Fufu Nikko — Hotel in Nikko

Nikko is one of the world's most amazing destinations; therefore, we were always bewildered over the dearth of world-class hotels/ryokans in the area. After trying out the brand new Fufu property, Nikko finally has a torch-bearer when it comes to first-rate luxury accommodations. We had previously stayed at Fufu Kawaguchiko less than a year earlier, and while we had a pleasant time there, we weren't blown away - especially given its price point. While Kawaguchiko is equally fresh and modern, it's apparent to us that they took many of the learnings and applied it to their Nikko property.||||We stayed 2 nights in one of their two Luxury Premium Suites, a stylish and serene room with over 140m² of stretch-out space. It also had both an indoor and outdoor free-flowing Onsen (natural hot springs bath.) The room is a corner unit that faces the forest, which gave us complete privacy even with the lights on and curtains up. The furnishings and decor were luxurious, high quality and tasteful, and were spaced out and arranged in a way that made Kawaguchiko much more constricting in feel (despite the Luxury Premium Suite at Kawaguchiko measuring a similar 136m² in size.) Also, while Kawaguchiko tries to be a bit too "hip" (I think they're really trying to attract Millenials there), Nikko is much more modest and understated in all respects - they made sure that form does not come at the expense of function, and they managed a perfect balance of both aspects. Of course, Kawaguchiko has one advantage that's hard to top - stunning views of Mount Fuji. That said, being 15 minutes walking distance away from Tosho-gu Shrine also makes Fufu Nikko a very compelling proposition.||||Service is also more intimate, warm and proactive, and the food was superior at Nikko; I'd say it's in the top 10 in terms of the best meals we've had at ryokans (although it doesn't crack the top 5 - there is no shame in that, by the way.. Kaiseki meals at nice ryokans are almost always at least "great." It probably helped that our dinner server on both nights was the charming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Chie Watanabe - she was an absolute delight and went to great lengths to explain every single ingredient in every single dish (which is substantial!) I'm a stickler for detail when it comes to Kaiseki cuisine, and she definitely did her homework after understanding our expectations.||||Two things that I'd wish for: 1) Valet parking, and 2) The option (even if it's at extra cost) of having meals served in one's own room. Especially since the rooms are so large and comfortable - why have to leave it at all?||||Fufu nailed it in Nikko - I think they've figured out a winning formula for a large swath of the luxury demographic. It's small enough (24 rooms.) The architecture blends in nicely to the environment - it's modern yet understated, and the decor is muted in tone but still lavishly adorned. The meals (especially dinner) were exceptional. The room was spacious, comfortable and had two wonderful onsen baths (one indoor and one of the open-air variety) in the room. And while the service is a tad more corporate than tier-1, family-run luxury ryokans, it's far superior to any of the smaller Hoshino Resorts that we have stayed at.||||P.S. - we also tried one night at Hoshino Resorts Kai Nikko, and it's not even close. Hands-down, it's Fufu by a mile. Even at over twice the cost, it's worth every additional yen...

