KAMENOI HOTEL Okunikko
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 188 reviews
Set on the wooded shores of Lake Yunoko in Oku-Nikko, KAMENOI HOTEL Okunikko operates as a lakefront hot-springs property combining contemporary hotel comforts with traditional Japanese bathing culture. Framed by highland forest and seasonal vistas, the property markets itself as a ryokan with onsen where guests can soak in naturally milky, sulfur-rich waters drawn from the local Yumoto source; public and open-air bathing areas are scheduled for extended morning and evening use to accommodate early risers and late arrivals.
Guest accommodation spans multiple room types with lake-facing exposure; most rooms aim to maximise views across Yunoko and many feature tatami-style layouts alongside private bathrooms and climate control. On-site facilities include a restaurant serving buffet-style dinners and breakfasts, a spa/wellness area, elevator access and complimentary on-site parking, and the property operates 24-hour reception services. The hotel presents practical options for families and travellers seeking a straightforward, service-light stay in the Oku-Nikko plateau.
The bathing experience centres on the milky, sulfurous springs associated with the Yumoto hot-spring system, with a large rotenburo (outdoor bath) and indoor public baths that highlight the therapeutic reputation of the water; the setting makes the property a convenient base for walks to nearby waterfalls and lakes in Tochigi prefecture. Practical traveller information, seasonal notices and current operating arrangements for self-service or special programs are published by the hotel and should be checked before travel, particularly in winter when access and service formats can change.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: KAMENOI HOTEL Okunikko
Positive Reviews
Onsen and bathing facilities
Many guests praise the onsen (including an open-air/rotenburo) as a highlight — described as very pleasant, smooth water and a great place to relax after walking.
Food: varied and tasty meals
Breakfast and dinner are frequently described as having a wide selection and good quality; some guests also enjoyed free late‑night ramen and called the meals excellent.
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviews note helpful and kind staff — examples include assisting with luggage delivery, retrieving forgotten items, and generally being accommodating to guests' needs.
Spacious, clean Japanese‑style rooms and nice views
Guests mention large tatami rooms with a traditional Japanese atmosphere, balconies and pleasant views of the lake (Lake Yunoko/nearby scenery), and overall cleanliness.
Convenient location and on‑site facilities
The hotel is close to the bus stop and lake, offers useful amenities (massage chairs, coin laundry, on‑site shop/restaurant), and is considered good value by some visitors.
Negative Reviews
Dinner buffet value concerns
Several guests felt the evening buffet was expensive for what was offered — one called it 'rubbish' while others said price/quality could be better despite variety.
Rooms lacking private bathing facilities
A number of rooms have no bath or shower (only a toilet), meaning guests must use the onsen to shower; some found this inconvenient.
Parking, exterior access and grounds issues
The parking area is gravel and can develop puddles when it rains, making unloading awkward; parking surface and access could be improved.
Room condition, odors and noise
Occasional reports of run‑down room appearance, small/basic toilets, sulfur smell in some rooms, and noise from neighbouring rooms were recorded.
Reception and billing/service hiccups
Some guests reported unwelcoming or slow reception/back‑office service — examples include billing delays, slow checkout calculations, and a booking/person count mix‑up that caused a large temporary overcharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include Twin (max 2), Triple (max 3), Japanese-style 10‑tatami rooms (max 4) and an accessible Japanese room (recommended for 1–3 people). All rooms are non‑smoking and provide Wi‑Fi and basic amenities.
Yes — the property offers a public indoor hot spring and an open‑air bath; normal bathing hours are 15:00–24:00 and 05:00–09:00. The water is a local sulfur (hydrogen sulfide type) spring drawn from the source.
The hotel presents public and open‑air hot spring facilities but does not list private or reservable family baths for exclusive hire. Guests use the shared bathing areas during published hours.
There is no regular, scheduled station shuttle listed; the hotel is about a 40‑minute drive from Tobu/JR Nikko Station. Public Tobu buses serve the area — get off at the Kohan Mae stop, which is about a one‑minute walk from the property.
From Tokyo take the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya or the Tobu/Nikko Line to Nikko, then use local bus services or a taxi toward Yumoto/Kuonmi area and alight at Kohan Mae (short walk). Traveling from Tokyo airports typically requires transfer to central Tokyo or Utsunomiya/Nikko and onward by train and bus or by car/taxi.
The hotel provides English information on its website, but Japanese is the primary language on site; staff can usually handle basic English inquiries, and guests are advised to contact the hotel in advance for specific language needs.
This property does not operate a full restaurant; guests may bring meals and use on‑site microwaves. The hotel shop and vending machines sell frozen bento and drinks, while the nearest full convenience store or town shops are a substantial drive away.
Yes — bringing prepared food is allowed and microwaves are available in the lobby for guest use; the front‑desk shop also sells frozen bento 24 hours. Vending machines and a small souvenir/shop are open daily.
Pets are not allowed at this property. Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas, so please check with the hotel before arrival if this applies to you.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00. The hotel requests that guests inform them of expected arrival times in advance to ensure a smooth check‑in.