Description: This is the oldest Western-influenced hotel in Japan. The slogan is 'history with luxury'. The setting in Nikko is beautiful beyond words. The building, its various fittings and gardens, the works of art and the antiques are priceless. We found the dining room a bit too formal, a bit too slow paced and over furnished; but we had the sights and shrines on our minds and wanted to get back out the door. One of the oldest wooden hotels in the world, the building has been substantially updated to meet modern safety standards. In addition, full, modern bathrooms are now part of every bedroom. The atmosphere brings to mind the private home of a very wealthy older person. The furnishings more like you might find in Scotland than in Japan. That is to say, all the beds are Western-style and the toilets familiar in appearance for Westerners.
The main building includes a museum that shows the furnishings, chinaware, menus and photos of the hotel about 100 years ago. Don't fret, that chamber pot isn't for you to use these days!
A lovely place to sojourn for a few days while you are wearing yourself out trekking around the shrines and national parks. Limited on-site parking, and although the staff is very friendly, little English is spoken here. Not to worry! You won't go hungry. You will be cared for.
Close