Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, Japan

Published Feb 2 2025, 1:03 PM, Updated Feb 2 2025, 1:16 PMThe Ritz-Carlton, Nikko sits next to Lake Chuzenji and is hidden within Nikko National Park, which lies northeast of Tokyo. The hotel is surrounded by landscapes shaped by volcanic activity that features dense beech, maple, and oak woodlands. Renowned for its spectacular fall foliage, the park boasts waterfalls, lakes, and marshlands teeming with wildlife such as Japanese macaques and deer.

Adding to its allure, the area is home to some of Japan’s most revered shrines, including the UNESCO-listed Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The hotel also features world-class amenities, including the Ritz-Carlton’s first-ever hot spring.

Location

Perched in the mountainous region of Oku-Nikko, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko offers an idyllic setting opposite Lake Chuzenji.

To get to The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko from Tokyo, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station (about 50 minutes), then transfer to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station (about 45 minutes). From Nikko Station, the hotel is approximately a 40-minute taxi ride or you can take a Tobu bus bound for Yumoto Onsen and get off at Chuzenji Onsen Bus Stop, which is near the hotel. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours in total.

If you choose to drive to the hotel, you will travel through the iconic Iroha Hills with its thrilling 48 hairpin turns, within the spectacular scenery in Nikko National Park. From cherry blossoms in the spring to fiery foliage in autumn, the changing seasons transform the landscape, offering year-round beauty. Nearby attractions like Kegon Falls, Senjo-Gahara marshland, and Yumoto Onsen enrich the experience, making it a paradise for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Style & Character

The Ritz-Carlton Nikko blends traditional Japanese design with modern sophistication. The building’s design looks completely Japanese, with lots of glass and wood making up the walls and tiled pagoda-type roofs. Decked terraces and trees surround the hotel.

The entrance feels natural, with lots of pine wood on the floor and walls mixed in with grey stonework and rugs. The light reflects off the warmth and patterning in the wooden floors, giving the space an inviting feeling even though the greys of the soft furnishings and stonework have a stark feel to them. The design is very much minimalist Japanese, but warmth is added with the use of natural finishes.

Wooden partitions shield one sitting area from another, and fun half-moon-shaped lamps hang at a low level, bringing coziness to this huge space with its massively high ceilings. Minimalist lines and soft wood tones lead to expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.

Service & Facilities

The staff here are graceful, efficient, and speak English. The hotel’s wellness offerings are particularly impressive, with an on-site spa and onsen providing a sanctuary of relaxation.

The geothermal hot spring waters, sourced from the famed Yumoto Onsen, offer a rejuvenating experience in both indoor and outdoor settings, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Lake Chuzenji. Guests can indulge in treatments like couples massages, facials, and scalp therapies that draw on the healing properties of the natural environment.

The 24-hour fitness studio is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including treadmills, free weights, and strength machines, catering to wellness-conscious travelers. For younger guests, the Ritz Kids program brings the natural beauty of Nikko to life with playful activities and amenities like mini tents and toys, transforming their stay into an adventure. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find themselves immersed in a world of balance, harmony, and discovery.

Rooms

The rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko start at the basic Riverside Garden View room, which will upgraded to a Mount Nantai View room (subject to availability) if you book a stay with our luxury travel concierge. There is no difference in layout between these rooms, but the Mount Nantai View rooms offer a clear view of the mountain and are on a higher floor.

Rooms are modern and minimalist with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and are finished with lots of natural pine. They are large with a sitting area, a table and chairs, and a large balcony outside with a relaxing seating area ideal for sipping tea or enjoying the sunrise.

The bathrooms are just brilliant, with more warm pine, great/black stone sinks, a bathtub, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to sit in the bath while looking out at the trees. Or you can lower an electric screen for privacy in the bathroom if you prefer. There’s also a large walk-in rain shower in the bathroom, with two wall-mounted showerheads and a sliding screen between the bathroom and the living room, allowing the person in the bath to see and chat with whoever is in the main guest room and vice versa. Thoughtful touches like complimentary Wi-Fi, custom yukata robes, and Japanese-style sandals make the already Japanese-feeling rooms feel even more immersive.

Food & Drink

Each dining venue at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, Japan, showcases culinary excellence and a deep connection to the region’s heritage and flavors.

The main Japanese Restaurant offers classic Japanese food, including sushi and teppanyaki. It has a stunning, intricate Japanese design that extends from the decor to the cups, bowls, and cutlery. Many dishes are served in bento boxes with tempura, vegetables, and pickles, and the whole restaurant gazes out of the windows and into nature.

The Lakehouse restaurant presents Western-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s lakeside setting and warm, countryside-home ambiance make every meal feel like a special occasion.

The Lobby Lounge is airy with many stylish white sofa seats on which to relax. You can enjoy light bites here and a selection of teas and pastries while admiring views of a serene garden through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Really intricate artwork on vast canvases line the walls throughout the foyer. We particularly like the black painting of cherry blossoms on a white canvas in the lobby bar.

The Bar offers another inviting space to unwind with expertly crafted cocktails and an impressive selection of Japanese whiskies.

Conclusion

The Ritz-Carlton Nikko is the best luxury hotel in Nikko National Park, offering amazing views, a modern Japanese aesthetic, and unparalleled access to Japan’s natural and spiritual treasures.

Whether you are seeking the serenity of Lake Chuzenji, the history of UNESCO-listed shrines, or the simple pleasure of unwinding in a Japanese-style suite, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko delivers on all fronts.

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Image(s) courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.