Nikko is a beautiful traditional town nestled in the mountains north of Tokyo. It’s known for its natural landscapes, a number of World Heritage sites, bright red bridges and historic, decorated temples. My next trip to Japan will undoubtedly include an overnight stay in Nikko, so I’ve written a round-up of gorgeous Nikko ryokan with private onsen. Many accommodation options in Nikko offer public indoor and outdoor onsen options. For that extra level of comfort and relaxation, I’ve found accommodation options that go a step further and offer private onsen in their rooms.
Because staying within budget for a trip to Japan is important, I’ve also included the prices for each accommodation option below. Although I try to keep the prices listed as accurate as possible, be sure to check the latest prices on Booking.com.
What is a Ryokan? An Onsen?
First let’s break down what I’m talking about here when I say “ryokan with private onsen in Nikko”:
Nikko – A scenic Japanese town located northwest of Tokyo. Nikko is famous for its World Heritage-listed shrines, natural landscapes especially in the autumn, and its hot springs. The town is a perfect overnight trip distance from Tokyo, so many travelers choose to spend the night here in a ryokan.
Ryokan – A traditional Japanese inn known for incredible hospitality, where guests can wear yukata (Japanese-style bathrobes) and enjoy an onsen bath. Japanese dinner and breakfast is usually included in the price.
Onsen – Japanese hot springs which can be indoor or outdoor, public or private, and usually enjoyed in the nude (hence the preference for a private onsen in Nikko!)
6 Nikko Ryokan with Private Onsen
Here’s my list of 6 Nikko Ryokan with private onsen! The Nikko private onsen accommodations listed below are ordered by price (USD) at the time of writing (lowest to highest). Be sure to check Booking.com to confirm the latest rates.
If you’re interested in private onsen, check out my similar lists for popular places like Hakone, Mt. Fuji area, and Kyoto too.
1. Hotel Shikisai
Japanese-Style Room with Semi (or Fully) Open Air Bath – $300 per night for two people, $420 per night for three people, Japanese kaiseki (multi-course) breakfast and dinner included. Vegetarian options available.
Hotel Shikisai is a secluded Nikko ryokan with private onsen located in the forest on the border of Lake Chuzenji. With indoor and outdoor public onsen options surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the wonders of Nikko. The private onsens are admittedly just baths not fed by hot spring waters, but each have views of the surrounding forest and can by enjoyed along with the crisp mountain air.
A shuttle bus can take guests to and from the JR Nikko Station and Tobu Nikko Station, 35 minutes away, once per day.
Check the latest prices here.
2. Hotel Hanaan
Japanese style room, and Superior room, with Open-Air Bath – $350-$400 per night for two people, $483 per night for three people. Breakfast and dinner are included.
This Nikko ryokan with private onsen rooms is perfectly situated between the iconic Kegon falls and Chuzenji Lake. The “Superior” rooms at this Nikko ryokan (pictured below) have views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and even a red torii gate. Amenities nearby include cafes, small restaurants, and a convenience store. Kegon waterfall is 5 minutes away on foot.
The ryokan has both outdoor and indoor public baths for guests to enjoy, as well as massage chairs and yukata to wear.
Check the latest prices for this Nikko ryokan with private onsen here.
3. Asaya Hotel
Superior Room with Tatami Area and Private Hot Spring Bath – $385-$410 per night for two people, $650-$710 for four people. Buffet breakfast and dinner are included, with both Japanese and Western options available.
Asaya Hotel is located in northern Nikko, next to the Kinugawa River. The in-room private onsen here are indoors, but have large windows that open up to views of the Kinugawa River below.
This massive property boasts several amazing amenities including a rooftop pool, a seating area in the lobby under a gorgeous chandelier, a kid’s play zone, and of course, indoor and outdoor public onsen facilities. Guests can also enjoy karaoke rooms, a spa, and a gift shop on-site.
Although it doesn’t look like a traditional ryokan with its flashy interior, Asaya has been serving guests in Nikko for over 130 years.
Check the latest prices here.
4. Kinugawa Plaza Hotel
Deluxe Suite with Open Air Bath and River View – $425 per night for two people, $730 for four people. Breakfast and dinner included.
Kinugawa Plaza Hotel is located on – you guessed it – the Kinugawa river in northern Nikko. Out of all the Nikko ryokan with private onsen on this list, this accommodation has the greatest flexibility in terms of meal bookings. Choose between having no meals, breakfast only, or both breakfast and dinner for various room prices.
Kinugawa Plaza Hotel also has budget room options (no onsen) with no meals included for as low as $105 USD per night for two people! ($205 USD per night for four people, weekdays only)
The ryokan features both indoor and outdoor public onsen, karaoke rooms, a gift shop, billiards and ping-pong tables for rent, and a hot spring footbath. Private onsens on-site can also be rented by the hour. Breakfast is served buffet-style, and dinner is kaiseki Japanese multi-course meal.
Book this awesome Nikko ryokan with private onsen here!
5. Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki
Room with Tatami Area and Open-Air Bath – $540 per night for two people, $990 per night for four people. Buffet-style breakfast and dinner included.
Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki is located on the Kinugawa River in northern Nikko. It is surrounded by mountains on both sides, but still has amenities like a public park, bakery, and restaurants nearby.
Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki might be the best accommodation in Nikko for kids and young families because of its massive kids pool and play area. The ryokan also offers a large, Instagram-worthy outdoor infinity pool for guests. Rooms on the top floors are elusive and book out quickly, but have their own private onsen overlooking the mountains and river.
Check private onsen room availability (nicknamed Club9, see below) for your dates here.
6. Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa
Villa with Private Hot Spring Bath – $595 per night for two people, $1,020 for four people. Breakfast and dinner are included. Upgrade to the Premium Suite with Open Air Bath (shown below), which has its own light-up water feature. These rooms are $765 for two people and $1360 for four. Surely one of the most luxurious private onsen options in Nikko!
This Nikko ryokan is located on the Tamozawa river, down the road from a number of scenic water falls and hiking spots. The property has both indoor and outdoor public onsen, and two types of rooms with private onsen.
The accommodation provides free pick-up from Nikko JR Train Station, and shuttle services to Nikko’s Tosho-gu Shrine as well.
Check out the latest rates here.
If you’re loving these Nikko accommodation with onsen, check out my list of 10 Hakone ryokan with private onsen. Hakone is a hot spring town at the base of Mt. Fuji that’s one of the most famous towns for luxurious ryokan and onsen.
Alternatively, have a bit of fun at one of these 34 weirdest hotels in Japan 🙂
Pin these Nikko ryokan with private onsen for later!
Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?
Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!
- Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both Google Flights for their low fare calendar, and Skiplagged, which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai).
- Getting Around Japan: Prepare your JR Pass and Suica transit card before you depart.
- Book Your Accommodation – Check out Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂
- Book Local Excursions – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like Teamlab Borderless or Tokyo Disneyland, by booking tickets online now. Check GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan.
- Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan? Order a SIM card just for you.
- Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear, and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials.
- Read more on my Travel Resources page!
