Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Located in Nikko's most popular onsen area, Kinugawa, Asaya hotel first opened its doors in 1888. This 5-star ryokan offers exquisite facilities and high quality of service to all guests, while also allowing them to experience the beauty of Nikko and traditional Japan. Apart from the excellent facilities, the hotel also offers breathtaking views of the natural landscape that surrounds the hotel.
Summary of reviewsAsaya offers a remarkable retreat nestled amidst picturesque mountains and serene waters, ideal for those seeking tranquility away from urban hustle. Although somewhat remote, its location next to the Kinugawa River provides breathtaking natural views, especially enjoyed from the open-air baths, which capture the surrounding beauty. Guests appreciate the expansive, luxurious rooms that blend traditional Japanese style with modern comforts, offering spectacular mountain and river views. Cleanliness is a cornerstone of Asaya's appeal, with meticulous attention to detail across its facilities, ensuring a pristine and relaxing environment.
The culinary offerings at Asaya are outstanding, with both breakfast and dinner buffets earning high praise for their abundant variety and exceptional quality. The breakfast buffet impresses with its customizable omelets and unlimited salmon roe, garnering admiration despite minor limitations in Western options. Dinner is celebrated for its delightful array of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines, alongside luxurious items like steak and crab. Dining, paired with the breathtaking natural setting, becomes a memorable experience enhanced by the attentive and polite staff, whose hospitality is a key contributor to the overall satisfaction of guests.
On top of the dining and room comforts, Asaya provides extraordinary spa facilities, including rooftop hot springs that offer stunning panoramic views and a serene bathing experience. The serene ambience and immaculate facilities make it a destination many guests wish to revisit. The spa complements relaxation with numerous bathing options, such as saunas and cold baths, further enhancing the soothing retreat. This luxurious haven provides a diverse and indulgent escape that harmonizes traditional Japanese style with modern luxury, delivering an enchanting experience that surpasses expectations. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Luxury Ryokan
Established in 1888, Asaya is a large luxury hotel in Kinugawa Onsen, featuring an impressive atrium lobby with a pipe organ. All guest rooms are supplied with natural hot spring water, with some offering private open-air baths or wide view baths on the balcony. Guests can enjoy an exquisite buffet or kaiseki meals.
Ryokan near Ski Resorts
Located in Kinugawa Onsen, this large ryokan can serve as a base for exploring the wider Nikko area, including ski resorts. Access to ski areas requires travel by car or public transport.
Ryokan with Parking
Asaya hotel provides parking for guests. This large ryokan is a popular choice and includes the necessary facilities for those arriving by car.
EV charging stations
Accessible Ryokan
This hotel provides comprehensive wheelchair access, including a toilet for disabled guests, a lift, and wheelchair-accessible parking, concierge desk, and registration desk.
Ryokan with EV Charging Stations
Asaya provides an EV charging station with specific details: one 200V charger with a 3.2kW output. This facility is available for staying guests free of charge, and advance reservation is required.
5-Star Ryokan
This ryokan provides a hot spring vacation experience. Guests can indulge in various hot spring amenities, including both indoor and outdoor public baths.
Ryokan with Outdoor Pool
Asaya Hotel provides a seasonal outdoor swimming pool facility which includes both a general use pool and a separate children's pool.
Ryokan with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Deluxe Twin RoomLocated on the top floor and fitted with relaxing amenities, and a massage chair.
This room comes with a flat-screen TV, a telephone and a fridge.
Japanese-Style Room - Non-SmokingThe quadruple room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. This quadruple room is air-conditioned and features a seating area with a flat-screen TV, tatami, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, as well as yukata. The unit offers 4 futons.
Standard Room with Tatami Area - Non-SmokingThe spacious quadruple room features air conditioning, tatami, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. The unit has 2 beds and 2 futons.
River view Superior Room with Tatami Area and Private Hot Spring Bath - Non-SmokingThe spacious quadruple room offers air conditioning, tatami, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. The quadruple room provides executive lounge access, a seating area, a safe deposit box, a flat-screen TV, as well as river views. The unit has 2 beds and 2 futons.
Deluxe Room with Tatami Area and Open-Air Bath - Non-SmokingGuests will have a special experience as this quadruple room features a private open-air bath. The spacious quadruple room provides air conditioning, tatami, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The unit offers 2 beds and 2 futons.
River view Standard Room with Tatami Area and Private Hot Spring Bath - Non-SmokingThe quadruple room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The spacious air-conditioned quadruple room offers a flat-screen TV with streaming services, tatami, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as river views. The unit has 2 beds and 2 futons.
