Kinunokeikoku Hekiryu
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 12 reviews
Kinunokeikoku Hekiryu sits on a riverside slope above the Kinugawa Gorge in Nikko, blending modern design with traditional Japanese elements. The property was refurbished to combine contemporary and classical touches: guest rooms pair tatami areas with low beds, large windows frame the river and valley, and interiors favour muted, natural tones. Renovation work reshaped the former corporate recreation facility into a five‑storey building that emphasizes unobstructed views and a calm communal lobby. As a ryokan with onsen in Nikko, it positions bathing and scenery as central to the stay.
Facilities include an on‑site hot‑spring bath and public bathing areas supplied by local source water, a Japanese restaurant serving set meals and breakfast, a riverside terrace, and communal amenities such as a lounge and table tennis. Room configurations include tatami areas with private toilets and mixed Japanese‑Western layouts; many rooms overlook the river. Practical services noted across listings include on‑site parking and a straightforward transfer from nearby Kinugawa stations, which makes this ryokan with onsen in Tochigi an accessible base for exploring the wider area.
The atmosphere is low‑key and focused on the landscape: large windows, quiet corridors and a compact dining room aim to keep attention on seasonal views and the hot spring experience. The building’s renovation preserved traditional motifs while introducing contemporary finishes, so travelers who want both tatami space and Western beds will find a compromise. Overall the property suits guests seeking a balanced, walkable hot‑spring stay with direct access to Kinugawa Park, the ropeway and the wider Nikko area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kinunokeikoku Hekiryu
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff and accommodating service
Multiple guests praised the staff for being friendly and helpful, communicating kindly even with translation tools. Staff were flexible with requests (for example, adjusting breakfast time) and provided warm welcome gestures on arrival.
Delicious meals and enjoyable whiskey tasting
Visitors highlighted the quality of the food (not buffet-style) and were satisfied with meals. Several reviews specifically enjoyed an on-site whiskey tasting featuring local Nikko varieties, which guests found fun and memorable.
Excellent onsen and beautiful scenery
Guests appreciated the onsen on the property and the surrounding landscape. Many noted scenic views from the rooms and pleasant walks nearby, describing the place as peaceful and energizing.
Quiet, small-scale and relaxing atmosphere
Reviewers valued the ryokan’s small size and quiet ambience. With few rooms, guests felt less need to worry about other visitors and were able to relax comfortably.
Clean, comfortable tatami rooms
Several guests commented positively on the rooms, praising the tatami flooring and overall cleanliness and comfort of the accommodation.
Negative Reviews
TV positioned awkwardly
One guest mentioned the television was placed far from the chair, making it difficult to view comfortably from the seating area.
No large souvenir bags available
A guest was disappointed that there were no large bags provided for carrying many souvenirs, which made transporting purchases less convenient.
Fixed gender allocation of baths (no time rotation)
One reviewer wished the hotel would rotate male/female bath access by time so guests could use different baths; the current arrangement felt restrictive to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are arranged for two guests, and several room types include space for an extra futon for a third person; cribs and extra beds are not available.
The property has a hot spring bath on site that guests use as a shared (public) onsen; private onsen rental is not listed, so contact the property to ask about private-bath options.
The property can arrange shuttle service and some booking listings note a free shuttle to/from the local station; airport transfers are not standard—please contact the ryokan in advance to request pickups.
Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station is the closest station, and the ryokan is about a 5–6 minute walk from the station.
Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and check-out is until 10:00 AM; notify the ryokan if you expect to arrive outside the check-in window.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving Japanese cuisine, and breakfast is offered in an Asian-style format; notify staff of dietary needs when booking.
Rooms combine traditional tatami areas with modern features and beds, and guests can expect Japanese-style hospitality including onsen bathing and seasonal local cuisine.
The ryokan sits by the Kinugawa River with easy access to the Kinugawaonsen Ropeway (about a 5–8 minute walk), Kinugawa Park Rock Bath (under 1 km), and other local sights; central Nikko shrines and waterfalls are reachable by local train or a 30–40 minute drive.
Pets are not allowed at the property; private event spaces or private-bath reservations are not guaranteed—please contact the ryokan to discuss needs; convenience stores and small shops are within easy walking distance near Kinugawa Onsen Station.
Yes, the property offers free private parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout public areas and guest rooms.