Asaya Hotel — Hotel in Nikko

The first thing you need to know about this hotel is that it is not in or even near any of Nikko’s celebrity sites but a half hour drive to the north in the Kinugawa onsen district. Kinugawa’s salad days as a hot springs resort are long gone and whilst the Kinugawa River gorge provides a dramatic centrepiece, many of the tawdry developments that crowd its precipitous banks are either derelict or gracelessly heading that way. ||Amid this architectural atrophy the Asaya Hotel stands like a stately citadel of opulence in exile. ||To be sure, it’s all a bit last century, starting with the stadium-size porte cochère leading off to a grand operatic atrium complete with pipe organ and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory glass elevators, but cutting past the cruise-liner glitz this is a well maintained, well managed, comfortable and good value hotel. There are a few shortcomings that deprive it of excellence, but if you don’t mind the commute to Nikko you would be hard pressed to better what the tariff buys you here.|| ||The good: the front door staff were ever helpful and efficient. Reception was polite and informative with passable English which follows throughout the hotel. Our non-smoking Hachibankan Japanese Style Room with twin beds (#601) was bright, clean, quiet, comfortable and very spacious – indeed the size of a modest suite (57 sq. metres). Everything expected was there and it mostly worked as expected. The décor is a tastefully modern iteration of traditional Japanese furnished with a few Western comforts – like sofas and proper beds. ||Which beds were refreshingly comforting after a few weeks of futons. The bathroom ensemble was modern, roomy, well laid out and well finished in the best Japanese tradition. The included WiFi worked well on all our devices. Our room/suite opened to a balcony overlooking the river gorge but, for reasons already expounded, soft focus needs to be engaged there so the better views are within. ||We opted for the breakfast and dinner package both of which are taken in the hotel’s expansive Asaya Garden restaurant. Both are buffet meals which were well serviced and of the finest quality.||||The not so good: in such a superior bathroom suite it was disappointing that the shower head was tiny and the water pressure anaemic. ||||The disappointing: it’s held to be a traveller’s hotel but there is neither a laundry nor any laundry service offered. When asked, the hotel will steer you to a local laundromat a couple of...

We stayed for 3 nights and 4 days in the room that was both Western and traditional tatami. We had the private hot tub as well. The room was quite nice and comes with ample amenities, it was fun they had face masks for our use as well as a humidifier and other skincare creams washes and lotions (communal use and likely not for take home) there were lots of teas and coffees for the room and each day if they clean they bring a few new snacks, just a couple adzuki pieces or cookies.

We were 3 adults and 1 infant so we required the floor bed but it doesn't come with a bed sheet, you have to ask for it separately and they bring it up later and make the futon bed. Which was inconvenient for us, it would have been better to have the sheet readily available in the room so we wouldn't have to wait.

The buffet was big but for breakfast hardly any vegan options other than the salad and potentially a couple tofu dishes although the use of bonito or dashi was uncertain. No vegan desserts so that was so disappointing. I just did my best to fill up on salad but it was inconvenient. I'm grateful at least they were flexible with the buffet times since I have an infant and keeping a strict schedule is very difficult.

I didn't have a chance to check out the onsen since I was stuck with my baby who can't go to the onsen but my sister said it was enjoyable.

The location is not convenient. It's 18 min walk from the train station and then over an hour by train to the main Street and then an additional 45-60 min to lake chuzenji. We took taxis sometimes but it's very expensive. From the main street to the hotel was 8700 yen one way. Nothing really near the hotel either so next time we will stay elsewhere, closer to the main sights. There is also no laundry at the hotel which I didn't expect since it's so big and has so many other amenities. They should offer laundering services, I would gladly pay. It was so inconvenient to walk a half hour to the nearest Laundromat. I also had to look it up myself, they did not help to locate it after they Said they didn't have laundry on site.

Late check out is an extra 2200 yen for one additional hour.

Oh and kid friendly, the buffet has cribs and high chairs for the...

Asaya Hotel, located in Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko, is the area’s oldest and most prestigious onsen ryokan, with a rich history dating back to 1888. Originally founded as Asaya Ryokan by Zenpachi Yagisawa—who also operated a charcoal and hemp shop—the inn began welcoming travelers shortly after the Kinugawa hot spring opened to the public. Over the course of more than 130 years, Asaya has evolved from a humble inn into a luxurious hotel, renowned for its grand atrium lobby, diverse cuisine, and exceptional hospitality. Easily accessible from Tokyo in about two hours via the Kinugawa Line, the hotel offers an ideal escape from city life. Guests can enjoy a full range of facilities including a beauty salon, bedrock bath, karaoke, kids’ room, and game corner, all designed to enhance relaxation and enjoyment. The renowned Kinugawa Onsen waters—known historically for their healing effects on burns, injuries, and fatigue—can be experienced in the hotel’s signature “aerial garden open-air bath,” the highest in the region, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and night sky.

Asaya Hotel offers two distinct styles of accommodation: the Hachi-bankan, which reflects the charm of a traditional Japanese inn, and the Shuho-kan, which offers a more refined and modern atmosphere. Rooms in the Hachi-bankan are fitted with high-quality Simmons beds and incorporate charcoal elements, believed to enhance relaxation and healing. Many rooms also feature private baths with scenic views of the Kinugawa River, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the soothing natural environment. Throughout its long history, Asaya has remained committed to providing a memorable and comfortable experience, blending time-honored hospitality with modern luxury. Whether you’re visiting for the therapeutic hot springs, the exquisite meals, or simply to unwind, Asaya stands as a timeless destination where tradition...