Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki
8/10 Excellent - Based on 247 reviews
Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki sits on the Kinugawa River in the Nikko area, presenting a large, resort-style ryokan that blends traditional Japanese elements with comfortable Western conveniences. The property arranges rooms ranging from tatami-style layouts with futons to western-bedded suites and multi-room family suites; many accommodations emphasize river or mountain views. Public areas include a lobby lounge, an on-site shop, and multiple dining spaces; guests typically find yukata available in rooms and a front desk that operates around the clock to assist with local excursions and transport arrangements, making the hotel a practical base for exploring the wider Nikko region.
Food and facilities are geared toward family travel and longer stays: the hotel operates a sizeable buffet restaurant alongside smaller, private dining options and a café, with menus that mix Japanese and international dishes. Recreational amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a children’s water play area with slides, a sauna and a garden spa pool, plus free parking and Wi‑Fi across the property. Select rooms offer open‑air baths or en‑suite wooden tubs; housekeeping and room service are standard, and public bathing areas are maintained as separate gendered facilities in line with local onsen custom.
Hot spring amenities are a central feature: communal indoor and outdoor onsen baths are available to guests, and a limited number of top‑floor accommodations include private bath facilities for in‑room soaking. Those seeking a classic thermal-stay experience will find this ryokan with onsen in Nikko well equipped, while travellers wanting exclusive bathing can book one of the private options — a noted ryokan with private onsen Tochigi — to combine riverside views with the region’s thermal traditions. The hotel’s scale and family-focused services make it suitable for couples, families and small groups looking for a self-contained onsen stay near Nikko’s attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kinugawa Hotel Mikazuki
Positive Reviews
Extensive onsen and pool facilities
Many guests praise the variety and quality of bathing options — indoor and outdoor hot springs, garden spa pools, infinity/outdoor pools and private top‑floor onsens. Facilities are seen as relaxing and a highlight of the stay, available late into the evening.
Abundant, high‑quality buffet selection
Multiple reviews highlight a large buffet with good quality food and many choices, including drinks. For many stays the buffet was a major positive, especially for families and guests who enjoyed the dinner selection.
Family‑friendly amenities and activities
Visitors repeatedly note features for children — indoor pools, water slides, soft play area and game rooms — that make the hotel well suited to families and keep kids entertained even in poor weather.
Convenient location and scenic views
Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to Kinugawa Onsen Station and the scenic river/mountain views. Several mention pleasant views during cherry blossom season and easy access to local attractions such as Nikko.
Spacious rooms, comfortable overall service
Many reviewers found rooms large and comfortable (suites highlighted), and several compliment staff for being helpful and accommodating, assisting with bookings and family needs.
Negative Reviews
Buffet timing, monotony and communication issues
Several guests complained about strict buffet schedules (short time limits and fixed seating windows), repetitive menu items for longer stays, and lack of English labels for dishes which made choosing food awkward for non‑Japanese speakers.
Perceived poor value / high price
A number of reviews felt the hotel was overpriced relative to expectations, citing that photos/promises did not match reality and that other properties offered better value for similar or lower cost.
Room odors, smoking and cleanliness problems
Multiple guests reported stale or cigarette smells in rooms (including allegedly 'deodorized' smoking rooms), and at least one report of an insect in the bathroom. These issues affected first impressions and comfort for some visitors.
Outdated rooms and maintenance concerns
Some reviewers noted worn carpeting, dated furnishings, mineral buildup in private baths and generally outdated room decor, suggesting certain areas need refurbishment or deeper cleaning.
Language, service consistency and room controls
A few guests experienced communication barriers and staff who seemed less welcoming than expected. Practical annoyances were reported too — air‑conditioning controls in Japanese and limited multilingual support — which required workarounds like translation apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin and Japanese-style rooms to larger family suites; many rooms offer futons in addition to beds so groups of up to about 4–6 can be accommodated depending on the room type — check the room description when booking.
Yes — the property offers multiple public hot spring baths and private/reservable family baths as well as outdoor onsen and pool facilities.
Public bathing areas may restrict visible tattoos; guests with tattoos should ask about private-bath reservations or cover-up policies before using public baths.
The hotel does not operate a free hotel shuttle due to local rules, but a local dial/connector bus serves hotels from Kinugawa-Onsen Station and taxis are available for the short transfer.
Most guests travel by train: take the Tobu (or connecting JR) services from Tokyo to Kinugawa-Onsen Station (about two hours from central Tokyo); from airports use the airport express or limousine/bus to Tokyo and connect to the Tobu/JR network.
Japanese is the primary language; staff are generally helpful and some front-desk members speak basic English, but you may want to prepare simple Japanese phrases or a translation app for detailed requests.
Check-in typically begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; dinner service usually requires arrival by early evening (around 18:00), so notify the hotel if you expect a late arrival.
Yes — the hotel is family-oriented with family rooms, a heated pool and water-slide features, children’s play areas and buffet dining with kid-friendly options; children are welcomed but age-based occupancy rules apply.
Some rooms include private onsen and separate private-family baths can be reserved; request or reserve these options in advance when booking or by contacting the hotel.
The hotel is within walking distance of Kinugawa-Onsen Station and local convenience stores; nearby attractions include Tobu World Square, Edo Wonderland and Kinugawa river views, while Nikko’s temples are a short train ride away.