KAMENOI HOTEL Nikko Yunishigawa All-Inclusive Resort
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 315 reviews
KAMENOI HOTEL Nikko Yunishigawa has been repositioned as an all‑inclusive resort blending a traditional ryokan atmosphere with contemporary services in the Yunishigawa hot‑spring valley of Nikko. The property occupies historic buildings that preserve regional craft displays—tatami, lacquer and washi—and presents a mix of tatami rooms and western‑style options arranged for solo travellers, couples and families. Since joining a larger hotel group the property emphasizes inclusive service, offering meals, drinks and selected activities within the stay to simplify planning for visitors to this quieter mountain enclave.
A ryokan with onsen characterizes the guest experience here: the Yunishigawa springs are weakly alkaline (reported pH 8.4) and locally famed for skin‑softening qualities, and the hotel operates multiple bathing areas to showcase that water. Facilities include a garden open‑air bath set beside mature trees, a large river‑view public bath that frames the Yunishigawa, a lying bath supplied with natural spring water, and a wood‑scented sauna — all intended for restorative soaking that follows regional bathing practices rather than private in‑room thermal tubs. The layout is oriented toward seasonal views and quiet immersion in nature.
Food and on‑site amenities reinforce the all‑inclusive concept: an irori‑style hearth restaurant serves three tiers of kaiseki using local produce and charcoal‑grilled dishes, with regional beef and pork featured alongside late‑night tantanmen offered to guests as a complimentary extra. Public spaces include a lounge, bar and recreational options such as table games, and practical services extend to a scheduled shuttle from Yunishigawa Onsen Station on selected days; buffets and continuous self‑service drink options are part of the property’s guest offering. Room configurations range from compact tatami units to larger family arrangements, making the hotel a practical base for exploring Nikko’s cultural sites and surrounding trails.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: KAMENOI HOTEL Nikko Yunishigaw…
Positive Reviews
Attentive, helpful staff
Multiple reviewers praised the staff as very attentive, friendly and accommodating. Guests noted good communication from the hotel, flexible service, and that some staff could assist in English, which made stays easier for international visitors.
Excellent onsen and bathing options
The hot springs are frequently highlighted as a major strength — indoor and outdoor baths, roomy pools and good water quality. Reviewers described the onsen as relaxing, rarely crowded, and a standout part of the experience (especially in winter).
High-quality, unique meals and drink offerings
Many guests enjoyed the food: kaiseki, teppanyaki and shabu‑shabu dishes, buffet options, and included drinks (some stays included alcohol). Extras like a self‑serve drink bar and late-night ramen were appreciated and contributed to perceived value.
Beautiful, peaceful natural setting
Guests praised the hotel’s setting amid nature, with scenic views and a calm atmosphere. It’s described as a tranquil escape, close to a folk village and ideal for relaxing rather than city activities.
Spacious traditional rooms and pleasant communal spaces
Several reviews mention large tatami-style rooms, comfortable beds/futons (for many guests), and useful communal areas such as a cozy lounge and a free drink café. Reviewers felt the hotel offered good space for families and value for the price.
Negative Reviews
Very remote location and transport difficulties
A common complaint is the hotel’s remoteness: long journeys from train stations, infrequent buses, scarce taxis and limited shuttle options. Reviewers warned that travel planning is required and that a one‑night visit can be impractical due to connections.
Inconsistent or repetitive food for longer stays; charcoal smell issues
While many praised the meals, some guests found dinners repetitive on multi‑night stays or described the food as mediocre. A few noted that dining areas using charcoal cooking left a charcoal smell on hair and clothing, which some found unpleasant.
Maintenance, cleanliness and room condition problems
Multiple reviewers reported dated rooms and maintenance issues: unpleasant smells at entrances or in rooms, cobwebs, noisy or poorly functioning air-conditioning/heating, occasional shower draining problems and leaking A/C — all reducing comfort for some guests.
Limited English support and poor baby/child facilities
Some guests found staff English ability limited, making communication difficult at times. Families reported a lack of baby‑friendly amenities and inappropriate children’s meals; also missing small items such as kids’ slippers or milk at the free bar were noted.
Few nearby shops and local amenities
Reviewers pointed out a scarcity of convenience stores and limited food choices in the immediate area, meaning guests often must travel to nearby towns for shopping or alternative dining options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel has 54 rooms including twin, triple and traditional Japanese layouts suitable for couples, families and small groups; children over 3 are charged as adults and no extra beds are available.
There are large indoor and open-air baths, a lying bath with natural hot spring water and a sauna; the spring is weakly alkaline (about pH 8.4) and public bath hours are typically 15:00–24:00 and 05:00–09:00. Tattoos may be refused entry to public baths and some baths use circulation and chlorine for hygiene.
A free shuttle operates between Yunishigawa Onsen Station and the hotel Monday–Thursday by reservation (first-come, first-served); regular Nikko Kotsu buses also connect the station and the onsen area.
From Tokyo/Asakusa take the Tobu Limited Express toward Aizu to Yunishigawa Onsen Station, then a local bus or the hotel shuttle for about 20–25 minutes; total travel time from Tokyo stations is roughly 2½–3 hours depending on connections.
The hotel website offers English, Chinese and Korean pages, and front-desk staff can assist in basic English; contact the hotel in advance if you need specific language support.
The property operates as an all-inclusive hotel: breakfast, dinner, alcoholic drinks and many on-site activities are included in the package, and the on-site restaurant serves Japanese-style buffet and hearth-cooked dishes.
The hotel lists large public baths, open-air baths and a lying bath but does not advertise private/reservable family baths on the official site; please contact the hotel directly to request private-use options.
The hotel is close to Yunishigawa Water Village and the Heike village; Nikko Toshogu, Kinugawa rafting and Ryuokyo are reachable by local bus with travel times ranging from a few minutes locally to about 55 minutes to central Nikko.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the hotel of your arrival time and note that you generally must check in by around 19:00 if you want to dine at the hotel that evening.
Pets are not permitted on the property; Yunishigawa is a small onsen village with limited shops, so bring essentials or ask the hotel for directions to the nearest convenience store or supermarket in nearby towns.