Yutorelo Nikko
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Perched on the cape above Lake Chūzenji, Yutorelo Nikko presents a deliberately relaxed lakeside stay where every guest room faces the water and seasonal scenery. The property frames panoramic views of the lake and nearby mountains, placing it within easy reach of popular outdoor highlights such as waterfalls and hiking trails around Nikkō. The hotel markets itself as a casual, modern ryokan with onsen in Tochigi, combining traditional bathing culture with informal communal spaces designed for groups, couples and independent travellers alike.
Facilities centre on a mineral hot spring complex with both an open-air bath and a large indoor public bath sourced from the local Nikkō Yumoto spring; the site lists the spring’s characteristics. Bathing hours are scheduled in separate evening and morning blocks with a short nightly maintenance period, and the onsen is operated as a communal facility rather than private baths in guest rooms. On-site dining emphasizes simple, approachable menus and some live-kitchen elements, while a lakeview lounge and casual game/relaxation areas encourage lingering without a formal programme.
Practical amenities include complimentary on-site parking, building-wide Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour reception and a mix of room types from western twin rooms to Japanese‑style and dormitory layouts; several room categories accommodate families or groups. The property promotes an “all‑inclusive” approach for certain plans that bundles meals, drinks and select activities, and typical policies such as check‑in from mid‑afternoon and check‑out around mid‑morning apply. For travellers seeking a relaxed ryokan with onsen experience overlooking Lake Chūzenji, the hotel offers a straightforward, activity‑friendly base with easy access to the surrounding natural sites.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yutorelo Nikko
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (indoor and outdoor)
Many guests praise the hotel's baths — both indoor and outdoor — as very pleasant and a major highlight of the stay, often described as relaxing and well-equipped (towels, yukata/kimono provided).
Fantastic lake-side location and views
The property’s position facing Lake Chuzenji is repeatedly mentioned as a strong asset: scenic views from rooms and the lounge, easy access to lakeside relaxation and memorable wake-up views. Several reviews note a nearby bus stop or shuttle making the hotel accessible.
Comfortable rooms and sleeping options
Guests report spacious Japanese-style rooms and comfortable individual capsules/beds; room size, traditional furnishings and comfortable bedding are appreciated after days of sightseeing. Some specifically compliment thick warm duvets in winter.
Nice communal facilities and amenities
The lounge and shared spaces receive positive remarks for being comfortable and well stocked (free hot/cold drinks, snacks, board games, ping-pong, library). Extras like hamacs, a sake bar and small freebies (glasses, ice cream) add to the experience.
Friendly, attentive staff and good meals
Several guests highlight helpful, welcoming staff and praise the food — dinners described as generous and delicious (some name the chef), plus complimentary continuous drinks in communal areas which improve the overall stay.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent cleanliness in dorms and bathrooms
Multiple reviews mention hygiene problems in shared facilities or dorms: dirty sheets or duvets (stains), unclean toilets with urine smell, yellowed shower floors, and dust in sinks — issues sometimes persisting over multi-night stays.
Limited dorm facilities and storage
Dorm guests report lack of luggage space, limited lockers/amenities, few showers relative to dorm capacity (e.g. 2 showers for many guests) and no kitchen for self-catering, which can be inconvenient for longer stays or groups.
Dining access and cost restrictions
Guests note that restaurant dinners require reservation (often by 16:00) and it can be impossible to dine without prior booking; some find on-site restaurant and breakfasts expensive, and a few experienced repetitive set meals over multi-night stays.
Tattoo restrictions for onsen access
The hotel enforces a tattoo policy preventing some guests from using the onsen; this has caused disappointment or contradictory information for tattooed visitors who expected access.
Location trade-offs: limited nearby services and transport
Although scenic, the location is somewhat remote for those without a car — few restaurants or shops nearby, infrequent buses or challenging bus connections (risk of missing the last bus), and some guests consider the building aging (minor rust/old facilities).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include Japanese-style rooms with up to five futons, family rooms with two beds plus futons, and dormitory beds; configurations suit solo travellers, couples and families. Children of any age may stay but guests aged 3 and over are counted as adults and extra cots are not provided.
Yes — the property has a natural hot spring with indoor and open-air baths; public bathing hours are generally in the evening and early morning. Guests with visible tattoos may be refused access to public baths, and swimwear is not permitted.
A complimentary shuttle is provided with scheduled pickups (pickup times reported from JR Nikko and Tobu Nikko around mid‑afternoon) and a morning departure from the hotel; advance reservation is required and service may be refused if fully booked. Please inform the hotel of your arrival time when you book.
From JR or Tobu Nikko stations take the Tobu bus toward Chuzenji and alight at the 'Chuzenji Post Office' stop, then walk a few minutes to the property; the bus ride from Nikko takes about 45 minutes. From Tokyo travel by train to Nikko and transfer to the local bus, or use the hotel shuttle from Nikko stations if available.
The primary working language is Japanese; staff commonly provide basic English assistance at reception and for common guest requests. For detailed or specialised language support, please contact the hotel in advance.
Yutorelo Nikko sits on Lake Chūzenji with easy access to Kegon Falls (a short walk), Lake Chūzenji and hiking around Mount Nantai; Toshogu Shrine and central Nikko are about 15–20 km away. The area suits sightseeing, hiking, and lakefront walks.
Standard check‑in hours are in the mid‑afternoon and check‑out is in the morning (Booking lists check‑in roughly 15:00–18:00 and check‑out between 06:00–10:00). Guests should notify the hotel of late arrivals in advance; dinner plans may require arrival by around 18:00.
The property advertises large public and open‑air hot spring baths; private rental baths are not prominently listed on public pages. If you need a private bath, contact the hotel directly to check availability or special requests.
Pets are not permitted at the property. The ryokan is in a lakeside area with limited shops immediately nearby; for supermarkets and broader shopping options, use the bus or travel into central Nikko.
The hotel operates a restaurant with breakfast (buffet or set) and evening dining that has offered half‑buffet/live kitchen service, plus a lakeview lounge with complimentary drinks at certain plans. The hotel notes allergy and dietary support on its information pages, so notify them in advance for special dietary requirements.