2-Star Hotels in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

This place is like a corner of paradise. The hotel owner, Masao, and his wife are very warm and helpful people. The rooms are very clean and in the Japanese style. I recommend researching ryokan culture before you come. It has its own unique hot spring by the river, and this hot spring offers two different services, both indoor and outdoor. You can use both. After spending three quick days in Tokyo, it was a truly relaxing and refreshing place. The conversations I had with Masao for hours were also very enlightening. Moreover, they have very good sake and wine. Thank you very much to Masao and his family. Also, this hotel is depicted as the home of the main character in the anime Pride of Orange. You can see some parts of the hotel in the anime. I didn't know this until I came here, but it was a very nice coincidence. You should keep in mind that it's a bit far from the city. If you want to go to the city, renting a car would be more sensible.

Most of the reviews are outdated so I thought I'd give an updated review. For one thing, there is WiFi (I have informed the landlady that the website indicates otherwise). This place is a traditional-style inn. You'll be sleeping in a futon (some Google-fu should help you know how to use one), use two pairs of slippers (one for moving around the house, one exclusively for the toilet) and will also bathe in a Japanese-style shared bathroom. The front gate and bathroom close at 10pm, which is not an issue as everywhere in Nikko closes early and it's too dark to hike outdoors (in early Autumn). We loved using the onsen to relax after a day of strolling around and hiking, and the delicious Japanese-style breakfast was lovingly prepared by a friendly old granny. The premises are old but well-maintained. Toilets, bathroom and onsen were great but we were there during off-peak season so we didn't need to share so much. Should we return to Nikko, this place will be our first choice!

It was the perfect place for me to reset and refresh. The hostel is surrounded by beautiful nature and has a hot spring, just what I needed in a getaway from the big city. The common space is designed beautifully and has two very comfortable kitchens, big fridges, and everything you might need for a comfortable stay. The staff was very friendly and helpful, one night the hostel even arranged a hot pot dinner. First I stayed in a standard room but I ended up extending my stay here, this time in the women's only dormitory. Both the private room and the dormitory room were very comfortable and had everything I needed. Long walks was just what I needed but it looks like there's quite a lot to do around if you drive just a little bit, so I would recommend coming by car or renting one at the train station. I can't wait for my next visit here.

I stayed here for a business trip. I was prepared for a very small 4.5 tatami mat Japanese-style room, but it was surprisingly cozy and felt just like my own room. The toilet, located at the back of the room, was very clean and pleasant to use. The onsen (hot spring bath) was also empty on a weekday, so I had it all to myself, which was great for soothing the fatigue from a lot of walking. I wonder if it would be packed on weekends? Most of the shops around the station closed abruptly around 5 PM, leaving no dining options, but having a convenience store right across the street was a huge lifesaver. The breakfast was also uncrowded on a weekday, allowing me to enjoy it leisurely. It was Japanese-style and healthy, which I appreciated. Given it's a station in a tourist area and one of the more affordable options around, I'd definitely like to stay here again if I have the chance.

The private baths are first come, first served, so you never know when one will become available. I wish there was a system where you could reserve a time during peak hours. There are times when the shower doesn't work when the bath water temperature is adjusted. The breakfast had a wide variety of options, and the curry was especially delicious!

It isn't really new anymore; you have to walk a bit to get to the shops. I didn't have a car available, but it was clean, the beds were good, and there was a nice bath and shower. A fine place and not expensive, just make sure to check in before 9:00 PM or they close.

Was a good place just to sleep. But to be honest for the price and location it’s okay. Don’t expect it to be fancy, it is just for sleeping.

What an amazing place to stay - Kas and his wife made us extremely welcome and provided excellent restaurant recommendations as well as places to visit. The rooms were spotlessly clean and the breakfast was excellent (with juice, yogurt, ham and omelette and fruit, plus toast and tea/coffee). The bedrooms are large and the bed are comfy. The shower was also super clean. It is uphill from Nikko Tobu station but you can easily get a taxi from the station for 1,000/1,100 (£5/6) which saves carrying the luggage. Short walk to Kirifuri waterfall which is beautiful and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see the monkeys along the way. I couldn’t recommend more highly and look forward to coming back in the future!

Would like to say first that our experience was stellar and we had a wonderful stay. It's very clear from the lodging that the owners take pride in their establishment. The whole vibe of the place was that of a lodge/cabin located in the mountains. It was a very comforting and warm place to return to after a chilly hike. The hamburg steak was wonderful and for lack of a better word, perfect. I want to stress that the service was wonderful, but you should check when reception is open. We also had some difficulties as the kerosene heater was foreign to us. Nevertheless, one would be hard pressed to find a better lodging for sightseeing along lake chuzenji or (as for us) lake yunoko. A real gem.

The host was incredibly kind and friendly, making the entire stay very comfortable! Breakfast and dinner were delicious, and they even offered a shuttle service to the station, which was very convenient for travelers. This stay in Nikko was a wonderful experience, and I'm so glad I stayed here. If I ever have the chance to come back to Nikko again, I'd definitely love to stay here again!