Hotel Shikisai
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 661 reviews
Hotel Shikisai, operating as Okunikko Hotel Shikisai, sits tucked into the forests above Lake Chuzenji in Nikko, Tochigi. The property is run in a ryokan style with 26 guest rooms and a focus on seasonal Japanese hospitality; communal hot springs draw directly from the Chuzenji source and produce the characteristic milky-white sulfur waters that many visitors seek. Public bathing facilities include both indoor and open-air onsen pools set below the main building, and the property presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in Nikko, Tochigi for guests who want an immersive thermal-bathing experience amid mountain scenery.
Accommodation mixes traditional tatami rooms and Japanese-Western suites, and some room types feature private outdoor baths for added privacy. Meals are served as multi-course Japanese kaiseki in the dining room and make use of local ingredients—regional specialties such as yuba and mountain game appear on seasonal menus—while breakfast is offered in a prepared Japanese style. Practical amenities noted across booking and travel listings include a scheduled shuttle from Nikko stations (advance reservation recommended), free outdoor parking, luggage assistance and communal relaxation spaces; the onsen facilities operate with separate bathing areas for men and women and regular cleaning rotations.
The hotel’s location places it within easy reach of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, Senjogahara and several trailheads, making it a convenient base for day hikes, lake walks and autumn foliage viewing. Visitors commonly combine onsen time with short drives to nearby attractions or with quiet evenings on-site enjoying seasonal cuisine and forest views. As a ryokan with onsen positioned for nature-focused stays in Tochigi, the property suits travelers seeking traditional bathing, seasonal food and direct access to Nikko’s highland scenery.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Shikisai
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple hot-spring options praised across reviews: indoor onsen plus one or two outdoor pools, and many rooms feature private outdoor bathtubs that guests found relaxing and scenic.
Authentic, spacious Japanese-style rooms
Guests frequently mention large, traditional Japanese rooms (including kotatsu and terrace rooms) that are comfortable, clean and enhance the authentic ryokan experience.
High-quality regional meals
Dinner and breakfast are described as very good and gastronomic (kaiseki), with local ingredients; many guests appreciated the opportunity to taste regional dishes.
Attentive, helpful staff and services
Staff effort and service were highlighted—helpful, accommodating for special requests, shuttle arrangements to the station, and generally friendly personnel.
Beautiful natural setting and location
The hotel’s forest-and-lake setting is repeatedly praised for tranquility and scenery (monkey/deer sightings, nearby waterfalls and walks), making it ideal for relaxation and hiking.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport constraints
The property is quite remote with few nearby shops or restaurants; access often requires a car or planning (long public-bus rides, a steep walk uphill, limited shuttle timetable), and some guests found bus timings or transfers inconvenient.
Limited dining timing and menu variety
Lunch is not available at the hotel and dinner reservations must be made early; the evening and breakfast menus are strongly Japanese, which some guests found too specialized or lacking alternatives (e.g., continental options or non-fish dishes).
Onsen access limitations and availability
Some guests experienced onsen closures at inconvenient times and there are restrictions for guests with tattoos (size/coverage rules); communication about these rules was sometimes unclear or unanswered by email.
Language and communication challenges
Several reviews note limited English from staff and occasional communication issues (emails unanswered); while guests used translation tools successfully, it was a recurring minor problem.
Accessibility and facility inconveniences
Practical issues mentioned include no elevator (difficult with heavy luggage), mosquitoes in summer, and occasionally more basic room amenities compared with other hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel has 36 rooms with styles from Japanese tatami rooms to western twins; some Japanese rooms can sleep up to five using futons while twin and double layouts suit 1–2 guests.
The property offers indoor and outdoor public hot-spring baths and several room types include private or semi-open-air baths for exclusive in-room use.
Public baths are generally open from mid‑afternoon until the following morning (typically around 15:00–10:30); guests with visible tattoos may be refused entry to public bathing areas.
A free shuttle runs between JR Nikko Station/Tobu Nikko Station and the hotel once a day (pickup times are scheduled and require advance reservation); for airports, travel by train to JR or Tobu Nikko then use the shuttle or local buses.
Yes — scheduled pickup times from the stations are published (early‑afternoon departures) and shuttle seats must be requested in advance, subject to availability.
Staff can assist in English and other regional languages at reception, and they commonly help with local transport, tours, and sightseeing advice.
The hotel serves breakfast and an evening kaiseki (multi‑course) dinner using local seasonal ingredients; please notify the hotel in advance about allergies or dietary needs.
Key sites include Lake Chūzenji, Kegon Waterfall (about a 10‑minute drive), Senjōgahara Plateau (about 15 minutes) and the World Heritage shrines in central Nikko (roughly a 30–40 minute drive).
Take a train to JR or Tobu Nikko Station then either the hotel shuttle or the Tobu bus to the hotel area (the hotel stop is served as Bus No. 33); note the final walk to the property can be a steep, unlit uphill section so plan accordingly.
Pets are not permitted, there is no elevator so access to rooms and baths is by staircase only, and while a small hotel shop sells souvenirs and essentials there is no full supermarket on site.