Location right next to Shinkyo bridge! 5 min drive away from Tobu nikko station. Walkable! Breakfast were excellent and Kaiseki dinner was superb and gorgeous! Onsen was beautiful and relaxing. Free pick up to and from hotel was a plus! Staff were very kind and helpful.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

Everything was just so practical. The hotel offers a shuttle service from the two railway stations in Nikko, and they were even able to come pick me up out of schedule. The hotel is very close to the temples and shrines in Nikko, so it was easy to reach them on foot. Dinner was a very pleasant experience, and the menu was adjusted to the dietary needs I had communicated in advance. The onsen (thermal bath) was mostly empty, so I usually had it all for myself. Most staff were able to communicate in English.

Stayed in August 2025

The only downside was the hill up to the hotel, which can be traversed with a shuttle bus service though not clear when and how to access this from the station as I think it is adhoc not a constant service. This could be easier to help guests arrive for check in.

The staff were exceptionally helpful and attentive. They made an extra effort to help us find food and attractions and feel comfortable in our native English tongue. We stayed in the Hourai suite, which was huge and beautifully maintained. Highly recommend to travellers to Nikko.

Stayed in August 2025

Nikko is a little bit pricey. Not to many options for eating out

Amazing rooms with traditional style: futons, low table, chairs with nice view. Incredible onsen bath experience (you can reserve a private bath). Incredible breakfast (Japanese and western style)

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing — it was perfect.

The ambiance was so peaceful and relaxing. Every detail was perfect. The breakfast was exquisite and we will never forget the experience.

Stayed in July 2025

It might not be as sleek or modern as others may expect but has nostalgic charm The dinner menu was a bit confusing for one night; I was expecting kaiseki ryori but for one course I was served wagyu steak, mashed potatoes and foie gras! Certainly adventurous and unexpected for a ryokan stay. The remaining meals were more in line with Japanese cuisine and cooking

This is a perfect hotel for an extended stay in Nikko and I implore all prospective guests not only to stay here but explore the beauty of Nikko beyond Toshogu shrine Exceptional breakfast and dinner with a spacious tatami room and futon, prepared for you during dinner, after a soak in the semi-outdoor, nature facing hot springs. I visited during the shoulder-low period in Nikko and had the hot spring all to myself for the duration of my stay. Private hot springs available but need-not-necessary The hotel is a very far walk from Tobu-Nikko, please utilize the shuttle bus service, especially if you have luggage. On the contrary, the hotel is near-next door to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko World Heritage Site, perfect location alongside the Tobu Bus - Shinkyo bus stop which enables you to head into Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and Mt Nantai. English speaking staff were available, were polite, courteous and professional Thank you for having me - I look forward to visiting again

Stayed in June 2025

None

Excellent location close to the temples and shrines - walkable with stores close by. The breakfast and dinner were excellent and traditional. We stayed for 2 nights and each meal was different . Tatami room was excellent a comfortable and air conditioner was great! Loved the onsen . Very clean. Free shuttle to/from station was an added bonus. Lovely and accommodating staff. Would come back again.

Stayed in July 2025

Quite a lot of the food was not to western taste

Superb location, awesome meals

Stayed in June 2025

Everything was as expected

Location was perfect for 2 days of exploring temples then to the lake area. Meals were superb and the small Onsen very pleasant

Stayed in June 2025

Dinner a little rushed

Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner excellent

Stayed in May 2025

All foreign serving staff, not appropriate for ryokan. should encourage japanese youth to join this industry

Stayed in May 2025

The only downside wasn't about the hotel itself, but the surrounding area's local restaurants closed quite early for dinner. It's better to book your meals at the hotel to avoid inconvenience.

The place was very cozy, with a beautiful view. The food was delicious, and the staff were incredibly warm and welcoming. Everything about the stay felt relaxing and pleasant. I would love to travel there again.

Stayed in March 2025

- It's too bad that none of the rooms has an onsen water bathtub - the bar that inside the Ryokan is not open - should upgrade their onsen - lack of facilities

- good location - food is good - The Onsen is a bit small and dated, but the amenities are great - serving free set meals for our 2 y.o daughter every single day - Receptionists can speak good English - massage chair in the room

Stayed in December 2024

We had an incredible stay at this authentic ryokan, walking distance from the Toshogu shrine and museum complex. We are both vegetarian and the staff were extremely accommodating, providing an amazing meal full of local specialties. The private onsen is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. This was an authentic, but luxurious stay.

Stayed in October 2024

Beautiful garden

Stayed in December 2024

We stayed in the Deluxe Japanese-Style Room with Private Bathroom Garden View 2 floor. The room was very large and comfortable with a great view, and we enjoyed the bedding on the tatami. All the food was delicious and very visually appealing (there was also a gluten-free option which was very nice). It was great to be able to book the private onsen for my partner and I. Service was top-notch and location and grounds were superb.

