Set within Nikko National Park in the mountainous region of Oku-Nikko (Inner-Nikko), the hotel near Kegon Falls immerses guests in the ever-changing palette of Japan’s natural beauty. Spring welcomes cherry blossoms and colorful wildflowers; summer explodes into an expanse of green forests; fall brings with it tones of orange and yellow and winter dresses itself in a fresh coat of white snow. Being embedded in nature allows guests to participate in an array of activities, from hiking to skiing, and explore sights including natural hot springs, the Senjo-Gahara marshland, and Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples.
Our highland location within Nikko National Park—a destination revered for its scenic beauty and the splendid architecture of its UNESCO-designated Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples—provides our guests diverse and unique activities. Walk through protected wetlands, stroll the precincts of centuries-old sanctuaries, meditate under waterfalls or try ice climbing in winter. All of these experiences and more are possible.
Hiking, snowshoeing, cycling, fishing, and paddleboarding are just some of the many things to do in Nikko, Japan, and cultural inspiration abounds at its temples and shrines. We have tips for what to pack, what to reserve, and suggested itineraries.
No matter the season, begin your day by sitting zazen with a monk, then tour the carvings, paintings, and statuary of centuries-old sanctuaries. Witness a dynamic fire ceremony at Chuzenji Temple or a ceremonial dance at Chugushi Shrine. Nikko is a highland destination that has drawn mountain worshippers since the eighth century. Back at the hotel, learn the Nikko-bori style of woodcarving from local artists.
Spring arrives in OkuNikko toward the end of April, heralded by the pastel colors and the scent of rhododendrons and mountain azaleas. Native cherry trees on the shores of Lake Chuzenji soon follow, unfurling their deep-pink blossoms as the days grow successively warmer. The quiet natural beauty of the Nikko area permeates this season, ready to greet you on walking and cycling tours.
Summer pastimes in Nikko include fly fishing, wildflower hikes, and cruises on the lake. Lake Chuzenji was a summer retreat for vacationing 19th-century diplomats, who came here to escape the city heat. In 1902, the Scottish merchant Thomas Glover introduced the sport of fly fishing to Japan by releasing brook trout in local waters. Newcomers to the sport can try it out right where it all began.
From October, immerse yourself in a brilliant tapestry of fall color while paddleboarding on the lake or cycling the winding hills and old forests. Starting from the higher peaks, like 2,500-meter Mount Nantai directly in front of the hotel, the colors gradually descend the surrounding hills, to the shores of Lake Chuzenji, Japan’s highest freshwater lake, and eventually into town in Nikko.
December typically brings a light dusting of snow that soon builds to a full mantle of sparkling white. Nikko is one of the few areas in the Kanto region where skiers, snowboarders, and sledders alike can float down mountainsides in fresh powder snow. Fat-bike and woodland snowshoe excursions await, and in the deepest weeks of winter you can even gear up with crampons for a thrilling ice-climbing experience.
Tel: +81 288-25-6666 rc.nikko.ge@ritzcarlton.com
Pick up a map of local highlights at the front desk of our hotel near Lake Chuzenji, rent one of our electric mountain bikes, and head off to explore a rich variety of scenic locations that offer sights of all interests. Nearby are the legendary 97-meter cascade of Kegon Falls; Chuzenji Temple, founded more than 1,200 years ago; parks featuring the stately architecture of the former villas of the British and Italian embassies; and the protected wetlands of Senjogahara, rich in flora and fauna.
Our hotel is home to the world’s only The Ritz-Carlton branded onsen, which draws its natural hot spring water direct from Nikko Yumoto Onsen, a renowned magical hot spring destination ever since its discovery more than 1200 years ago. Immerse in the warm embrace of relaxation to soothe body and soul.
We encourage little guests to deepen their experience of the nature surrounding the resort by bringing the magic of the great outdoors into the comfort of their room. Take advantage of some of the things to do in Nikko, Japan, at our hotel such as mini tents, toys, and amenities provided in guest rooms for your child to enjoy a “secret fort experience”. Guided by a sense of playfulness and wonder, let their imagination inspire appreciation of Nikko’s beauty and nature. Recommended For Ages 4–12.
Under the watchful eyes of our Ladies and Gentlemen, Ritz Kids are invited on a mission to explore the hotel in a fun and educational way, seeking out one of Nikko’s famed monkeys with the aid of a treasure map. Caretakers, meanwhile, can use the same time to unwind over a relaxed dinner.
This Ritz Kids program is held for children and their caregivers on weekend nights only. Each handheld firework has its own unique beauty; enjoying their sparkle and shine together promises to add a heartwarming memory to your family visit.
When the conditions are just right, we’re delighted to put on our snowsuits for some good old-fashioned winter fun outdoors. Children are invited to join us in building snow people and mini igloos on the hotel premises.
Ski
Oku-Nikko Yumoto Ski center
Ski Lockers
2301 Sannai, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1431
2300 Sannai, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1494
2307 Sannai, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1431
2578 Chugushi, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1661
Chugushi, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1661
2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1661
Yumoto, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1662
2480-1 Chugushi, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1661
Hosoo Fukazawa, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1445
2482 Chugushi, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1661
Ashiomachi, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1511
Yumoto Onsen, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1662
2482-3 Chugushi, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1661
2559-2559 Yumoto, Nikko, JP-09, Japan, 321-1662
No, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko does not have a fitness center on-site.
No, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko does not have a pool on-site for hotel guests.
Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Futarasan Shrine, Chuzenji Temple, Nikko Irohazaka Kengamine Observatory and more are nearby The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko.
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