Hotel Kinu
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Hotel Kinu sits in the Kinugawa Onsen area of Nikkō and presents a straightforward, traditionally influenced stay with a range of room layouts including Japanese-style futon rooms and larger multi-futon family options. The property operates as a ryokan with onsen in Tochigi and combines tatami-floored guest rooms and simple modern conveniences such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and en-suite bathing facilities in many room types. Public areas include a small garden and communal spaces arranged for groups and families rather than solo backcountry stays, and the establishment maintains a non-smoking policy throughout guest accommodation.
Bathing facilities are a defining feature: guests can use indoor public baths and an outdoor bath, and private baths are available by reservation for those seeking exclusive bathing time. The hot spring bathing schedule follows set hours in the evening and morning, and the waters are described locally as a simple hot spring with the usual therapeutic claims around muscle and joint relief. On-site leisure options are modest and practical — for example table tennis — and parking is provided free to guests, which can be useful for visitors exploring the Kinugawa gorge and nearby attractions.
Practical details to note: check-in is generally from mid-afternoon and check-out by mid-morning, the hotel asks to be informed of late arrivals (dinner service may be limited after set times), and some restrictions apply to tattoos in public baths. The property is reachable by a short dial bus or taxi ride from the local Kinugawa-Onsen station, positioning it as a convenient base for sightseeing in Nikkō and a straightforward ryokan with private onsen in Tochigi for travelers who prioritise easy access to hot-spring bathing and family-oriented room configurations.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Kinu
Positive Reviews
Relaxing onsen and bathing options
Multiple guests highlighted the onsen as a clear highlight — the property offers both indoor and outdoor baths and public bathing areas that many found relaxing and a standout feature of the stay.
Good meals and private dining
Dinner was frequently praised as tasty, with several guests enjoying the set meals. The use of small private dining rooms for meals was appreciated, especially by families with young children.
Attentive, friendly staff
Reviewers reported welcoming, helpful staff who provided useful local information (for example pointing out fireworks viewing spots) and attentive service during meals.
Scenic, traditional atmosphere
Guests liked the ryokan’s location near a gorge and the traditional tatami-style rooms. Many found the old-school Japanese feel tranquil and pleasant for a relaxing stay.
Clean and family-friendly
Several comments noted that, despite being an older property, rooms and common areas were tidy and comfortable, making it suitable for families and small children.
Negative Reviews
Dated facilities
Multiple reviewers described the building and some rooms as noticeably old and in need of updating, which affected their overall impression of the property.
Insufficient in-room amenities
Guests reported missing or inadequate amenities — examples include no face towels at the sink, lack of a hairdryer in the room, and low-quality or limited toiletries.
Temperature and comfort problems
Some guests experienced comfort issues: a few found futons/rooms too cold to sleep comfortably, while summer visitors reported poor cooling in public areas and dining rooms, making evenings uncomfortable.
Limited on-site shop and local information
A number of reviewers noted the souvenir/shop was not well stocked and that timely local travel information or on-site updates were lacking.
Breakfast availability and limited western options
Several guests mentioned problems with breakfast — either inability to order/arrange breakfast on arrival contrary to expectations, or that breakfast was tailored to local tastes with few Western alternatives, which some visitors would have preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single and double to triple or family-style tatami rooms; some have Western beds while others use futons on tatami — check the room description for exact capacity.
Yes — the property has hot-spring baths including indoor and outdoor options; towels and yukata are provided for guests.
Private (reservable) baths are offered for guests, usually for an additional fee and subject to advance booking; contact reception to arrange one.
A shuttle service from Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station is available; it may incur a charge and often requires prior notice or reservation.
The hotel is accessed via Tobu Railway to Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station; travel from central Tokyo typically takes about two hours with transfers from Narita or Haneda by train or bus.
Front-desk staff generally speak basic English and are reported as helpful; for more complex requests, some Japanese may be needed.
You can expect tatami rooms with futons or Western beds, yukata robes to wear around the ryokan, and Japanese-style meals served alongside Western options.
Tobu World Square and Edo Wonderland are a short drive away, Kinugawa Gorge is nearby for riverside walks, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine is approximately 30–40 minutes by car.
Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station is roughly a 10–20 minute walk depending on route; taxis, local buses and the hotel shuttle cover short transfers to nearby sights.
Pets are not permitted at this property; convenience stores and small shops are within walking distance and larger supermarkets are a short drive away.