Hoshino Resorts KAI Nikko

It was an absolutely wonderful accommodation. It happened to be my girlfriend's birthday on the day of our stay, and I'm grateful for how the staff naturally and frequently asked, "Is there anything else we can assist you with?"||The view of Lake Chuzenji from our room was incredibly breathtaking and left us in awe. Whether we were in the bath, relaxation spaces, or elsewhere, we were able to relax and unwind. The meals utilized local ingredients, and the Yuba (tofu skin) was especially delicious. The timing of each dish was spot on, and we were completely satisfied by the end of our meal. The event performances were also entertaining, and it was evident that the staff put in daily practice to perfect them. We'd love to return for another special occasion in the future.

We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful hotel. The view of the lake from our room was superb. Staff were all so friendly and helpful. The food in the restaurant was delicious and beautifully presented. We loved the onsen. The location was perfect, with the lake, forest, waterfalls, and shrines just a walk or a short bus ride away.

Absolutely loved our time here. A great Japanese onsen experience in a high quality hotel. The hotel is beautifully designed in traditional style with wood everywhere. It’s true that it could use some big renovation with some issues spotted but we enjoyed every part of it. The lobby is comfortable and cozy, with free sake tastings in the evening and a coffee and tea bar. The onsen (indoors and outdoors) is clean, spacious and great and the location is perfect right on the lake. Had Japanese breakfast which accommodated for our vegetarian request and was delicious and overall just had a great experience.

It is conveniently located near Chuzenji Onsen bus terminal, but still quite a walk. The shuttle bus timings are not very frequent also so it's good to do your research to find out. The room decor, while traditional, was quite dated. Some of the fittings in the room seem to have been there for quite a while, though they were in working condition. The service was great, they accommodated to my request for meals without seafood and they made changes to the many dishes that were affected

First time to stay at Kai Nikko. We enjoyed our stay very much. Spacious room, clean and well-decor. Both public and private onsens are very nice. Most staff are helpful, kind and professional. Dinner and breakfast are OK, serving local cuisine. It will be great if western breakfast is provided as a choice. Hotel is well located, facing the Chuzenji Lake and main tourist spots are nearby. Would recommend!

Overall it was a very comfortable stay - the furnishings of the property were dated but clean. The rooms are huge, and some came with a view of lake Chuzenji, which was a beautiful sight to wake up to. Location - Near the main street of Nikko, free parking for guests driving Hotel Amenities - There are indoor and outdoor baths in the public bath area, and the facility is generally clean. There are bath amenities inside the public bath for usage and complimentary teas and popsicles for guests to enjoy. The only downside I could think of is the lack of onsen bath variety. As an onsen resort, I was expecting a few types of onsen baths for guests to choose but the onsen baths were quite standard. - Complimentary free-flow sake, coffee, tea and snacks for guests to enjoy at the lobby. A great touch! Room facilities - Generally quite old furnishings. Not the best maintained but the room was very spacious and clean. - Nothing major complain, perhaps more lighting can be considered for the bathroom. - Coffee and tea available in the room. Service - Service was stellar. Our bathtub had some issues and the staff promptly arranged for someone to look into it. When they couldnt fix it in time, they offered the private onsen for us to use and a change of room. - As I had dietary restrictions, I appreciated the restaurant staff checking with us everyday on this matter to ensure they served the right food. - Overall, the service was attentive and helpful. Food - Contrary to other reviews, I enjoyed the breakfast menus. There were some variation in the menus to ensure guests did not eat the same food for two days. - Tried the standard kaiseki dinner menu and the special menu. Both were great. - Overall, the food was good, but not mindblowing. If you are on a budget, I suggest skipping the breakfast and going for dinner (or just trying the dinner once for experience) as there are not many food options in Nikko at night. Overall conclusion - While the property is dated, the rooms are clean and spacious and the service rendered was great. I had a comfortable and enjoyable stay. However with the current rates, it might not be the best deal as the furnishings and amenities are quite similar to other ryokans.

Amazing rooms, great views, incredible staff - but for this kind of price, it doesn't have that extra bit of razzle-dazzle. This is likely the best hotel room I've staying in during my years in Japan. Beautiful décor, lovely tatami mats, great Japanese feel with sliding doors and all the amenities you'd expect from a top-priced hotel in Japan (75K yen per night with morning and evening meals). Thee staff are amazing - friendly, helpful and competent. However, the food was a bit of a let-down. Don't get me wrong, there were some really winners. For example, the best fish soup I've ever had and some amazing fried fish, but it wasn't to the standard I would have expected for the price. Breakfast, in particular, was rather standard for Japan (I've had better many other places). Perhaps consider booking just the room and finding food elsewhere. If you do decide to go for dinner, I would recommend the five sake tasting menu to go with the food. They were all delightful.

Located on Japan's highest-altitude lake, with spectacular Kegon Falls less than 15 minutes of a walk away, the hotel is distinguished by its prime location. Its well-trained staff, mostly speaking very good English, are faultlessly polite- but not always as helpful as one might wish. This is a property, within a hotel group, where rules matter more than outcomes and hospitality is subordinated to the rules. ||||(One spectacular misfire in the rules department: the bus station to return to Nikko, an agreeable 40 minutes drive along glorious scenery, is less than a kilometer from the hotel, but the return trip to the station is steep walk uphill all the way. When I inquired if one of the staff might drop me off, the answer was an uncompromising no, in spite of my advanced age and a couple of pieces of luggage. The hotel clearly expects its guests to arrive in swanky cars, which, mostly, they do, and make no accommodation for the deplorable rest of us. A major own goal! An occasional shuttle ride on demand to the bus stop would hardly cost the hotel much.) ||||Many strong features were also on display: for example, superb Japanese food and views that would be truly great were it not for Japan's omnipresent and singularly ugly electrical wires intruding unpleasantly, and a basic elegance that is the hallmark of this hotel group.||||Alas, the male onsen (shared baths) was monumental rather than attractive or particularly welcoming. ||||The giveaway that the hotel is well past its prime is the discoloration on its exterior paint-job (which could be readily tended to). Antiquated televisions featuring not one international, foreign language channel, and decorative style choices from another age don't help much either. ||||At these prices Hoshino can and must do better.

I feel disappointed to think that it is Hoshino Resort. It does not match the price. Also, shops around the hotel will close in early hours.