Kinugawa Royal Hotel
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Kinugawa Royal Hotel sits on the Kinugawa Onsen hillside overlooking the river gorge, operated as part of a national hotel group and presenting a mix of tatami-style rooms and renovated western-hybrid rooms. The property positions itself as a comfortable onsen retreat near Kinugawa Onsen Station, with several room types that include higher-floor valley views and a limited number of suites offering an in-room open-air bath. Public spaces are arranged to suit multi-generational stays, so guests can expect family-sized rooms alongside quieter, higher-floor options for those seeking a calmer outlook over the gorge.
The bathing facilities combine a renewed outdoor bath with separate indoor large baths, and the hotel lists options for private soak bookings and a few guest rooms fitted with private open-air baths — a practical choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with private onsen Tochigi. Complementing the thermal offering are seasonal leisure features: a summer outdoor pool, an extensive manga corner, game and recreation rooms (table tennis, billiards, mahjong), private karaoke, and on-site retail. Dining follows the regionally focused buffet model typical of larger inns, with a broad selection of Japanese and international dishes and inclusive beverage options for many plans, while all guest rooms provide basic modern conveniences such as free Wi‑Fi and cashless payment methods.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kinugawa Royal Hotel
Positive Reviews
Generous buffet meals
Guests frequently praised the breakfast and dinner buffets as varied, plentiful and tasty; several reviews also noted free-flow alcoholic drinks at dinner.
Excellent onsen and bathing options
Reviewers highlighted spacious, well‑tempered public baths, sauna and cold bath, plus the option to reserve private onsen baths (short free slots) offering mountain or river views.
Friendly, helpful staff and good service
Many guests reported helpful, friendly staff — examples include accommodating late arrivals with a bento and generally attentive service.
Spacious, comfortable rooms with good views
Multiple reviews mention large rooms, comfortable futons and nice views of the river or mountains; rooms and common areas were often described as clean and roomy.
Good on-site facilities and entertainment
Visitors enjoyed additional amenities such as karaoke, ping‑pong, billiards, manga/comic areas, massage chairs, sauna and a swimming pool, providing extra value and entertainment.
Negative Reviews
Property is dated and needs refurbishment
A common concern was that the hotel/building feels old or run‑down, with reviewers suggesting renovations or updates to corridors, wallpapers and general decor.
Maintenance and cleanliness issues reported
Some guests reported cleanliness problems including mold in bathroom areas, unclean toilets, worn flooring and, in a few cases, stale/dirty rooms or insect issues in futons.
Private onsen hard to book and time‑limited
While private baths are appreciated, several reviewers said they are difficult to reserve due to limited 30‑minute slots and high demand.
Location and access concerns
A number of guests noted the hotel is a fair walk from the train station, with no shuttle service, making arrival or walking to sights less convenient for some.
Buffet repetition and inconsistent food items
Although the buffet is generally praised, some guests found the menu repetitive across days or felt certain items (e.g. tempura) were only mediocre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small tatami rooms to larger family-style and suite layouts; some rooms sleep couples or families and there is at least one large multi-room option for groups. Add exact guest numbers and ages when booking to confirm occupancy limits.
The hotel has large indoor and open-air public baths with separate male/female areas and at least one reservable private open-air bath; yukata robes and basic toiletries are provided. Reserve private baths at reception and expect bathing hours that typically run from early morning until late evening.
The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station; the property can arrange station pickup in many cases, so contact the hotel in advance to request transfer. Local sightseeing buses and a short-distance shuttle loop also serve the area.
From Tokyo take the Tobu Railway (or JR + transfer) to Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station, then walk or arrange the short hotel transfer; travel time from central Tokyo is roughly two hours depending on connections. If coming from Narita or Haneda allow extra time for transfers by train or bus.
Front-desk staff generally handle basic English but many staff are primarily Japanese; English service levels vary. Non-Japanese guests should be comfortable using simple English or a translation app for detailed requests.
The hotel provides ryokan-style features such as tatami rooms in some room types, yukata for guests, communal onsen bathing, and buffet meals that include Japanese dishes. One room type includes a private outdoor bath for a more exclusive experience.
The hotel sits by the Kinugawa Gorge and is close to Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi and Tateiwa Shrine; Tobu World Square and Edo Wonderland (Nikko Edo-mura) are a short drive away, while the UNESCO Nikko shrine complex is about 30–40 minutes by car. These sites make the hotel a convenient base for local sightseeing.
The hotel offers free on-site parking and is accessible by car; taxis operate from the nearby station and regional buses call nearby stops. If you plan to drive, the hotel provides directions and has a sizable parking area.
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM (reception typically open into the late evening) and check-out is by 11:00 AM. The front desk offers luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.
Private reservable baths are available—book at reception; pets are not permitted on the property. The hotel serves buffet breakfast and dinner on-site and there is a convenience store within a short walk for snacks and essentials.