Nikko Hoshinoyado

Traveling to Nikko, we wanted to stay at a hotel with tatami mat style room and Hoshinoyado did not disappoint! While many of the reviews said the rooms were dated, it was exactly what we were looking for!
While the room had a slight smoke smell even if our room was designated non-smoking - we don’t know if it was other guests or the furnace.

They also have a public onsen with 2 baths (one for men, one for women) as well as a private one you reserve can fairly cheaply for couples and families which we did for both nights. It was well kept and relaxing!

We stayed for 2 nights and 2 days. The meals provided were delicious and plenty. The location was great for those wanting to explore the nearby temples. The best part was the kind and wonderful service they provided. There were English speaking staff to help us with any questions or concerns. The location provides free shuttle service to and from the train station.

Like other reviews mentioned, the rooms are dated (booked a standard Japanese style room). But no complaints on my end given that both the food (we had 1 dinner and 2 breakfasts) and service were wonderful.

Dinner was a multi-course affair with dishes presented beautifully, the highlight being the yuba (turned tofu when the fire runs out) served at the start.

Breakfast was more than filling and delicious.

The public bath was clean and well maintained, but a little small with only 4 shower booths in the men's area and the outdoor rotenburo with only space for 2 comfortably.

The staff were the nicest people you have ever met and the kaiseki dinner was one of the most beautiful and exquisite meals we have ever had. Aravind at the front desk was exceptionally gracious and kind.

Although pricy it was worth the experience. We stayed for two nights and the dinner and breakfast were stunning.
There also was English speaking staff who always very nicely explained what we were served.
The rooms are just what you want from a ryokan. Looking out over a beautiful Japanese garden.

We had such a lovely stay here! One of our family members stayed here a few years ago and recommended this place to us, and I’m so glad they did! The hotel was easy to communicate with prior to arrival and when we arrived prior to check-in, they held our luggage so that we could explore. Several of the sites are in walking distance. Dinner and breakfast were absolutely spectacular! The staff were all kind, helpful and attentive. Since our train left earlier than their shuttle service started in the morning, they arranged a taxi to bring us to the station in the morning. Would recommend staying here for anyone planning to visit Nikko! Experiencing a ryokan and onsen at this hotel was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan.

Great value, location, service, food and room!

The waitresses in the dining room did a great job. Very quick and attentive. Before the trip I was in correspondence with the front desk staff, and they were prompt.

For the cost of the hotel, the food was superb. We stayed three nights and some of the kaiseki meal were better than ones we've had at 4 star ryokan. The portions were generous and one of the meals was one of the best we've had on three trips to Japan.

Right across the corner from a famous bridge, the location is a 20 minute walk up hill lined with souvenir, vintage, craft and liquor stores (they offer a shuttle service to pick you up from the station). Tokugawa and temple complex is very close as well.

They also will accommodate as best they can food restrictions. Every morning we enjoyed the view of the mountains while drinking our tea.

I didn't find the bath overly hot. The semi-open air bath had a nice view of maples. You have to leave the main building and walk a short covered walkway to the onsen building, which was kinda magical.

Even if you are not staying in this ryokan, they have a very nice public bath (onsen) that is open to visitors at certain times. We visited after seeing the temples and it was an amazing end to an awesome day. The staff were very friendly and welcoming!

This is our second time staying at this hotel due to its superb customer service, immaculate facility and walking proximity to major historical sites in Nikko. The Kaiseki dinner was very fresh, delicious and beautifully presented. We enjoyed the on-site hot springs. They have English speaking staff so we can easily communicate with them. We highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Nikko.

The location is off the charts, easy to get to from the train station and right next to the famous bridge. I am not an onsen expert, and maybe I was lucky, but I mostly had the onsen to myself. It was an incredible experience. The dinner was superb even though I'll be honest I do not know what I was eating during several courses (silly American, I know!). Everyone was welcoming and very helpful. Super close to the shrine of the first shogun which is amazing. Highly recommended.

The hotel location is strategic, it is just less than 100 meters away from the famous bridge and shrines. Hotel environments are calm and tranquil but you can definitely feel the warm hospitality from the staffs. Room( the one with private bathroom) is authentic Japanese style with panoramic nikko Mountain View. Breakfasts and dinners are well prepared with great efforts. Onsen is another plus points too.

Thanks for the shuttle van service to tobu nikko station.
Hope to see you again in the future.

Beautiful onsen with traditional rooms, including futon and kaiseki. Quiet, romantic and worth the trip to Nikko.

I stayed here on a last minute no dinner reservation and I found the location excellent, the staff really eager to help (especially for local restuarants) and the onsen just wonderful in the open air. They really work hard to help with English too. The facilities are comfortable and rooms are large, it’s not new but for the price is an excellent place with a really warm feeling to it and right next to all the temples.

Absolutely get the dinner, great location and fantastic service all around. Loved my Mountain View room with private bath! Next time I’ll bring my parents along.

Beautiful ryokan with only 21 rooms. The staff were so polite & welcoming. We really enjoyed the onsen before dinner, which was an incredible 6 course meal all with fresh ingredients. It has a slightly aged charm which some might see as worn down but we found to be homey and comfortable!

Wonderful! Kaiseki dinner and breakfast were simply fantastic. Room very comfy. Hotel spotless. Nice little outdoor bath. Convenient location - not too far from sights and station.

Lovely traditional ryokan. It offers free transportation from the train station, the staff it's friendly and speaks English.
The rooms are big and provide Yukata and several good quality amenities. The onsen it's perfect, with view to the garden.
There is a Japanese or Western style breakfast at the first floor and a souvenir ahop

Amazing Onsen. Beautiful view and clean. We accidentally passed by this hotel and asked if there is onsen. I'm surprised that it's free because of some event for foreigners. We really had a great time. Recommended!

It was my family trip and celebrate 5th anniversary of marriage.
The room was very spacious, and public bath room was very nice, too.
All of my family are satisfied with this trip

A boutique style well designed Japanese ryokan, right next to Shinkyo bridge, highly recommended.

Really great food and gorgeous rooms. What I imagined a modern version of a Japanese inn would look like