Nikko

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About Nikko

Just two hours from Tokyo, Nikko is a small mountainous city with a strong spiritual focus. Famed as the site of the 17th-Century Tosho-gu Shrine, an iconic Shinto landmark, the community has long attracted devotees from across Japan and further afield. Expect charming traditional accommodation, with our list of the best places to stay in Nikko featuring Japan’s oldest resort. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with family and friends, you’ll find cultural attractions and outdoorsy activities aplenty in Nikko.

Keen hikers will adore discovering the beautiful Nikko National Park, home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, as well as mountainous Okunikko and picturesque Lake Chuzenji. Visit in autumn for a mesmerising display of red, orange and golden leaves on the surrounding trees. Don't miss the chance to walk part of Japan’s 320-kilometre 'Romantic Road’, which winds its way through the heritage towns, hot spring resorts and marvellous mountain scenery of the Tochigi and Nagano prefectures. The ‘Three Great Waterfalls of Nikko’: Kegon Falls, Kirifurinotaki Falls and Uraminotaki Falls are stunning. The Akechidaira Observation Area also promises spectacular views.

Back in town, the UNESCO-listed Tosho-gu Shrine, with its beautiful Yomeimon and excellent museum is not to be missed. Guided tours of other nearby temples and the old town are brilliant. Speak to the teams at the best places to stay in Nikko for their top recommendations!

The Best Places to Stay in Nikko

For a Central Stay

  • Hotel Seikoen is a traditional ryokan with flexible accommodation options for couples or groups in rooms with tatami matting, paper screens and low seating. Relax in the onsen baths, enjoy regional cuisine and discover Nikko's many nearby attractions.
  • Nikko Kanaya Hotel is Japan's oldest resort. Founded in 1873, this local landmark offers classic rooms for couples, friends or families, as well as four dining options and mutiple meeting rooms. You're minutes from the UNESCO-listed Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The resort's gardens are particularly lovely in spring and autumn.

For Great Value

  • Nikko Guesthouse Sumica is a simple property with a mixture of private rooms and shared dormitories. Affordable accommodation will appeal to budget-conscious travellers, who will also appreciate access to a shared kitchen and communal sitting areas. Quaint and friendly.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY House

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Tokyo's Haneda International Airport or to Narita International Airport and travel to Nikko on the Tobu railway in under two hours.
  • The Tochigi region is wonderful to explore by road! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • With temperatures peaking at around 25°C, summers are best for outdoorsy activities like hiking and mountain biking. The changing red, yellow and golden leaves of autumn, however make this the most picturesque time to visit. If you're looking to try cross-country skiing, travel between November and early March, when you can expect the most snow.

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Best Hotels in Nikko

  • Nikko Guesthouse Sumica Nikko (Nikko-city) 4 rooms from $26

    Nikko Guesthouse Sumica
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    Groups  -  Shared dormitory rooms make this a great choice for relaxed trips with budget-conscious friends
    Value chic  -  An authentic Japanese property with simple rooms at very reasonable prices
    Sailing  -  Take a cruise on Chuzenji Lake, which is particularly beautiful in autumn
    Sights nearby  -  The world heritage shrines and temples of Nikko are 20 minutes' walk away
    No pets

    A quaint guesthouse well located within easy access of Nikkō's historical sights. Traditional tatami rooms offer an authentic stay while dormitories come with a very reasonable price tag. A small lounge offers a chance to mingle with other travellers. Ideal for those on a budget. See More

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  • KAI Nikko Nikko 33 rooms from $223

    KAI Nikko
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    Spa breaks  -  Enjoy a relaxing soak in either an indoor or outdoor bath, with a private onsen available for hire
    Local exploring  -  A great location for exploring Lake Chūzenji and the surrounding mountains
    Views  -  Take in the gorgeous vistas of Lake Chuzenji and Mt. Nantai from your room
    Restaurant  -  Seasonal delights await in the form of expertly produced dishes, crafted from the finest local ingredients including Wagyu
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantPet friendlyViewsParking

    A hot spring resort located on the eastern shore of Lake Chuzenji. Spacious and elegant Japanese and Western style rooms boast views over the lake and Mount Nantai; the restaurant serves superb kaiseki cuisine. Plus there's the onsen and range of traditional activities on site. An oasis of serenity. See More

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  • Tsuganoki Nikko (Kinugawa Onsen) 12 rooms from $181

    Tsuganoki
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    Romantic Break  -  Opt For the Between The Oranges Room with its sleek and spacious Western-style, private jetted open-air bath and stunning views
    Local exploring  -  There's a complimentary shuttle bus to the train station for those wanting to venture further afield
    Back to Nature  -  The property is in a beautiful setting, plus Nikko National Park is just moments away
    Views  -  Lovely views over the river and surrounding countryside
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsParkingNo pets

    On the riverside, not far from Kinugawa, this magical ryokan delivers on charm. Rooms are comfortable and stylish; most have open-air baths with wonderful views. There's both a communal and private onsen, and excellent local cuisine. Surrounded by nature, this is a romantic retreat. See More

