Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel

Historic hotel with excellent service and food. But the rooms are old and worn, the bed & pillows are hard and lumpy. Carpets & curtains are 30 years old. One wld think the soft furnishings are the easiest to change. Bathroom has no heater and no double glazing so it’s cold! There is a fireplace in the reception and lounge but it’s never on even on New Year’s Eve. It would have add to the atmosphere and warmth. Excellent service by all staff, this hotel only serves French food with an option for Japanese breakfast. Every room faces the lake. Has an Onsen with indoor and outdoor pool. No laundry room but has 2 coin operated massage chairs. They said Einstein and President Grant stayed there but they stayed at the different sister hotel. Kanaya Nikko in town.

One of the oldest hotel in the area but the facilities are generally well maintained. Very nice staff and they try to accommodate us by trying to arrange for staff who speaks English. Free onsen to enjoy and soak in as well, after a whole day of exploring.

I would give location 5 stars for its where I like it… next to a beautiful lake, a bus stop out front for ease… but was a challenge to get to all the way from Australia, hence 4. Also, one can hire a bike for 100¥1 hr~ The on site Onsen is yen 150/day

Located on the shores of Lake Chuzenji is this lovely hotel with a rustic setting with an elaborate timber feel. We stopped here for lunch and both selected the set menu lunch special. This started with an appetiser of beautifully smoked duck, asparagus and leaves and excellent vinegarette. For mains we had the trout and the pork belly with pepper sauce coupled with excellent sides of potato, broccoli and beans. They were the perfect meal we could have ordered. We finished with a dessert plate which featured chocolate cake, strawberry sorbet and fruit. We finished off with coffee and greatly enjoyed the meal. Staff here were attentive.

The location is a bit far from the town, so be prepared that you won't have easy access to convenience stores or restaurants. Of course the hotel has pretty good restaurants and a nice onsen which is conveniently located by the hotel. It was actually quite a memorable experience walking back to your room after a relaxing dip in the onsen. The deep snow along the road made it so much more fun. All is well except the location a bit remote.

Hotel itself is very charming. The attached onsen is delightful and includes and outdoor pool. Beautiful greenery surrounds the building, and the lake is shores are a step away. |I didn’t much like the restaurant but with out a car it’s really your only option. The menu was limited, no vegetarian options, and close to 100 dollars US. |Overall a mixed experience

Tldr lovely, quiet, quaint location. Literally minutes from the beautiful lake chuzenji, and accessible via shuttle bus or local bus. Strict hours for the adjoining onsen though, so be mindful of timing. Expensive but satisfying dinner service.

We spend here just one night, but we enjoyed so much! The restaurant is amazing, offering a great menu and great service. The rooms are spacious as well as the bathroom, and the atmosphere is kind of Old times! Really nice. |You are immerse in the nature and all the rooms have the lake view, so you can enjoy the beautiful landscape. |The onsen is probably one of the best part of the hotel.. and you can enter also if you have tattoos. On top of that, the lounge at the second floor is just amazing.. lots of books, free cosse and tea, and cozy sofas!

Great little hide away hotel in the mountain area of Nikko. Almost has a sleepy "Timberline Lodge" feel to it but not creepy just quiet. Has all the amenities one could want; such as restaurant, lounges (non alcoholic), and wifi but that is only in the common areas not in the rooms. There is an onsen but we did not partake. Dinner and breakfast is included in the price! Not going to dock a star because it is Japan after all but smoking in the rooms are allowed and unfortunately has left its odor however faint behind.

Great place to head to for the Fall Color Change. Shinkansen from Tokyo took 50 min. I nailed it perfectly 10/20/17, but YMMV. Takes less than 1hr to reach the Lake by bus and 40 min by taxi. Take the local bus from Nikko to stop 34 (1300 yen) vs taxi from Nikko 74000 yen. Have lunch in the elegant hotel dining room and coffee and Apple pie at the adjacent Yukon Cafe on the lake. Pictures at the hotel's koi pond are keepers. Perfect day trip from Tokyo.