Hotels near Mikawasawa Dam, Nikko

This is my third trip/adventure to Japan. I would say as a solo traveler this has to be one of the very best places I have ever stayed in when travelling around Japan. I came to Nikko np to explore the vast array of hiking trails, all of which I did, had breathtaking views and a poetic, truly majestic Japanese feel to them. I rented a car from Nasushiobara (Shinkansen) and drove across to Kinugawa. On arrival I was greeted by a host of the hotel staff, welcoming me and helping me with parking and my bags. I checked in with ease and with some broken English and Japanese on my part was led to a beautiful traditional Japanese style room overlooking the river. The service throughout was world class and made me feel both very comfortable, at home, but also special. I stayed 3 nights with half board (breakfast and dinner), both truly amazing and served with grace and politeness. On the first evening’s dinner one of the serving staff took the time to speak with me and allowed me to share some of my recent experiences/photos etc whilst preparing dinner - this was most welcome, especially as I had been travelling alone for over a week. The location of the onsen hotel is about 60 mins drive to some of the most sought after walks in the np. Very easy to access by car and excellent roads. The accommodation itself is a mix between very traditional Japanese resort and original/boutique Ryokan. The private and public onsen’s are fantastic and a well deserved rest-bite after a long days hiking! Having been to some of the most popular ryokan’s in Japan; Iwaso, Claska etc, this came as a very nice surprise and at an affordable rate without any compromise. If in the area, I would highly recommend staying…

* 5 star service from Hitomi and make sure to upgrade to all you can eat dinner/breakfast dining option. Booked this hotel for a stay in Mid November and after getting off of train we caught the bus here a little after sundown. The autumn leaves are really outstanding-almost every picture is a gorgeous post card. Bus driver asked where we are headed to and told him ”Kinugawa Onsen Hotel” . Took around 10 min to arrive and we were dropped off in front of hotel parking lot. Waited in a short line to check in and front desk service referred us to ”HITOMI” her name on tag in hiragana characters. She whipped up 2 page map with room information, pertaining elevator diagram and hotel keys. Make sure to pay careful instructions about onsen and buffet times- free soft serve ice cream and snacks until 6pm in lobby/ free drinks, coffee, tea until 10pm. FYI- best soft serve in Japan Hokkaido milk...yummy!!! 5 golden stars to HITOMI- top notch and friendly service. She urged us to be aware of emergency exits on our floor. While you are dining they will bring out futons so when you return- soft futons are waiting for you! The room is a traditional tatami mat with table and cushions. It is welcoming with snacks, complementary bottled water and a hot tea station. Room safe in closet also included were yukata robes for him and her. Ugh, wonderful amenities, tooth brush, a few toiletries -worry free stay. After visiting the onsen - kind of stressful for a foreigner like me. Not used to being naked with other ladies but in reality I was invisible- no shame at all. We headed down to the all you can eat dinner. We had 90 min-more than enough time to eat from 7:30 to 9pm. The spread was adequate with dishes from Japan and a few we recognized. Tempura made to order, musubi bar, gelato station, bakery section, fruit bar, local dishes and drink machine both hot or cold more-more- more- too much to mention. Looked at all the diners like ravenous sharks. Lots of help staff taking away empty plates, chefs assistants re-filling the empty vessels with more foods. Orderly chaos in front of me and loving every succulent moment. I felt like Templeton in the Charlot's Web movie. Burp* UGH, rubbing my full belly and going for seconds and thirds. Repeating ” ah, ill have a year to diet” until we come back again. Super glad we upgraded to the all you can at buffet. Coming again in the morning-they open at 7am for breakfast. It ended up being a repeat but with Japanese breakfast foods too. We did an early checkout at 8am and paid our $2 onsen tax. They were nice enough to let us stay in the room until 10am if we promised to bring back both keys at that time- no issues there. First bus back to the train station arrives a little after 10 am and Hitomi came out to ask us to wait in lobby. Lobby had comfy seats and was warmer than outside. Hitomi soooo kind of her she told us the bus was here- wished her every success in life! Please -if you get a chance to

This hotel is very close to Kinugawa Station! The room was very spacious, clean and comfortable! There is a mountain across the river outside the balcony window. It is very comfortable to hear the sound of the mountain spring flowing from time to time. Fortunately, there is an eagle neighbor. Every day you can see him flying low in the river to look for food and standing on the tower pillar to gaze! Both dinner and breakfast are Japanese-style meals with great care. The dinner chef will write a poem-like introduction to the dishes. When we went to have dinner, the service staff came into the room to make the bed. It was so clean and comfortable! There are two types of large hot springs, indoor and outdoor. The bathing area is also large and comfortable, so the bathroom in the room cannot be used. The most unforgettable thing about this hotel is the ”starry sky”! After taking a bath, we returned to the room and could see many stars on the balcony, so we turned off all the lights in the room, and the stars were indeed ”all over the sky”! Sit on a recliner and listen to the spring + stargazing + drink hot tea... it's a rare enjoyment in the world to calm down your mind!

