Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 378 reviews
Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel sits on the forested shore of Lake Chuzenji in Nikko National Park and is part of the Kanaya Hotel group. The Canadian log‑cabin exterior and warm wood interiors create a lodge-like resort atmosphere; most of the 57 rooms open onto balconies or wooden decks framing views of the lake and surrounding oak forest. Public spaces include a fireplace lounge and an art room, and guestrooms combine classical Western furnishings with modern amenities to balance period character and practical comfort.
The property operates dedicated hot-spring facilities in a separate building, highlighted by an open-air forest bath called Soraburo that uses milky-white sulfur spring water, alongside an indoor hot-spring bath and a sauna for additional relaxation. The thermal water is locally noted for soothing muscle and joint discomfort and promoting recovery after outdoor activity. For travelers seeking an authentic bathing experience that still offers Western-style rooms and dining, the hotel functions effectively as a ryokan with onsen in Nikko, delivering outdoor bathing beneath trees and wide seasonal skies.
Dining emphasizes the Kanaya tradition of seasonal French cooking in Dining Room Mizunara, supplemented by a casual lake-facing annex and a tea lounge for lighter meals. Activities range from lakeside walks, boat and kayak outings to visits to nearby Kegon Falls and Nikko’s World Heritage temples; a complimentary shuttle links the hotel to major train stations and on-site parking is available. Positioned between nature and culture, the property is often chosen as a ryokan with onsen Tochigi for guests seeking a quiet highland retreat with easy access to regional sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent lakefront location and views
Multiple guests praised the hotel's position on Lake Chuzenji with easy access to bus stops, balconies with lake views and a peaceful setting ideal for relaxation and nature walks.
Very good onsen and spa facilities
Reviewers frequently mentioned the onsen—including a pleasant outdoor bath and sulphur spring water—as a highlight and a great way to start or end the day.
High-quality food in the restaurant
Many guests enjoyed the food, describing dinners as delicious (sometimes a Franco-Japanese style) and restaurant service as very good; several guests returned for the cuisine.
Attentive, professional staff and service
Staff were noted as caring and helpful at reception and in the restaurant, with several guests praising the level of service and assistance (including shuttle coordination when it worked).
Quiet, comfortable atmosphere and interior
Guests reported comfortable rooms or interiors, a cozy/yesteryear vibe, clean facilities and a generally calm environment well suited for rest and meditation.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited transport options
The peaceful lakeside setting means few nearby shops or restaurants and reliance on infrequent public buses; some guests had shuttle problems or wished for more taxi availability or better-planned transfers.
Price and portion/extra-charge concerns
Several reviewers felt the hotel and restaurant were expensive; complaints included small dinner portions for the price and an example of an overpriced extra (black tea charged ¥1200).
Building and room maintenance dated or in need of refresh
Multiple comments mention dated decor or exterior wear (rotting wood), old in‑room showers that take time to heat, and general need for renovation in parts of the property.
Noise and room comfort issues
Some guests reported intrusive noises (ventilation, fridge, pipes), thin walls/neighbor noise, uncomfortable or too-hard beds and issues like unstable shower temperature or low fixtures.
Breakfast and special-diet handling inconsistent
A number of reviewers were disappointed by breakfast (limited or ordinary choices, small portions) and reported vegetarian or special requests were not handled individually as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel has 57 guest rooms, mostly Western-style with balconies or wooden decks.
Yes — the hotel operates an open-air forest bath called Soraburo in a separate building, fed by a sulfur hot spring with a milky-white appearance.
Private onsen rooms are not advertised on the hotel site; guests should contact the hotel directly before arrival to request family or private options.
A free shuttle runs between Tobu‑Nikko Station and Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel several times a day (no reservation required); schedules change seasonally, especially during autumn foliage.
From Tokyo take the Tobu Limited Express to Tobu‑Nikko Station (about 2 hours) or the JR lines to Nikko; from either station you can use the hotel shuttle or a local Tobu bus to reach the hotel near Lake Chuzenji.
The hotel provides English-language information and an English website; staff can assist in English but proficiency may vary, so contact the hotel in advance for special requests.
Dining Room Mizunara serves the Kanaya Hotel’s traditional French-style cuisine, and there is a tea lounge and bar on site; Coffee House Yukon, managed by the hotel, is nearby for light meals and the historic Kanaya curry.
The hotel sits by Lake Chuzenji and is close to Kegon Waterfall (about 2.5 miles) and is a drive from Nikko’s World Heritage shrines such as Toshogu; outdoor activities include boat tours, hiking and seasonal foliage viewing.
Standard check‑in is 15:00 with last check‑in at 20:00, and check‑out is 11:00; notify the hotel if you expect to arrive later than the posted last check‑in time.
Pets are generally not permitted; service animals should be arranged with the hotel in advance. The property has a gift shop and a nearby hotel-managed coffee house, while convenience stores and supermarkets are located in central Nikko reachable by bus or car.