Viva Nikko

The place has a really old-fashioned feel, which we loved. Our big, cozy room with tatami gave us the best sleep of the trip, and the price was affordable for such a good location.

I appreciated being able to leave my luggage after checkout until my train, and the price was very reasonable. The hotel is also well placed, close to the station and within walking distance of the Nikko World Heritage Site. But the room was very dated, the furnishings were worn, and the bed was uncomfortable. The customer service was the worst I experienced at any hotel in Japan. I was polite, tried my limited Japanese, and used Google Translate to make sure I was understood, but staff barely acknowledged me. It works for a cheap one-night stay near the station, though I’d look elsewhere if you can find somewhere a little better.

The mountain view from my top-floor room was great, and the place is central and easy to find on the main street, just a few minutes from the station. It’s dated, sure, but I booked two months ahead and thought it was a steal for the price. The daytime middle-aged guy was helpful, and despite his limited English he explained the bus service and distance to Lake Yunoko. The grumpy old night-shift guy, though, reminded me of Carl from the movie UP. So, don’t expect much else. Haha!

For a two-star hotel, I thought it was well worth the price, especially given how close it is to the station. The stay was good, and there’s an old massage chair that’s fine for a bit of simple relaxation.