Kinugawa Plaza Hotel
7,1/10 Very good - Based on 769 reviews
Perched above the Kinugawa River and framed by forested slopes, Kinugawa Plaza Hotel presents a measured blend of traditional ryokan style and modern comfort. Public large baths draw from the local Takara no Yu spring, and the property operates a detached, reserved open-air forest bath called Hozukitei that offers a quieter onsen experience beside tatami relaxation areas. With river-facing windows and a mix of renovated and classic Japanese rooms, the hotel markets itself as a ryokan with onsen in Nikko while maintaining practical facilities such as free parking, on-site dining options and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Guest accommodation ranges from standard tatami rooms with futon bedding to higher-tier suites and a small set of rooms fitted with individual spring-fed outdoor baths; a recent room renewal programme added new decor concepts and refreshed view baths. Dining follows a regional-focused approach: multi-course seasonal dinners and buffet-style breakfasts are served alongside a distinctive house restaurant that uses a relocated traditional cottage to present different cuisine styles. Onsite wellness offerings include a ganbanyoku hot-rock spa, saunas and reservable private baths, making the property a viable ryokan with private onsen in Tochigi for guests seeking dedicated bathing privacy.
Practically located about a 20-minute walk or a short dial-bus/taxi ride from the local rail station, the hotel sits within easy reach of family attractions such as theme-park and cultural sites while also appealing to visitors prioritising valley views and onsen time. Facilities for leisure and small-group entertainment—karaoke, billiards and table tennis—complement the bathing programme, and the hotel’s layout emphasizes river and valley vistas from many rooms and public spaces, supporting stays oriented around relaxation and local sightseeing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kinugawa Plaza Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent river views and balcony baths
Many guests praised the hotel’s location on the river, noting beautiful room views and private balcony baths that overlook the river and passing trains.
Very nice onsen experience
The hot spring facilities were repeatedly highlighted as a major strength—indoor and outdoor baths with scenic views, quiet at times, and options for private onsen use on some stays.
Renovated rooms blending traditional and modern
Reviewers appreciated recently renovated rooms that keep traditional Japanese style (tatami/futons) while adding modern comforts; rooms were described as comfortable, spacious and good value.
Helpful and friendly staff
Multiple guests reported kind, attentive staff, including English-speaking employees and memorable assistance (for example helping with a car battery), making stays smoother.
Overall good value and decent food options
Several guests found the hotel to offer good price/value for the room and enjoyed the buffet/dinner or the variety of Western and Japanese choices available.
Negative Reviews
Dining can be limited or buffet-only
A number of reviewers felt the dinner offering was mainly a buffet with limited selection and inconsistent quality; some western breakfast items ran out and a few expected more refined meals for the price.
No or limited WiFi in rooms
Guests repeatedly noted there is no WiFi in guest rooms (only in lobby/internet space), which many found inconvenient or unacceptable.
Access, location and transport issues
Several guests mentioned the hotel is somewhat remote or hard to reach from the station without a taxi, that the area is far from Nikko for day trips, and that navigating trains can be time consuming.
Booking, communication and onsen charges/problems
Some reviewers reported poor pre-arrival communication (unanswered emails), difficulties booking private or special onsen experiences, unexpected fees for onsen use, or being unable to access marketed 'forest onsen' despite advertising.
Maintenance and cleanliness concerns; some areas feel dated
A number of guests observed that parts of the hotel felt old or tired, with issues such as dusty rafters, scuffed rooms or public areas, small or crowded onsen facilities, thin futons, and general need for better upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: some Japanese-style rooms sleep up to five on futons, while suites and Western-style rooms typically accommodate up to four; check the specific room description when booking.
Yes — the hotel offers public indoor and outdoor onsen, women-only hot-stone spa facilities, and reservable private open-air baths; several room types also include private open-air baths.
Private open-air baths can be reserved; some reserved forest baths are for overnight guests and a detached set of private baths is available for day use — reservations are required.
There is no regular airport shuttle; from Kinugawa-Onsen Station the local Dial Bus meets arriving trains and will stop for guests, or you can take a taxi from the station to the hotel.
From Tokyo, take the Tobu limited‑express or other train services to Kinugawa‑Onsen Station, then use the Dial Bus or a short taxi ride to the hotel; travel from Narita/Haneda typically requires a transfer to the Tobu/rail network.
The hotel provides English pages on its website; on-site staff can assist with common requests, though language support may be limited, so prepare basic phrases or a translation app if needed.
Standard check-in hours are from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00; the hotel asks guests to indicate their expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property, and the hotel states that extra beds and baby cots are not available in rooms.
Multiple on-site restaurants serve a range of styles — Japanese kaiseki and obanzai, a Spanish-style buffet venue, and a Chinese-style buffet — plus a Japanese/Western breakfast buffet and dinner options using local ingredients.
The hotel overlooks the Kinugawa River and is a short walk or drive from Kinugawa Onsen town; nearby attractions include Tobu World Square and Edo Wonderland, and local transport (train, Dial Bus, taxi) makes visiting Nikko-area sites feasible.