The hotel is very beautiful - ambiance was great, room was great, staff were excellent. The very clean common kitchen with complimentary coffee, tea, and miso soup was awesome and a boon to the travel weary. We could warm our food in the microwave and conventional ovens. The hotel also offered artisanal bread, pizza etc. for purchase, which could be reheated or baked in the ovens. Altogether a great hotel but it was far from the main area near the train station where most of the restaurants and convenience stores were.

For reference we stayed in the Standard Dormitory. There are 2 rooms, 8 beds in each that share 2 toilets, a single sink, a single shower and a small kitchen. The bathrooms, kitchen, and shower were always clean. However, the kitchen only has a microwave and some plates, bowels and a few cups. There is no stove top to cook anything and there is no oven to use. You’re limited to microwave meals or eating out. If you’re on a budget and only plan on staying a single night then this is a great place. Any more nights and I would recommend finding another place. The staff a friendly and speak great English.

Arrived at Hotel and parked the rental car in the car park for free. Staff were very efficient and check in was very quick. Japan is still very Covid conscious and masks are worn everywhere. We were advised that there were were facilities for making Tea/ coffee in the room and that we should take any provisions required (for free) from the table arranged in the lobby i.e. tea / coffee / toothbrushes..etc. Room was lovely and spacious with a comfortable bed and lovely en-suite- lovely deep bath (shower fixings would be low for taller individuals). They had an evening bar and Onsen (natural hot water spring separate for males and females). They had a restaurant that provided an extensive buffet menu for breakfast - very tasty, and they had a select menu for the evenings and what we tried was very tasty also. The staff in the Hotel and restaurant were most friendly and encouraged me when I attempted some Japanese words. A very lovely start to our holiday in Japan - Thank you for your hospitality, we would happily stay here again

My wife and I booked the Nikko Station Hotel II for April 13 - 15 as a non refundable reservation. This week, the US State Dept issued a Level 4 warning for all US citizens to avoid international travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of their normal policy, the Nikko Station Hotel II made an exception due to the COVID-19 pandemic and issued a full refund. We will reschedule our trip to Japan after the pandemic passes and WILL DEFINITELY rebook at the Nikko Station Hotel II, as they have shown excellent customer service in a difficult time!

コロナ禍、本当に久々の外出ということもあり、少し高めでもと露天風呂付きのお部屋を予約しました。 露天風呂→こちらの温泉が皆さん良いということでしたのでお部屋の露天風呂にも当然温泉と思いましたが普通の水道水でした。残念…。勿論、網戸などない場所なのでバスタブは虫だらけでした。 ベッド→という名で掲載されていますが、お部屋の角が少し高くなっているところにせんべい布団が引いてあるだけです。硬すぎて身体が痛くて良く眠れませんでした。 寝具？シーツ？もお洗濯の生乾き臭で残念です。 コロナ禍で仕方ないとは思いますが、連泊してもタオルの交換があるくらいで、ベッドメイキングのし直しはなかったです。 お部屋はすごく寒かったです。 料理→季節や地元のものを期待していたのに、カニとエビばかり。カニは冷凍してあったものと想像します、ですので、変な硬さがあり身もほぐせず半分も食べずに諦めました。アレルギーの確認がないので、甲殻類アレルギーの方はお料理絶対確認したほうが良いと思います…。 食品テーブル調理用の燃料が小さくて、しゃぶしゃぶ、豚肉が出てきたのですが途中で火が消えて諦めました。あと5分くらい調理出来るサイズだとよいのでは？ 朝食は和風です。コロナ禍ということもあり、バイキングは難しいと思いますがせめて和朝食か洋朝食くらいは選べると良いのにと思います。 そして、フロントの男性スタッフがフロントらしくない所作と思いました。わたしたちの名前を予約リストから見つけられず、本当にうちで予約していますか？と聞かれました。女性は丁寧でした。 いうことで、コロナ禍なのでサービスが制限されるのは仕方ないと思いますが値段とサービス内容が合っていないと思いました。

We were hosted by an elderly couple, and his family members. They were super cute, friendly and polite. It's like their small family business, ground floor was a western restaurant, second floor onwards were all the guest rooms. They know a bit of English, so the communication wise no issue at all. What we love about this stay is that other than the room with gorgeous lake view, the host was super helpful to allow us to store our luggage with them even way before our check-in timing. Furthermore he even offer to send us to the laundry shop, when we just casually ask him about the laundry. What actually surprised me the most, was that he even FETCH us from the laundry shop after we were done. Will definitely come back to this place again if I'm in Nikko! Thumbs up! Super host!! 😁

Style. Simple clean modern design Setting. Japan countryside, off the beaten path near highway, good for short overnight stay if on a longer drive Explore. Farm park. Outdoor hot springs across street @ the hotel. Convenience store style snacks available in the lobby. There are no restaurants in the hotel. Basic amenities so no hair conditioner, no bathtub. Nice common area/lobby. Helpful English speaking staff (Ayumi Osawa) that was super responsive via email. Rooms. I had a small clean room facing the trees on the 3rd floor, was here after a red-eye flight so checked in at 11 am and checked out 3 hours later, was happy with the experience Food & drinks. Looked like there were some restaurants nearby. Best to have car to get around Prices. Good /great value at US$115 Rating. 4/5