Sakahijiri Nikko
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 587 reviews
Sakahijiri Nikko is a compact ryokan set in the Kawaji Onsen enclave of Nikko, Tochigi, offering a deliberate blend of traditional Japanese rooms and a restrained modern reception and lounge. The property maintains twenty guest rooms arranged in Japanese style, with futon or mixed layouts, and planted views toward the surrounding river and forest. The atmosphere is aimed at guests seeking a calm, nature-oriented stay rather than an urban hotel experience, and the on-site public areas emphasise quiet communal spaces and a small garden that frames the river frontage.
The property features a range of hot-spring bathing options, including indoor communal baths and an outdoor onsen framed by natural scenery, so visitors may experience both covered and open-air soaking; this makes it a straightforward choice when searching for a ryokan with onsen in Tochigi. Facilities include an on-site restaurant that focuses on local ingredients (dinner and breakfast options are offered on booking-dependent plans), a shared lounge where guests can relax after bathing, and complimentary on-site parking for those travelling by car. Public Wi‑Fi is available in communal areas.
Rooms are practical and softly decorated in a Japanese idiom, with private bathrooms and flexible bedding configurations for couples or small groups; some plans require advance selection of meal options if you wish to dine on property. The staff are regularly highlighted for attentive service and English is spoken by some team members, helping international visitors with check-in and local orientation. The ryokan sits a short walk from Kawaji‑Yumoto station, and guests should note the area can be snowy in winter, so preparing appropriate transport arrangements is advisable for off-season travel.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sakahijiri Nikko
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (hot springs)
Many guests highlight the onsen as a major plus — several mention both the indoor and outdoor baths as spacious, attractive and very enjoyable.
Delicious, traditional meals
Dinners and Japanese breakfasts receive high praise: described as plentiful, traditional and excellent. Guests recommend reserving dinner and breakfast in advance to enjoy the full ryokan experience.
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff are repeatedly described as very kind, attentive and ready to help, including useful English communication for international visitors.
Peaceful, scenic location
Visitors appreciate the calm, nature-filled setting and beautiful surroundings — a relaxing, restful atmosphere often cited as a highlight.
Authentic, comfortable ryokan atmosphere
Reviewers value the traditional style and spacious rooms (with futons) and note good cleanliness and overall comfortable, well‑arranged facilities.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited public transport
Many guests warn the property is quite far from Nikko and poorly served by trains/buses; several recommend having a car and planning travel in advance to avoid long waits and multiple changes.
Some rooms and areas feel dated or need renovation
A number of reviews report aging rooms, visible repairs (e.g. tape), worn ceilings and a general need for refurbishment to modern standards.
Wi‑Fi and connectivity issues
Several guests experienced slow or unreliable Wi‑Fi during their stay, which affected convenience for some travellers.
Restrictions on meals, reception hours and booking via third parties
Guests note limited flexibility — reception may close early, restaurant meals and breakfast often require advance reservation (and cannot always be booked via Booking.com), and late check‑out is strictly charged by the hour.
Occasional cleanliness or temperature issues in onsen
Although onsen are generally praised, a few guests mentioned minor cleanliness problems in corners or that one bath was nearly cold on one occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 20 Japanese‑style rooms with futons; room types range from doubles to family rooms that sleep up to four people, with exact capacity shown on booking details.
Yes — the property offers thermal baths including a public indoor bath and an outdoor (open‑air) onsen for guests to use.
Private onsen rental is not listed as a standard offering; pets are not allowed at the ryokan. Please contact the property directly to request private bath options.
There is no regular airport shuttle advertised; the ryokan is best reached by taxi or car from nearby stations, and the nearest local station (Kawaji‑Yumoto) is a short walk away.
The ryokan is some distance from major hubs — Booking lists Tobu/Nikko stations about 29–30 km away and a regional airport referenced at roughly 110 km; allow extra time for transfers.
Staff primarily speak Japanese, so guests with limited Japanese should prepare basic phrases or translation support.
There is an on‑site restaurant, but meals must be reserved as part of a plan at booking; there are very few dining options immediately around the property.
The ryokan sits in a nature area with nearby highlights such as Ryūō‑kyō (gorge), Lake Ikariko and access to Nikko National Park and traditional Nikko sites within day‑trip distance.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; the front desk has limited hours so notify the property if you expect a late arrival.
There are few shops or restaurants immediately nearby, so plan to book meals with the ryokan or bring essentials in advance; larger stores are in nearby towns.