Hotel Shikisai
8,0/10 Excellent - Based on 729 reviews
Harmoniously blending nature and tradition, this ryokan in Nikkō offers a peaceful and elegant atmosphere thanks to its lush surroundings. The hot springs, both indoor and outdoor, invite you to absolute relaxation, allowing visitors to rejuvenate in a serene setting. With dedicated service and modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, the comfort and well-being of guests are at the heart of the experience offered.
Highlighting Japanese aesthetics, the ryokan’s rooms feature refined tatami mats and bay windows providing a relaxing view of the surrounding nature. Some rooms even offer open-air bathtubs, ideal for admiring the landscapes in perfect privacy. The diversity of accommodations ensures a unique experience, tailored to the expectations of each traveler.
Enjoying an excellent culinary reputation, the on-site restaurant delights its guests with traditional Kaiseki meals, carefully crafted to celebrate local flavors. For those who wish to explore further, the surroundings are full of charming restaurants and cafes, accessible within minutes. Together, these choices ensure a rich and varied gastronomic adventure.
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Japanese Authenticity Evaluation
6/10 Demonstrating a blend of modernity and tradition, this ryokan offers pleasant but unexceptional baths, with a charming natural setting. The rooms offer decent comfort with Japanese touches, although a bit modern. The culinary experience seems adequate but lacks typical refinement.
Ryokan Highlights
Hot spring/onsen
Open-air bath
Public bath
24-hour reception
Refrigerator
Wi-Fi connection
Parking
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Positive Reviews
Beautiful natural setting
The hotel is located in a stunning environment surrounded by forest and a beautiful lake. Guests enjoyed seeing wildlife and the opportunity for nature walks and hikes nearby.
Relaxing onsen experience
Guests consistently praised the indoor and outdoor onsens, with some rooms offering private outdoor baths. The onsen was described as hot, relaxing, and with great views of the forest.
Traditional and spacious rooms
Many guests appreciated the spacious, authentically Japanese-style rooms, often mentioning the comfort, cleanliness, and amenities provided, including kimonos and kotatsu.
Delicious traditional meals
The Japanese dinners and breakfasts were frequently highlighted as a positive, with mentions of gastronomic experiences, regional products, and opportunities to try new dishes.
Helpful and attentive staff
Several reviewers noted the efforts made by the staff to accommodate special requests and dietary needs, as well as their overall pleasant and caring attitude.
Convenient shuttle and accessibility
The hotel offers a shuttle service to and from Nikko station, making it accessible for guests without cars. Bus stops nearby also help guests explore the area easily.
Negative Reviews
Limited dining options and timing
It is not possible to have lunch at the hotel, and dinner must be reserved early. The nearby cafes close early, which can be inconvenient for guests.
Challenging for special diets
Some guests found the traditional Japanese meals challenging if they did not eat fish, seafood, or preferred a continental breakfast. Vegetarian options require advance notice.
Remote location and transport
The hotel is a bit far from town and best accessed by car. Public buses can be busy and require a walk up a steep hill, which may be difficult with luggage.
Language barrier with staff
Communication with staff can be challenging as English is not widely spoken, though tools like Google Translate help. Some emails went unanswered.
Onsen restrictions for tattoos
The onsen has restrictions for tattoos larger than 15cm, and guests must cover tattoos with patches. Information about this was not always provided in advance.
Occasional service or facility issues
Some guests noted that the reception staff could be more helpful, the shuttle bus schedule is limited, and restaurant service felt rushed during busy times.
Does the ryokan have an onsen?
Yes, Hotel Shikisai has two hot springs/onsens, one indoor and one outdoor, available for guests.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
You can check in between 15:00 and 18:00, and check-out must be done between 05:00 and 10:00.
What languages are spoken at the ryokan?
The staff at Hotel Shikisai speaks Japanese.
Are there any specific restrictions or regulations during my stay?
The ryokan is entirely non-smoking and does not accept cash for bill payments. Pets are not allowed, and there is a curfew between 23:00 and 05:00.
What wellness services are available?
In addition to the onsens, the ryokan offers a public bath and an open-air bath for guest relaxation.
What does the on-site dining offer?
The ryokan offers breakfast and dinner in the dining room or restaurant. The evening meal consists of a traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner, which includes several courses.
Is parking available?
Yes, the ryokan offers free and private parking for all guests, with no prior reservation needed.
What activities can be done nearby?
Guests can visit the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the Kegon Waterfall, and the Senjo-ga-hara Plateau, all located a short drive away.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed within the premises.
Does the ryokan offer cultural activities?
While the ryokan itself does not offer specific cultural activities, its location near historical and natural sites offers a rich cultural experience.
How can I access the ryokan by transport?
The ryokan is a 35-minute drive from Tobu Nikko and JR Nikko stations. A free shuttle is provided from these stations to the ryokan once a day.
Is there access for people with mobility issues?
There is no elevator in the ryokan. Access to the rooms, restaurant, and public baths is only by stairs, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