Superior Room with Tatami Area and Private Hot Spring Bath- Non-SmokingThe quadruple room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The spacious quadruple room provides air conditioning, tatami, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area and a flat-screen TV with streaming services. The unit offers 2 beds and 2 futons.
Small Twin RoomThe twin room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The twin room features air conditioning, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, yukata and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.9
Excellent
Location
Nestled amidst picturesque mountains and serene waters, Asaya offers a setting that is both tranquil and remote. Its location next to the Kinugawa River provides breathtaking natural views, especially from the hotel’s open-air bath, which showcases the beauty of the surrounding landscape. However, the area bears the remnants of a once-thriving boom town, now marked by deserted buildings and a somewhat desolate atmosphere. While the scenery offers a captivating backdrop for those seeking a secluded onsen retreat, the hotel is not conveniently situated for those reliant on public transport. A journey to the main attractions of Nikko requires multiple transfers or a taxi ride, making a private vehicle a practical choice. Despite these challenges, guests willing to explore off the beaten path will find solace in the hotel’s peaceful environs, away from the hustle and bustle.
Breakfast
When it comes to breakfast at Asaya, guests are treated to a delightful culinary experience. The hotel offers a buffet with a wide variety of delicious options, catering to both breakfast and dinner guests in an impressive manner. Guests particularly appreciate the luxurious and abundant selection available. The breakfast buffet enjoys high praise for its quality and variety, with highlights such as the customizable omelets and unlimited salmon roe adding a special touch to the meal. The setting is calm, which many find enhances the dining experience, although some mention occasional crowding issues.
Despite the predominantly positive reactions, a few guests noted a lack of cheeses and Western options, focusing mainly on local cuisine. Bread variety also left some wanting. However, the visual display and overall preparation, including the pasta and omelets made to order, were praised for their care and creativity. For those looking to start their day with a satisfying and fulfilling meal, Asaya's breakfast proves to be a remarkable choice, beautifully paired with attentive staff service.
Dinner
At Asaya, the dining experience is certainly one to remember, with a plethora of positive praise highlighting its exceptional quality and variety. Guests can't stop raving about the dinner buffet, renowned for its endless array of options that include Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, all of which are consistently described as delicious. The buffet-style meals are celebrated for their abundance and creativity, with some diners noting a diverse selection featuring luxurious items such as steak and crab. The opulent spread of culinary delights ensures that even those with the heartiest appetites find satisfaction, with a variety that leaves guests spoiled for choice.
In addition to the food, visitors also appreciate the Asaya's ReFa shower heads and the multiple open-air baths on the rooftop, which together with the sumptuous meals, contribute to an overall experience that blends relaxation and indulgence. Although a few guests were slightly disappointed with the limited dining time or arrived too late to fully engage with the dinner offerings, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Both the dinner and breakfast buffets are said to live up to their reputations, providing guests with a delicious start and end to their day. Asaya promises a culinary journey that is both satisfying and memorable.
Rooms
The rooms at Asaya Hotel have garnered positive attention for their spaciousness and comfort. Guests often mention the cleanliness and well-stocked amenities, ensuring a satisfying stay. Many reviews highlight the calming and quiet atmosphere, adding to the sense of relaxation. Rooms offer beautiful views, notably of mountains and rivers, enhancing the overall experience. The Japanese-style rooms are spacious and equipped for a comfortable stay. Despite a few comments on the age and layout of certain areas, the ambiance created by the interiors has been appreciated, with some rooms featuring private onsens or flowing hot springs for added luxury. The establishment successfully combines a nice view with clean facilities across the premises, resulting in a very comfortable stay. Though smaller or older rooms have been noted, they maintain a good standard of comfort and cleanliness. Some guests experienced unexpected views that were less pleasing, such as the sight of an abandoned building, yet overall satisfaction remains high with regard to room quality and hotel hospitality.
Beds
At Asaya, guests have varied opinions about the sleeping arrangements, ranging from traditional Japanese futons to modern beds. Many visitors have praised the beds for being very comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep. The futons, a hallmark of Japanese lodging, have received mixed feedback; while some found them comfortable and fluffy, others mentioned issues like them being hard or even causing discomfort to the back. There's a suggestion for offering double-sized futons for couples, highlighting some room for improvement in accommodation options.
Rooms themselves are described as spacious and well-suited for groups, particularly in configurations offering both beds and futons. Comfort is consistently noted across reviews, with rooms often featuring picturesque views of mountains and rivers. However, it's worth mentioning that there are occasional reports of issues like bedding odors and heat retention in futons impacting the overall experience. While there's a preference for regular beds among some guests, the authentic Japanese experience of a futon is generally well-received when adjustments can be made.
