Located 2.5-hours north of Tokyo, the picturesque Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is easily accessible by rail or car. Promising to delight guests with a wide array of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, the destination features many natural treasures including the Kegon Falls and a handful of famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
Long hailed as a sacred place, Nikko has been been given UNESCO World Heritage status for the cultural, religious and architectural significance of its richly decorated shrines and temples. Nestled on the banks of Lake Chuzenji at the foot of Mount Nantai, the location gives guests to opportunity explore notable scenic attractions, including Nikko National Park, which forms the hotel’s backdrop.
Each of the hotel’s 94 spacious guest rooms and suites flows seamlessly out onto a private balcony from its engawa lounge area, offering an expanded space for guests to revel in the striking landscape. Taking inspiration from this sublime setting, the hotel articulates graceful Japanese design through a modern lens to bring the natural beauty of Nikko indoors. Earthy materials such as woods and stones permeate the property and are enhanced by streaming natural light.
Further honoring the region, the property draws attention to Japanese artistry through the use of exclusively crafted pottery by the well-established Mashiko pottery artists, GENDO, and displays traditional wood carving motifs created by the first female wood carving artists in the 400-year history of the shrines and temples.
Japanese tradition and craftsmanship also guide the property’s four distinct dining experiences: The Japanese Restaurant offers all-day dining and showcases the vibrant elements of Japanese cuisine; Lakehouse uses fresh, local ingredients to create imaginative Western dishes in a tranquil courtyard setting; The Bar is a sophisticated haven of relaxation where local ingredients are highlighted in original cocktails celebrating the culture, nature and spirituality of the ancient city; and The Lobby Lounge is the ideal place to unwind, where visitors can enjoy light bites and Afternoon Tea overlooking a picturesque garden. The cuisine and beverages at all dining venues highlight the best regional ingredients sourced from local purveyors, celebrating the beauty of Japan’s bounty.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko showcases treatments inspired by the abundance of natural revitalising elements and the rich heritage of the Nikko region within four specialised treatment rooms. The hotel is the first Ritz-Carlton property to feature an authentic hot springs experience in the Japanese onsen tradition. Guests are invited to enjoy the spacious indoor and open-air hot spring baths, where therapeutic thermal waters drawn from the springs of nearby Yumoto Onsen will rejuvenate their body and mind. The onsen experience promises the ultimate holistic journey, with a secluded tension-melting soak before any of the supremely relaxing and personalized treatments.
Taking full advantage of its location within Nikko National Park, a destination revered for its scenic beauty as well as the splendid architecture of its UNESCO-designated Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, the hotel offers a wide selection of activities that showcase the unique offerings of its highland setting.
Visitors can choose from a collection of unforgettable excursions ranging from cycling through protected wetlands, to strolling through the precincts of centuries-old sanctuaries, meditating under waterfalls, ascending their frozen cascades in winter, and more. Entwined with local culture, the hotel also offers guests the opportunity to master the Japanese skill of furoshiki wrapping, witness a mystical temple fire ceremony or enjoy the sounds of drums and Japanese flute music at a sacred ritual ceremonial dance. Spanning nature, culture, spirituality, and Ritz-Kids programming categories, there is something for curious explorers, thrill-seekers and everyone in between.
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To find out more, visit The Ritz Carlton, Nikko’s website.