Asaya
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 1015 reviews
Asaya is a sizeable ryokan-style resort set in the Kinugawa Onsen district of Nikko, Tochigi. The property blends traditional Japanese motifs with resort-scale wings, offering a wide range of room types from tatami-style suites to rooms with separate living areas and in-room thermal baths. Many room categories are supplied with hot spring water so guests can bathe privately, while public facilities include indoor pools and outdoor thermal baths that frame the surrounding river and mountain landscape. This ryokan with onsen Nikko provides a convenient base for combining onsen time with visits to nearby cultural sites and family attractions.
Bathing options are varied: a rooftop “sky garden” open-air bath with panoramic views, several communal onsen areas, and rooms equipped with private or open-air tubs. Selected baths and private bathing spaces can be reserved, and a small spa programme offers massages, saunas and treatment rooms for additional comfort. The property also operates a seasonal outdoor pool and provides family-friendly bathing arrangements and rental options for private use, making it practical for couples, families and small groups seeking a ryokan with private onsen Tochigi experience.
Meals focus on a broad buffet complemented by à la carte choices that highlight regional ingredients alongside familiar international dishes. Public spaces include lounges, a library, karaoke rooms, a gift shop and children’s play areas, while practical amenities cover free parking, EV charging, 24-hour reception and luggage services. Staff can help arrange local transfers and excursions, and the location offers easy access to Kinugawa Onsen transport links and the wider Nikko area, allowing guests to mix scheduled sightseeing with unhurried onsen relaxation.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
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Review summary for: Asaya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Guests repeatedly praised the staff as welcoming and helpful—assisting with special requests, sorting payment issues, and accommodating early departures or train schedules.
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple reviewers highlighted the variety and quality of baths: private in-room onsen, rooftop/outdoor onsens and several communal baths that were clean, well equipped and enjoyable for both adults and children.
Comfortable, attractive rooms (Japanese style)
Many guests loved the Japanese-style rooms—spacious layouts, river views, comfortable bedding and pleasant decoration that contributed to a relaxing stay.
Generous breakfast and dinner buffets
A number of reviews praised the breakfast and dinner buffets as varied, abundant and among the best they had during their trip, offering a wide choice of dishes.
Family-friendly facilities and amenities
Reviewers noted many on-site activities, good facilities for children, ample parking and convenient services that made the hotel suitable for family stays.
Negative Reviews
Transport and location can be inconvenient
Several guests found reaching the hotel from Tokyo or Nikko station lengthy or awkward; some recommended booking taxis or buses in advance due to limited public transport links.
Inconsistent food quality
While many guests loved the buffets, a number of reviews reported poor or low-quality dinner and breakfast offerings, indicating variability in the dining experience.
Large, touristy feel and outdated public areas
Some reviewers criticized the hotel as very large and aimed at mass tourism, noting a lack of charm, outdated shops/bars and unattractive or ruined buildings in the vicinity.
Dated decor and maintenance issues; some small rooms
Comments included worn carpets in corridors, older décor, small or tightly arranged rooms for families (four beds), occasional poor soundproofing and expectations not matching a 4-star price for some guests.
Limited English and communication challenges
Several guests experienced language barriers—reception and restaurant staff had limited English—which made communication harder for non-Japanese speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from doubles and twin rooms to Japanese-style rooms with futons that can sleep families; maximum occupancy is shown per room and cannot be exceeded, so choose a room that matches your party and add childrens’ ages when booking.
Yes — Asaya features natural hot springs including an elevated open‑air ‘aerial garden’ bath and multiple public bathing areas for guests to enjoy.
Many room types include private hot spring baths and the hotel also offers reservable private (kashikiri) baths; contact the hotel in advance to arrange private use.
Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas; private baths or in‑room onsens are the usual alternatives for tattooed guests.
The hotel is served by local buses and a bus stop is in front of the property, and the hotel can arrange shuttle or transfer options on request; for long‑distance travel plan to arrive via Kinugawa Onsen station or by car and confirm transfers with the hotel before arrival.
The website provides English information and staff offer guest assistance, but English proficiency may be limited in some areas; carrying simple Japanese phrases or a translation app is recommended for detailed requests.
Asaya offers a large buffet with a wide variety of Japanese and international dishes plus private course‑meal options and private dining rooms for quieter meals.
The hotel is in the Kinugawa Onsen area and is a convenient base for attractions such as Edo Wonderland, local Kinugawa sights, and the wider Nikko area including historic shrines and scenic drives.
The nearest rail access is Kinugawa Onsen station with local bus connections; the property also offers on‑site parking for guests arriving by car and is reachable from local expressways — check the hotel access page for directions.
Pets are not permitted on the property; the hotel provides reservable private baths and private dining rooms for groups on request, and convenience stores/shops are located near Kinugawa Onsen station while on‑site dining may close early, so plan accordingly.