Cleanliness
Asaya offers a pristine getaway that impresses guests with its exceptional cleanliness and attention to detail. The hotel and its facilities maintain a luxurious and well-cared-for appearance, reflecting the dedication to cleanliness throughout the entire property. Guests frequently highlight the meticulously clean rooms and bathrooms, which contribute to a comfortable and relaxing experience. The onsen facilities are particularly noted for their impeccable cleanliness, providing a tranquil and rejuvenating environment.
Despite its origins in the '80s, the ongoing renovations ensure that both rooms and communal areas feel renewed and comfortable, blending a touch of nostalgia with modern comfort. The spacious hotel is not only clean but also beautifully maintained, creating a serene atmosphere that is inviting to anyone seeking a restful retreat.
Though a few small issues like bathroom door locks and limited towel-hanging space were mentioned, they do not overshadow the comprehensive cleanliness and comfort that Asaya reliably provides. This attention to cleanliness extends to the dining offerings, with a buffet that has won high praise, complementing the overall experience of staying at this well-regarded destination.
Staff
At Asaya, guests are consistently delighted by the exemplary hospitality offered by the hotel's staff. Welcoming and polite, they ensure a warm atmosphere from the moment visitors arrive. Despite language barriers, the staff's friendliness and attentiveness resonate deeply, as they strive to understand and accommodate every guest's needs. Their helpfulness is evident, not only in their willingness to assist with any inquiry but also through thoughtful services like room introductions, facility explanations, and dining guidance, all delivered with a genuine smile.
The team members, although possessing limited English proficiency, excel in conveying their eagerness to aid every guest’s experience. Whether it's the front desk staff who create a welcoming environment or those assisting with luggage and room arrangements, their professionalism remains commendable. Notably, even the service during leisure activities such as karaoke has received high praise from satisfied guests. With their courteous and kind approach, the staff contribute significantly to the satisfying overall experience at Asaya.
The exceptional hospitality extends beyond simple courtesy to a genuine care for guest satisfaction, embodying the essence of a luxury inn rather than a standard hotel. Even for guests unfamiliar with Japanese, communication remains effective and smooth, underscoring the staff's commitment to excellent service. Attentiveness and thoughtfulness are evident, strengthening the hotel's reputation as a destination where visitors feel well-cared for and valued.
Pool
Nestled amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, Asaya's hot springs offer guests a serene spa experience that is second to none. The rooftop onsen on the 13th floor boasts incredible outdoor pools with both lie-down and standing options, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views. With three distinct large baths on offer, each featuring unique characteristics, guests can indulge in a variety of soothing experiences catered to their preferences. The open-air bath in the sky is particularly praised for its spectacular vistas.
The outdoor hot springs are highlighted for their comfort and cleanliness, ensuring guests can relax in peace. From a sauna to a cold bath, Asaya provides a comprehensive range of spa amenities for ultimate relaxation. The overall hospitality complements the tranquil baths, with delicious meals and attentive service rounding out a perfect stay. Whether it's the serene ambience or the impeccable facilities, guests frequently express a desire to return, drawn by the magnificent hot springs and the unforgettable experiences they create.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool experience at Asaya, particularly the open-air hot springs, leaves a lasting impression with its serene atmosphere and remarkable setting. Nestled on the rooftop and on the 13th floor, these hot springs offer guests breathtaking views, especially beautiful in the morning or under a starry sky, making it an unforgettable bathing experience. Despite occasional weather interruptions such as rain, the outdoor hot springs are consistently praised as both amazing and the best ones visitors have encountered. The combination of the soothing open-air baths with stunning views creates an experience that's both relaxing and memorable for guests.
Luxury
Nestled in a picturesque setting, Asaya is a haven of luxurious indulgence that captivates guests with its stunning scenery and unrivaled amenities. With a focus on impeccable cleanliness and meticulous attention to detail, the hotel effortlessly combines opulence with comfort, featuring beautiful and spacious rooms that exude a sense of elegance. The property is well-maintained, offering a plethora of luxurious facilities including sumptuous bath experiences, a spa, massages, an arcade, and relaxing hot springs overlooking scenic mountains. Dining at Asaya is an extraordinary experience, with a buffet that dazzles with variety and creativity, and meals described as magnificent. The outstanding service provided by the attentive staff further enhances the luxurious atmosphere, ensuring a flawless experience for every visitor. The hotel thoughtfully offers guests Yukatas to wear throughout their stay, adding a touch of cultural immersion to the luxurious journey. Overall, Asaya stands out as a superb accommodation choice, harmonizing the healing qualities of Japanese style with modern luxury, delivering an enchanting escape that exceeds imagination and expectations.
Yes, Asaya has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.