Tsuganoki
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 219 reviews
Tsuganoki sits in a quiet stretch of Kinugawa Onsen near Nikko, presenting the feel of a small country ryokan with onsen in Nikko. The property is set beside riverine woods and offers a compact collection of guest rooms, including eleven rooms described as having private open-air baths; the site explicitly notes those room baths are not supplied with hot-spring water. Public spaces are intentionally modest—a lounge, terraces and windowed seating that frame the surrounding hills—so the experience reads as intimate and home-like rather than resort-scale.
The bathing facilities are the core amenity: two communal large baths, one with an outdoor section, are fed from the Kinugawa onsen source (an alkaline simple spring) and run on an evening/morning schedule with gender rotation. A paid private outdoor bath and a pair of paid bedrock (ganbanyoku) rooms provide quieter options, but the property clarifies that the guest-room open-air baths and the private rentable bath are not hot-spring baths. Standard bathing amenities, a women-only powder room and rotating access between indoor and outdoor pools are part of the layout.
Accommodation ranges from traditional tatami rooms to suites with adjoining open-air tubs and several adult-only room types; rooms typically include climate control, small refrigerators and in-room conveniences for multi-night stays. Meals emphasize seasonal Tochigi produce with locally sourced seafood presented in set-course dining within semi-private meal spaces or individual plans. Practical services include an on-site relaxation salon, reservation desk for the paid private bath and a reception that aims to assist with local sightseeing; overall the property positions itself as a service-focused, comfortably scaled ryokan with onsen Tochigi.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tsuganoki
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience
Multiple guests praise the hot springs—both the private in-room baths and the public onsen—calling them relaxing, high-quality and a highlight of the stay.
Attentive, friendly staff
Staff repeatedly described as very kind, helpful and going above and beyond, offering good service from arrival to departure and helping with requests like shuttle pickup and early check-in.
High‑quality traditional meals
Kaiseki and other Japanese dinners and breakfasts are frequently highlighted as delicious, carefully explained for tourists and good value for the price.
Authentic ryokan rooms and atmosphere
Guests appreciate the traditional Japanese rooms, futons and roomy layouts (often larger than typical Japanese standards), which contribute to an authentic, comfortable experience.
Peaceful natural setting and useful amenities
The ryokan’s riverside/mountain location, views, nearby walking trails and provision of shuttles or station transport make it a pleasant retreat for nature and relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Remote location for Nikko sightseeing
Many guests note the hotel is far from Nikko/Tōbu‑Nikkō station (taxi ~30 minutes) and not ideal if your aim is to visit central Nikko attractions; nearby dining options can be limited or close early.
Onsen size and availability issues
Some reviews mention the shared onsen is small and can be crowded on weekends, limiting access—particularly cited for the women's baths—so private baths may be necessary.
Room and bathroom aging or maintenance issues
Several guests report rooms, tatami and bathrooms show wear or need renovation (worn tatami, scratched furniture, mold in showers), calling for updates in places.
Problems with meal requests and allergy handling
There are complaints about dietary requests not being honoured (vegetarian menu ignored) and poor handling of allergies or late notice, sometimes leaving guests unable to eat the offered meals.
Occasional cleanliness/comfort incidents and exterior works
A few reviewers reported issues such as bedbugs during a season (staff were responsive), noise from AC equipment, scaffolding/exterior work and perceptions that the surrounding station area is unattractive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are configured with futons and beds to accommodate up to four guests in most room types; suites offer flexible bed and futon combinations—check the room details when booking for exact capacity.
Tsuganoki has public hot-spring baths, an open-air bath and several rooms with private open-air baths; public-bath hours are generally around mid‑afternoon to midnight and early morning (for example 15:00–00:00 and 05:00–09:00).
Several rooms (including about 11 with open-air baths) feature private baths attached to the room; public baths are also available—ask the property when booking if you need a specific room type or private-use options.
The property is close to Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station and staff can arrange shuttle pickup from the station on request; airport transfers are not routinely provided, so plan public-transport or private transfer connections in advance.
The easiest access is by train to Kinugawa Onsen Station on the Tobu Line, then a short taxi or arranged pickup; for airports use train or coach connections to central Tokyo or directly to Tobu Line services before continuing to Kinugawa Onsen.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; some team members speak basic English but guests should be prepared for limited English and consider translation apps for detailed requests.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts prepared on site; inform the property in advance about dietary restrictions, though some special requests may be limited depending on ingredients and meal style.
Local highlights include the Kinugawa river area and Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi within walking distance, Edo Wonderland nearby, and the Nikko shrines and waterfalls reachable by car or public transport for day trips.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan; the property is a small traditional inn and full privatization or large events should be discussed directly with management to confirm feasibility and availability.
Standard check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00; notify the ryokan of your expected arrival time, especially if you plan to use the station pickup, and the property provides a small shop and luggage storage for guests.