Nikko Hotel Guide

Nestled in the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikko has long been popular as a summer escape for expats and locals. As a result, some of Japan's first Western-style hotels were opened in Nikko during the early Meiji Period. Many visitors will find it convenient to stay around the central town area due to the proximity to Nikko's shrines and temples, but there are also various attractive lodging options in the mountainous national park area of Okunikko.

Nikko's town area offers a wide range of lodgings from inexpensive minshuku and pensions to upscale, historic hotels. The area's lodgings are within easy reach of Nikko's shrines and temples, and a limited selection of restaurants and shops most of which close around 6pm.

Chuzenjiko Onsen lies along the shore of Lake Chuzenjiko in the mountains high above the Nikko town area. The area is surrounded by nature and serves as a good base from which to explore the natural beauty of Okunikko. The small town offers a number of medium to high budget ryokan and resort hotels with hot springs, some of which lie along the lakeside, while others are set back in the trees. There are virtually no dining and entertainment options outside of the hotels once daytime visitors have departed.

Located on the shores of Lake Yunoko deep in the back of Okunikko, Yumoto Onsen is a small hot spring village consisting of little more than a handful of ryokan and a marsh where the local hot spring water bubbles up. Yumoto Onsen is a good choice for those looking for a getaway.