Nikko Senhime Monogatari

We were unsure about paying more when there were cheaper hotels around, but we were glad we chose this one. We booked a Japanese-style room for one night with breakfast and dinner included. The building isn’t luxurious, though it has a traditional feel, and the staff really looked after us. Ms. Fukuda greeted us when we drove up, helped us park and carried our bags. She showed us to a sitting area and brought green tea and sweets. Ms. Morone at the souvenir shop and Mr. Yamazaki were also among the kind staff we met. The lobby had a soothing incense smell. Dinner was a highlight. Our name was printed on the lantern outside our private dining room, which smelled wonderful with all the Japanese dishes. A few side dishes weren’t to our taste, but the main courses were lovely. The sashimi looked only fair but tasted fresh and delicious, and the Tochigi wagyu beef shabu shabu was tender. The male staff member who served us throughout dinner was especially courteous and attentive. Breakfast was a set meal with delicious tofu, though we preferred dinner. The dining room felt a little hot, but we found out afterward that it had air conditioning. Our room was spacious, with a pleasant tatami scent. It was a little dated but very clean and well maintained, with sparkling faucets, a refurbished-looking shower, strong water pressure, and plenty of toiletries. The onsen was superb and stayed open until midnight. There was also free live piano in the lobby the night we were there. The souvenir shop had lots of pretty things, though I wish I’d had room in my luggage to buy more. The hotel has free parking and is conveniently located, about a ten-minute walk from Nikkō Tōshogū (Nikko Toshogu Shrine) and Shinkyo Bridge. We really enjoyed our stay and hope to come back for a relaxing visit in a room with an onsen.

I loved the traditional Japanese feel and the views. Our room was clean and spacious, and the hotel’s public bath was great, especially the outdoor part. There’s a free shuttle to and from Tobu-Nikko station too. I’d come back!

One night at the piano bar, we felt unwelcome, as if we were a nuisance. There wasn’t much Omotenashi, which was disappointing for a hotel at this price. The staff could use more training.

There are so many onsen baths here, plus a dry sauna and a cold plunge. It felt like a spa retreat. The hotel is outside central Nikko, so restaurant choices nearby are limited, though you can walk to all the sights.