Lake Side Nikko Hotel

For $300+ a night, this was much too expensive for what you get. The rooms are basic, there’s no lake view at all, and we had to kill insects every night because we were worried they might bite us. I wouldn’t stay again. The onsen had such a strong sulfur smell that I started coughing as soon as I went in. It was also the only place I could shower, so I had no choice.

The fees at check-in didn’t match the agreed price, and I had to show my credit card receipt. The hotel also doesn’t clear or salt the front drive, so getting a car up when it’s icy is a problem. The long staircase was icy and snowy too, with nobody clearing it. There’s no elevator, and every room is on the second floor. Inside, it felt close to abandoned. The halls and lobby were cold, carpets stained, and dead bugs were lying around. The rooms were drafty and worn out, with stained chairs and cigarette burns. The onsen water looked dirty and was nothing like the online photos. The windows were too dirty to see through, except where they were broken. Mattress covers looked unwashed; when we asked for clean ones, they said none were left, so we had to wrap the futons in extra sheets. There weren’t enough futons for comfortable sleeping. It feels like one of those rural japan hotels that keeps taking bookings without putting anything back into the property. The photos are unrealistic, and I think people are too reluctant to write honest reviews. Booking.com should be ashamed to list it.

The setting on the lake is beautiful, with deer around, and sleeping on the floor felt authentic. One mattress wasn’t comfortable, though, so I’d double them up. It’s quite far from the main attractions, with Kegon falls the closest at a 25-minute walk; you can also walk along the lake or take a bus. The place and rooms feel dated, like a former luxury hotel that’s now more of a grandparents lodge. One light was broken and the mini fridge didn’t work. The sweet woman at reception didn’t speak much English but was helpful. I’m a picky eater, so dinner was a bit much for me, but wow, there was a huge spread with so much local food.

The location is lovely, and we enjoyed the onsen and our clean room. The staff were very friendly, and although things are a bit old, we had a good time. Just be aware that the hotel is remote from restaurants in the neighboring village, with nothing nearby. We were fine with the 20-30-minute walk along the lakeside to get dinner.