Nikko is one of the world's most amazing destinations; therefore, we were always bewildered over the dearth of world-class hotels/ryokans in the area. After trying out the brand new Fufu property, Nikko finally has a torch-bearer when it comes to first-rate luxury accommodations. We had previously stayed at Fufu Kawaguchiko less than a year earlier, and while we had a pleasant time there, we weren't blown away - especially given its price point. While Kawaguchiko is equally fresh and modern, it's apparent to us that they took many of the learnings and applied it to their Nikko property.||||We stayed 2 nights in one of their two Luxury Premium Suites, a stylish and serene room with over 140m² of stretch-out space. It also had both an indoor and outdoor free-flowing Onsen (natural hot springs bath.) The room is a corner unit that faces the forest, which gave us complete privacy even with the lights on and curtains up. The furnishings and decor were luxurious, high quality and tasteful, and were spaced out and arranged in a way that made Kawaguchiko much more constricting in feel (despite the Luxury Premium Suite at Kawaguchiko measuring a similar 136m² in size.) Also, while Kawaguchiko tries to be a bit too "hip" (I think they're really trying to attract Millenials there), Nikko is much more modest and understated in all respects - they made sure that form does not come at the expense of function, and they managed a perfect balance of both aspects. Of course, Kawaguchiko has one advantage that's hard to top - stunning views of Mount Fuji. That said, being 15 minutes walking distance away from Tosho-gu Shrine also makes Fufu Nikko a very compelling proposition.||||Service is also more intimate, warm and proactive, and the food was superior at Nikko; I'd say it's in the top 10 in terms of the best meals we've had at ryokans (although it doesn't crack the top 5 - there is no shame in that, by the way.. Kaiseki meals at nice ryokans are almost always at least "great." It probably helped that our dinner server on both nights was the charming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Chie Watanabe - she was an absolute delight and went to great lengths to explain every single ingredient in every single dish (which is substantial!) I'm a stickler for detail when it comes to Kaiseki cuisine, and she definitely did her homework after understanding our expectations.||||Two things that I'd wish for: 1) Valet parking, and 2) The option (even if it's at extra cost) of having meals served in one's own room. Especially since the rooms are so large and comfortable - why have to leave it at all?||||Fufu nailed it in Nikko - I think they've figured out a winning formula for a large swath of the luxury demographic. It's small enough (24 rooms.) The architecture blends in nicely to the environment - it's modern yet understated, and the decor is muted in tone but still lavishly adorned. The meals (especially dinner) were exceptional. The room was spacious, comfortable and had two wonderful onsen baths (one indoor and one of the open-air variety) in the room. And while the service is a tad more corporate than tier-1, family-run luxury ryokans, it's far superior to any of the smaller Hoshino Resorts that we have stayed at.||||P.S. - we also tried one night at Hoshino Resorts Kai Nikko, and it's not even close. Hands-down, it's Fufu by a mile. Even at over twice the cost, it's worth every additional yen...

Just enjoyed an exceptional first stay at FUFU Nikko with my sister and mum.||The service from arrival to departure was wonderful - attentive, considerate and diligent. No request was too much trouble even after I inexplicably mixed up my reservation dates! The rooms were beautifully and simply decorated with every modern convenience you could want during a short stay. Large windows facing out to the forest provides ample natural light, a scenic backdrop and a degree of privacy. Rooms were spacious, inclusive of a living room and provided ample space for the three of us. ||Each guest receives lounge wear, which you can wear around the hotel, including in the restaurant, outdoor and indoor slippers, night shirt and bath robes. If you need more of something whilst in your room or want fresh items including of the clothing provided, no problem, you can call reception and it will be deposited in a convenient two-way deposit box. This is an excellent feature allowing you to access it from your room without having to open the door and can be collected when convenient. ||The in-room onsen (private hot spring bath) was beautiful and exactly what we hoped for. It is maintained at a temperature of 42 degrees (and can be cooled) ready to enjoy day or night. ||The times for pre-booked breakfast and dinner are agreed and provided on handwritten on cards at check in for easy reference. Food and drink options were brilliant. Dinner options were seven course menus and you can choose between Teppanyaki and traditional Japanese. Breakfast was five courses and you can choose between Japanese and “Western”. Breakfast and dinners are served in private dining rooms so you able to enjoy peacefully with just your guests. My sister has several dietary requirements and they took great care in understanding these and preparing delicious alternatives for her. Lunch is not provided and the in-dining room menu is limited, so if you are not going into town during the day where there are lots of food options, we would recommend packing some snacks. However breakfast and dinner are so filling! In addition you can be served a selection of free drinks from 16:30-19:30 each night including premium options. We enjoyed the glasses of champagne by the lounge fire before dinner each night. ||All in all, I would urge anyone considering to go ahead and book. You will not be disappointed. We...