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  • Hotel Seikoen Nikko (Tochigi) 26 rooms from $264

    Hotel Seikoen
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    Local exploring  -  Walking distance from the Shinkyo Bridge and various iconic temples, this is a top choice for on-foot explorers
    Great walks  -  Follow the winding walking route from Nikko to Lake Chuzenji to soak up the area's natural beauty
    Business meetings  -  Business travellers will appreciate the extensive meeting spaces and communal areas
    Skiing  -  Enjoy cross-country skiing at at Senjo-ga-hara during the winter months
    Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

    A traditional Ryokan located next to the famed Toshogu Shrine. Rooms of varying sizes (the largest sleeping 7) are classically dressed; think tatami mats, futon beds and paper screens. Boasting a hot spring bath, restaurant and even karaoke bar this is an ideal base to explore the region from. See More

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  • Nikko Hoshinoyado Nikko (Tochigi) 21 rooms from $248

    Nikko Hoshinoyado
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    Back to Nature  -  A lovely setting in a National Park, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities
    Local exploring  -  The property is close to several shrines such as Toshogu and Futarasan, plus Rinnoji Temple
    Sights nearby  -  A few steps will take you to Shinkyo Bridge, a sacred spot at the entrance to the Nikko Mountains
    Great walks  -  The perfect location for walks around the hotel enjoying its gorgeous National Park setting
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A modern ryokan set in the beauty of Nikko National Park. Warm, spacious rooms are stylishly decorated, overlooking the woodland beyond. There's a restaurant boasting wonderful views, plus a hot spring bathhouse with open-air soaking tubs. A lovely peaceful setting yet close to many city highlights. See More

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  • Kyukamura Nikko-yumoto Nikko (Yumoto) 63 rooms from $251

    Kyukamura Nikko-yumoto
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    Families  -  Families can make use of the kids' playrooom with plenty of books and toys to keep the little ones occupied
    Local exploring  -  The heart of Nikko combines World Heritage shrines and temples with traditional cuisine and crafts
    Birdwatching  -  Wild birds inhabit the nearby Senjōgahara hiking trail which offers wonderful views of the marshland and surrounding mountains
    Great walks  -  You can explore the lake on a pleasant 2.8km loop trail that starts right in front of the hotel
    RestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Set beside Lake Yuno amid mountains and forests, this hotel has spacious and minimalist rooms, many with splendid views. Breakast & dinner served in the restaurant are included in the rate, plus there's a cafe, a lush garden and a bathhouse with natural hot spring water. A calm and peaceful retreat. See More

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  • Nikko Kanaya Hotel Nikko (Tochigi) 71 rooms from $384

    Nikko Kanaya Hotel
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    Families  -  Twin and quadruple rooms are great for families or groups of friends, who will also appreciate the choice of dining options
    Local exploring  -  Minutes from Nikko's historic temples and shrines, this is a classic stay for keen history buffs and explorers
    Trekking  -  Follow scenic trails for mountain hikes with panoramic views and wonderful flora and fauna
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Nikko's main attraction
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Japan's oldest resort, this is an atmospheric spot with a charming mix of Japanese and European styles. Spacious rooms are light and airy with large windows, paper lanterns, parquet flooring and beamed ceilings. Housing a number of eateries and an old-fashioned bar. Fabulous and historic. See More

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  • Asaya Nikko (Kinugawa) 192 rooms from $314

    Asaya
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    Families  -  Billiards, table tennis and karaoke will keep everyone entertained, plus there's an exciting ropeway in front of the hotel
    Romantic Break  -  Ideal for an intimate stay with open-air baths off guest rooms, a private room restaurant plus massages and bedrock baths
    Local exploring  -  Explore nearby historical highlights such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan Shrine, and Rinno-ji Temple
    Sights nearby  -  Travel back in time at Edo Wonderland, a theme park based around the Edo period with ninja training, a maze and a museum
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A stylish hotel surrounded by mountains in Nikko. Rooms are spacious and elegant, a handful with open-air hot spring baths. Facilities include a restaurant, karaoke room, kids' play area, and a glittering atrium. Add in a pool, floating garden and wonderful views, and there's something for everyone. See More

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  • The Ritz-Carlton Nikko Nikko 94 rooms from $880

    The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
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    Spa  -  Enjoy a full body massage or have your troubles melt away in the outdoor and indoor hot spring-fed onsen
    Views  -  The rooms offer stunning views of either Lake Chuzenji or Mt Nantai
    Outstanding location  -  Situated within Nikko National Park on the shores of Lake Chujenzi
    Hideaway  -  An absolutely serene location below the Kegon falls
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A glamorous property on the shores of Lake Chūjenzi. Elegantly designed rooms blend minimalist and traditional styles and large windows lead to private porches with either lake or mountain views. The Western fusion cuisine is superb, plus there's the Ritz-Carlton's only onsen! Fabulous. See More

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