Independent Okunikko hotels

"The staffwas friendly and accommodating. Talking on the phone was difficult due to language barrier, but there were a couple English speakers on staff that were able to assist us. The location was perfect. The property is on a cliff overlooking the lake and theres a suspension bridge behind it. Mountain views everywhere. Breakfast was good. I loved our room. It was a little warm, but they were able to give us fans for the room. THE ONSENS WERE AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! If you have tattoos, either cover them or reserve a private onsen."

"ONE OF THE BEST PLACES I HAVE STAYED AT! Travel often and use Marriott often, but the quality of this place & the customer service surpassed all others. You will not miss that it doesn’t have a hot spring or pool…and the lower rate was an extra incentive (but the new, updated, incredible comfort was 5 star quality)"

"I should have booked 2 nights to really enjoy! Everything was excellent. My 1st time in Japan and this was lovely. Staff checking me in spoke great English. I booked a huge tatami room and had a balcony overlooking the river. There is a turn-down service while you’re at dinner. Buffet was fantastic and the whiskey was not watered down at all! Definitely try the sesame ball things for desert. There are clear English instructions on how to use the onsens and an app that shows you how crowded they are in real time. Wonderfully comfortable sleeping here. I’d love to stay 2 nights in the future, maybe check out Edo Wonderland. The hotel gift shop is a good place to buy nicer, regional souvenirs. Excellent customer service: 100 out of 10. Just watch a couple videos on how the limited express trains work & the Kinugawa hotel busses & you’ll be fine. "

"Historic hotel with amazing views and a great location. Would recommend to anyone staying in Nikko. Don’t miss the shrine that’s just 15 minutes away."

"The room was beautiful, the best hotel we stayed at in Japan. There was a private onsen in the suite. The massage chair seemed old and not in keeping with the high quality of everything else. Definitely would highly recommend"

"Superior Room: lovely big space, with western style beds and traditional tatami mat lounge area that can be sectioned off by sliding panels. Aircon a little bit iffy, but mostly worked with a bit of fiddling about, supplemented by opening windows a bit. Quiet, even with windows open – just the soothing sound of the river. Lovely bathroom with twin wash basins, and private shower and lovely hot onsen bath on a private balcony. Large key locked safe in room. Comfy beds with two pillows available for each. Elaborate Japanese style dinner and breakfast. Staff were very helpful with some English language skills. Great location close to temples and shrines, and also near a bus stop that goes to Kegon falls and nearby ropeway. Also is only a short distance from the Shinkyo Bridge and the northwest end of town. Coffee machine instructions only in Japanese, and Google Translate of them not entirely helpful – had to look up instructions in English on the interweb and YouTube. Only small criticism: no power outlets by beds to charge your phone."

"I found this Onsen and an excellent offer from Expedia. I wasn’t sure what to expect at such a low price and some mixed reviews. I loved it here and it exceeded my expectations. I dropped off my luggage early and walked the area until check in. Since it is across the river and a bit of a walk from the train station, it was so peaceful and beautiful away from others. I found a town footpath that overlooked the river gorge, a suspension bridge, and interesting decaying resorts from the economic boom downfall of the 90’s. A photographers’ paradise. The resort seems to be going through a renovation. The room was very large and had living spaces with tatami mats. Oh yes, your room key opens a wooden locker near reception for you to place your shoes- wear socks. Beds were not futons but mattresses on floor. The mini fridge was great. I didn’t even use the bath in the room because the onsen was clean and wonderful. An outdoor bath looks out on a wooded area and is divine. The shower area has great hair and soap products. I had difficulty finding it at first because the instructions are a bit vague with arrows, but if you look for the out building next to and behind you’ll find it easily. Had to walk on plywood boards placed for the renovation and a rock path up to step so be aware. Yukata and slippers are provided. There are two massage chairs and multiple vending machines. I highly recommend staying here. "

"Nice and quiet hotel, good hot spring"

"Great food and onsen experience!"