Stayed in November 2024

While my stay at Nikko Hoshino Yado was overall wonderful, I feel that a small addition could have greatly enhanced the dining experience. For example, the first dinner included tofu-making instructions, which was a unique and enjoyable touch. However, I would have appreciated a brief pamphlet or guide explaining the order in which to enjoy the meal and providing more context on the seasonal and locally sourced ingredients used. Having this information would have deepened my appreciation of the dishes and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culinary experience. A little guidance on the meal's flow and ingredients would have complemented the otherwise excellent dining and truly elevated the overall experience.

From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was transported into a peaceful, serene world where time slowed down, and nature was my constant companion. This was thanks in large part to the scenery from my room. The ryokan itself was beautifully traditional, with tatami mats, sliding paper doors, and a quiet, warm atmosphere that immediately put me at ease. The real highlight of my stay, however, was the meals. Both dinner and breakfast were nothing short of spectacular. Every dish was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavours that felt deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. Dinner was a delightful journey of flavours, with each course showcasing ingredients that were seasonal and locally sourced. There was always something new to try – many dishes I hadn’t experienced before – and the tastes were so distinct and fresh. The highlight was dining with breathtaking views of the fall foliage. The vibrant reds and oranges of the trees provided a stunning backdrop, and it truly felt like I was eating in harmony with nature. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience that brought me closer to the environment. Breakfast, too, was equally impressive. The variety of dishes, from fresh fish to pickled vegetables, rice, and miso soup, was both comforting and energizing. Every bite felt nourishing, and once again, the views of the surrounding nature added to the tranquility of the experience. It was the perfect way to start the day. The hospitality at Nikko Hoshino Yado was warm and attentive, and I felt well taken care of throughout my stay. The combination of peaceful surroundings, delicious food, and impeccable service made this ryokan a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re looking for a place to relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature, this ryokan is an absolute gem. Highly recommend!

Stayed in November 2024

Use of onsen included with room. Both dinner and breakfast were over-the-top great.

Stayed in November 2024

Hoshino Yado is located in an enchanting area near to the Toshogu shrine. The ryokan itself is lovely, surrounded by a beautiful garden. Our room was spacious, clean and had a breathtaking view on the mountain scenery. The kaiseki dinner and breakfast were so rich and we really enjoyed being able to taste so many different things. There's the chance to book a small private onsen for family use at a very fair price and they also offer free shuttle bus service from the train station. Last but not least, the service has been amazing: the reception staff promptly replied to all our questions and helped us organize our stay for the best, the staff at the restaurant was friendly and explained us what each dish was, our driver went above and beyond in helping us with an issue we had. Everyone was kind and professional and they made our stay special! We hope to be back one day!

Stayed in November 2024

Even though close to the bus stop, the walk up to the hotel is a bit steep with luggage, but you can call for shuttle pick up. Hotel has a bit of a musty smell understandably due to the use of certain wood fixtures and the age of the hotel.

Staff were friendly and very helpful. The location was very close to nearby attractions and the nearest bus stop. The bath house was very nice and authentic. Food served during breakfast was also very good and authentic.

Stayed in October 2024

Hotel located at the top of a semi-steep driveway, close to numerous shrines/temples, bus stop to other regions at foot of driveway (meaning convenient access to Lake Chūzenji area). About a 25min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station if bus is crowded and shuttle not booked (up hill incline, but not too difficult). A little far from the supermarket and konbini, and main food area, but there are restaurants up there (early-ish close). Private onsen available at reasonable price. View from room when sunny was amazing!

Stayed in October 2024

It was expensive. Probably the most expensive of the whole 1 month trip. The room was very nice but the hotel is a little on the old side. The location however was worth it.

We booked the Deluxe japanese-style with private bathroom garden view 2nd floor. It was a lovely super big room as far as Japan standards with a very nice view of the mountains. It gave us a great japanese first experience. We were provided yukatas and we tried an Onsen for the first time (way too hot for some of us westerners). The location is excellent. Right next to the Red bridge and around the corner to the Shrine/Temple complex. All within walking Overall nice experience.

Stayed in October 2024

A little dated

Gorgeous

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing. It was perfect.

Onsen experience was authentic. Amenities in the room such as daily snacks, tea, hot water, cold water and coffee were nice touches. I also really enjoyed the yukata clothing and the amenities for the onsen (it was changed daily). The location was close to a bus stop and not too far from the main station (Tobu Nikko or JR Nikko). There is also a shuttle that you could take, but it's limited so ensure to double check the time. The staff were extremely kind.

Stayed in October 2024