two nights here and were very happy with the food, facilities, and lake view. The walk around the lake was lovely, and the rooms were as clean and comfortable as you’d expect at a ryokan. We’d love to return.