Hatcho-no-Yu — Hotel in Nikko

We stayed here in February for 2 nights.

If you’re only staying one night and it’s your first onsen experience then this might be a good stay, but if you’re staying for two or more nights… read on.

We absolutely love staying at onsen in Japan and have been doing so each trip for many many years. We like plenty of baths, a mixed bathing option, good food, and a remote place secluded and surrounded by nature. Hatcho-no-Yu ticked most of our onsen-stay boxes.

However lots about Hatcho-no-Yu felt rushed and disorganized.

Upon arrival we got abruptly and insistently told to leave our rucksacks and follow everyone being ushered quickly into a cafe area. Then bluntly told to sit and wait. It wasn't long before someone came and acquainted us with the building, bath locations and what time we will eat. They then gave us our room key and sent us on our way.

Since we haphazardly abandoned our rucksacks, we assumed either they must have moved them to our room or at least aside out of the way. They had done neither.

The room was simple and agreeable enough, we slept well with ear plugs.

The onsen was relaxing. However it didn't feel as special as other places we have been. It was disappointing, and Ishikusuhana no Yu was closed for renovation.

The wash area inside was small and the water from the tap/shower kept changing temperature and flow. Normally that wouldn't bother us much. However, with mounting dismay we couldn't ignore it.

It was stated that bathing is 24 hours. That is not true, we went to bathe on our second day and all the baths were void of water! We understand cleaning is important but we felt they could have left at least one available. It was dissatisfying, as that is one of our tick-boxes for an onsen stay. They also take a long time to refill fully.

The food was clearly high quality and tasty but somehow we felt rushed to eat and leave.

They staff although friendly seemed scripted/robotic. Some appeared to be working hard and others seemed to have a uncaring attitude. At times just being there we felt like a hassle to them. In the end we think there is a management issue.

A lot was gimmicky in comparison to other remote onsen.

We wanted to leave, and we won't return.

The best thing was leaving as we got to greet and pet the beautiful dog. We then took the shuttle and spoke to the driver, he was very pleasant and we had an engaging...

I found this little secluded onsen by accident and it was the best part of my trip in 2024 autumn(having been traveling in Japan extensively over the years).

It is located deep in the mountains and getting there might sound challenging but it is nicely doable, even with public transportation (I took the train from Tokyo and bus from Kinosaki Onsen). The journey to the location is experience on it's own - you will travel small little roads, places you would never get any other reason.

From the final stop of the bus, onsen will pick you up and another journey trough windy mountain roads that will take another 30 minutes will finally end in valley. Another option is hike for an hour.

The onsen itself is very "different" from regular onsens. You can feel how it is "connected to nature" - it is not just a phrase. The buildings are mostly log houses - looking more like Scandinavian mountain huts than Japanese ryokans. The interior is having nice theme. There is the older part and the newer part. It was very reasonably priced, even on the weekend (I actually decided to go as my hotel in Tokyo had higher fee for Saturday stay and I thought.. why would I stay in Tokyo if for the same money I get meals and onsen?).

The food was amazing. I loved how on their Japanese site they had so many options - especially I loved that I was able to select "little portion" as a small woman I usually feel very full after onsen meal. That dinner was amazing.

The baths are offering great view. The newer rooms had on room onsen baths on balcony. Amazing - soaking on the bath and watching snow fall.

So, if you are looking unique experience, nice rustic onsen and adventure - then this onsen is exactly that. I am coming back. More likely for more than one night - it felt like it was too short. Maybe during summer as high in the mountains it would be not that hot and the onsen offers many activities like forest bathing, hiking..

Highly...

Hatcho No Yu is as beautiful as it looks in the pictures, has an excellent, friendly staff, and serves amazing meals. Staying there got me out of the hustle and bustle of urban Japan to a quiet place where I could walk for quite a while and see no one else around. It's not exciting, but sedate.||||If that sounds appealing, here are some tips:||||1. If you're a hiker, ask about the condition of the nearby trails. The canyon where Hatcho No Yu is located is very steep and the trails tend to double as streams. Some were closed when I was there. But the scenery is gorgeous everywhere.||2. Consider bringing snacks. There is no box lunch service -- probably the biggest shortcoming of the resort. To avoid having to go back for lunch hour, bring something to eat. ||3. If you bathe, try different pools. Some are hotter than others. ||4. Don't worry about sitting cross-legged at low tables. In the dining room, there are regular tables and chairs. Also, tables are assigned, so don't worry about not getting seated.||5. If you take transit from Tokyo, give yourself plenty of time and try not to worry about all the connections and delays. Typhoon No. 19 made it a full-day trip for me, but one that was interesting at first and then utterly beautiful in the mountains.||6. Don't worry about language. Not every staff member speaks English, but I was always able to get my questions answered, and interacting with the people there was always a pleasure. ||7. Consider going with someone else: It's pretty much a couples and families place. Going alone was...