The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko

The Ritz-Carlton occupies a prime location on Lake Chuzenji, offering sweeping views both across the water and towards Mount Nantai. Nikko has long been known as a holy place in Japan and the cultural, religious, and architectural importance of this region has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The opening of the Ritz-Carlton gives guests the opportunity to explore Nikko’s many and varied charms from a luxurious base. 

Stretching along the banks of the Lake, the hotel is a sophisticated blend of Japanese style and elegance with Western comforts and convenience. While interiors soothe with a neutral minimalism, traditional Japanese elements abound, including engawas (porches), genkan (foyers where guests remove shoes before entering a room), onsen hot spring bathing facilities, stone bathrooms with soaking bathtubs and yukata kimono robes. The overall ambience is stylish and serene.

Guests can choose from 84 spacious rooms and 10 suites facing either Lake Chuzenji or Mount Nantai, although the Lake Chuzenji View and Ritz-Carlton Suite offers sweeping views of both the lake and mountain. Each room has a balcony with sliding glass doors, allowing guests to play with indoor and outdoor living space, as well as an engawa furnished porch area. Bathrooms include both rain showers and separate bathtubs. Lake Chuzenji View Suites include a separate living room, while the Ritz-Carlton Suite also includes a kitchen and dining room, gym, and private treatment room.

There are two restaurants to choose from. The Japanese Restaurant serves classic Japanese fare paired with sake, along with offering both a Teppanyaki Counter and Sushi Bar. Traditional kaiseki multicourse dining is also available crafted from locally sourced Tochigi ingredients. Or for more casual dining, the boathouse-themed Lake House offers fabulous views from the attractive terrace, and Western plates. For Ritz-Carlton’s signature afternoon tea head to the elegant Lobby Lounge, while The Bar specialises in Japanese whiskies and creative cocktails.

One of the hotel’s major draws is the beautifully designed onsen bathing facilities, with both indoor and outdoor natural spring baths, a dry cypress sauna and treatment spa. Guests can also work out in the fully equipped fitness centre, open 24-hours a day. There are a range of art workshops including the art of furoshiki wrapping and Nikko-bori woodcarving and you can start the day with a Morning Zazen Meditation, or Morning Chuzenji Temple Walk.