Hotel Kanaya Kinugawa — Hotel in Nikko

Given The Kinugawa Kanaya is a classic luxury hotel that more than holds its own against newer competition. Three areas allow it to stand out: the food, the view and the service.||||We were pleasantly surprised at how fresh the interior was - everywhere from the reception/lobby to the rooms were in really good shape (not a scuff mark in sight.) And, unlike many "grand dame" style properties, the decor was not dark and drab in any way. It still retains its historic and classy charm, but has adapted itself to go with the times.||||We felt the service was perfect. Kanaya deftly managed the perfect balance of formality and attentiveness with finesse and grace - all of that without being overly stuffy in the process.||||The dining experience was an absolute highlight, and among the top 5 meals we've ever had at any top-flight hotel/ryokan in Japan (and that's saying something, believe me!) The Mrs. and I both agreed that there was not a single dish (of many) that we felt was not incredible. And here's another aspect where Kanaya continually improves - they don't allow its classic style to mean old-fashioned in the food department, either. Each dish was familiar, but was prepared and flavored in a very unique and innovative way. It was certainly not a case of "we've had it before, but it's a bit better here" kind of experience. Example: one of the courses was Bouillabaisse, but it was no ordinary Bouillabaisse - the soup contained White Miso (soybean paste), among other things, and it was amazing. And, of course, they used local seafood which consisted of Sea Bream, Japanese Tiger Prawn, Scallops and local vegetables. It was amazing. It was either the best Bouillabaisse we've ever had (if you can call it Bouillabaisse), and if not, then it was definitely the best soup-based dish we've ever tasted. It was that good.||||If there's a knock against the Kanaya, it's with the rooms - specifically the size of them. Given the rather exorbitant prices that it commands (mind you, the prices are inflated everywhere in the Nikko area by Japan standards), you would think that rooms would be a bit more spacious than they actually are. It's not claustrophobia-inducing, but certainly not roomy enough to want to spend all day lazing away in the room. While the Kanaya has 7 room categories, the actual room size of all of them - save for the John Kanaya Suite - are 66 square meters, with the only difference among them being the floor they're located in, whether the guests have club lounge access, balcony size, and the location of the private in-room onsen bath (some are on the balcony, whereas others are in the room itself.)||||Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel emphatically dispels the notion that "historic" does not necessarily have to mean outdated, old-fashioned, snobby and in need of a massive refurbishment. It shines in just about all aspects, with the room size and price the only thing keeping it from being an...

This amazing hotel is located in the heart of Kinugawa with views over the gorge and is a 15 minute drive to Nikko. On arrival there are staff to take your car and bags and to check you in which is a seamless experience. There is coffee and tea available on arrival while you wait. This occurs in a pleasant lounge overlooking the forested valley. Across from the lounge is a well appointed shop. |We had room 212 for three nights which was a spacious room done in traditional Japanese style. Although plainly decorated it had a very authentic feel and design. The room had a nice balcony but this could not easily be used as the afternoons were hot. There was minimal view from this room limited to trees and forested hillside and not the river. Perhaps the higher floors would likely have a better view. |Spacious bathroom with a separate toilet. Good shower but no external curtain or privacy screen available. Along with the Onsen being out in the open on the balcony we found this lacked privacy for our liking. There was excellent responsive air conditioning. The room rate includes free mini bar with beer and iced tea and water. Only negative was poor quality towels and tissues. |All staff were extremely attentive and nothing is too much for them. |Excellent Alacarte breakfast was brought directly to your table. You are offered a choice between Japanese and Western breakfast. Some options rotated each day. Apart from this the choice was limited to 3 types of eggs. Everything was quality. |Included in the rate was half board dinner each evening. Whilst you are at dinner your futon bed is made up in your room complete with turn down service which was usually a snack for later in the evening. The meal is 2 plus hours and very Japanese but again absolute quality. After three nights it does feel excessive to be enjoying a lengthy multi course menu but we did get to experience many meals that we would not normally try. The attention to detail went so far as having different crockery for each course. Some of these were very artistic.|Overall this is an amazing one off experience although you do pay for...

This amazing hotel is located in the heart of Kinugawa with views over the gorge and is a 15 minute drive to Nikko. On arrival there are staff to take your car and bags and to check you in which is a seamless experience. There is coffee and tea available on arrival while you wait. This occurs in a pleasant lounge overlooking the forested valley. Across from the lounge is a well appointed shop. |We had room 212 for three nights which was a spacious room done in traditional Japanese style. Although plainly decorated it had a very authentic feel and design. The room had a nice balcony but this could not easily be used as the afternoons were hot. There was minimal view from this room limited to trees and forested hillside and not the river. Perhaps the higher floors would likely have a better view. |Spacious bathroom with a separate toilet. Good shower but no external curtain or privacy screen available. Along with the Onsen being out in the open on the balcony we found this lacked privacy for our liking. There was excellent responsive air conditioning. The room rate includes free mini bar with beer and iced tea and water. Only negative was poor quality towels and tissues. |All staff were extremely attentive and nothing is too much for them. |Excellent Alacarte breakfast was brought directly to your table. You are offered a choice between Japanese and Western breakfast. Some options rotated each day. Apart from this the choice was limited to 3 types of eggs. Everything was quality. |Included in the rate was half board dinner each evening. Whilst you are at dinner your futon bed is made up in your room complete with turn down service which was usually a snack for later in the evening. The meal is 2 plus hours and very Japanese but again absolute quality. After three nights it does feel excessive to be enjoying a lengthy multi course menu but we did get to experience many meals that we would not normally try. The attention to detail went so far as having different crockery for each course. Some of these were very artistic.|Overall this is an amazing one off experience although you do pay for...