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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

None

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!

This was our only ryokan stay in Japan, and we really enjoyed it. We had a japanese style room, but with western beds ! The room was large, and had everything we needed. The yukatas were a nice touch, and we wore them to the onsen and to our keiseki dinner (which was delicious). The onsen (male/female) was lovely, and looked straight out onto nature. Very clean and the facilities were great. Location is excellent. Right near the famous bridge, temples, and local bus stops right outside the hotel entrance. Its a short ride into Tobu Nikko centre, and about 45 minutes to Lake Chuzenji.

The food and drinks options were a little limited, but it wasn't a big issue.

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.

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.

hot tab outside, friendly and attentive staff, proximity to the Toshogu, excellent meals, beautiful garden, beautiful mountain view from the windows, daily tea and tea snacks in the room, clean tatami room, yukata in the room Their kaiseki style dinner is excellent. The breakfast was super, too.

bath towels are small and not plentiful. They will give you new ones every day, but there’s no free bath towels in the public bath area. We stayed there 3 days consecutively. The first day and the third day’s meals were the same. It was okay because it was breakfast. Since the area is catered for day trip tourists, most of the restaurants are not open for dinner. We had to walk back to the station area to have a dinner at the only open restaurant at that time. And taxi back to the hotel.

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!

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.

Nothing. It was perfect.