LiVEMAX RESORT Kinugawa
6,7/10 Good - Based on 404 reviews
LiVEMAX RESORT Kinugawa sits in the Kinugawa Onsen area of Nikko and operates as a resort-style ryokan with onsen in Nikko, combining contemporary hotel facilities with traditional hot-spring bathing. The property offers a collection of public bathing spaces including a large indoor bath, an open-air bath that looks out over wooded slopes, a hot tub and sauna; a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a fitness room provide additional leisure options. On-site dining serves Japanese and buffet-style meals, and multilingual staff assist with local arrangements and activity bookings.
Guest accommodation ranges from standard twin and Japanese-style rooms to larger modern deluxe units; several room types feature private open-air baths for in-room bathing, so select rooms function as a ryokan with private onsen in Tochigi. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and en-suite bathrooms, and some face mountain views or have small terraces. The property also offers free on-site parking, meeting and entertainment spaces including karaoke and game areas, plus services such as bicycle rental to explore nearby attractions.
The onsen uses water from the Kinugawa hot-spring source (locally associated with names such as Shaka no Yu), described as a simple, low-mineral, mildly alkaline thermal spring; day-use bathing is available alongside guest access, making it straightforward to try the baths without an overnight stay. The resort’s setting places it close to family attractions and heritage sites in the Kinugawa and Nikko area, and its combination of communal baths, private in-room options and practical facilities suits travelers seeking a convenient hot-spring stay in Tochigi.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: LiVEMAX RESORT Kinugawa
Positive Reviews
Private in‑room/balcony onsen
Many guests praised the private onsen or hot tub in the room or on the balcony — described as private, relaxing, and offering good views (river/mountains) and overall a highlight of the stay.
Good food — breakfast and dinner buffet
Multiple reviews complimented the meals: a varied buffet, good breakfast offerings and coffee, and enjoyable dinner spreads (some guests noted special items such as crab and a wide variety of dishes).
Friendly, helpful staff
Several guests reported staff were accommodating, friendly and attentive, helping with requests and enhancing the stay for many visitors.
Scenic location and convenient for driving
Reviewers liked the natural surroundings and views (Kinu River, mountains), and several said the hotel is a good option if driving — free parking was noted and some rooms are within walking distance of Kosagoe Station and local attractions.
Spacious rooms and accurate room description for some
Some guests found the rooms spacious and as described, enjoyed the outdoor tubs and felt the overall room layout matched expectations; a number also said beds were comfortable.
Negative Reviews
Outdated property needing renovation
A frequent complaint was that the building is old and visibly in need of repairs or renovation (ripped wallpaper, patched walls, worn public areas, arcade/games area described as very old).
Cleanliness and maintenance problems
Many reviews reported poor cleanliness and maintenance: unpleasant smells in rooms, dust and cobwebs, hairs in bathrooms, dirty towels, rust, holes or damaged decking on balconies, squeaking doors and malfunctioning lights or fittings.
Smoking policy and tobacco smell unclear
Several guests encountered rooms that smelled of cigarette smoke or were allocated smoking/dog‑friendly rooms despite booking non‑smoking; towels and bedding with tobacco smell were also reported and bookings were not always changed.
Misleading advertising and closed amenities
Some guests said photos and descriptions were outdated or misleading (e.g., rooftop jacuzzi not open), and facilities advertised were sometimes unavailable or not as depicted.
Service, billing and operational issues
Problems included billing errors or poor communication at reception, staff enforcing meal times rigidly, extra charges for activities, lack of hot water or lukewarm public baths, and occasional unfriendly conduct during breakfast service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single and double layouts to family-style rooms; maximum occupancy varies by room type, so check each room’s description or contact the property for exact limits.
Yes — the resort features flowing-source hot springs with indoor baths, open-air (rotenburo) views and reservable private baths, plus a sauna.
Tattoos may be restricted in public bathing areas; guests with visible tattoos may be asked to use private baths or cover tattoos, so contact the hotel for guidance.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the usual route is to take trains to Kinugawa-Onsen Station and then a taxi or a roughly 15-minute drive to the resort.
The property is about a 15-minute drive from Kinugawa-Onsen Station and offers free on-site self-parking for guests arriving by car.
Check-in begins at 15:00 (the property requests first-night arrivals be by 22:00) and check-out is at 11:00; front-desk hours cover early morning to late evening.
Pets are not permitted at the resort; private/reservable baths are available for guests who want exclusive use.
The resort has an on-site restaurant with buffet-style breakfast and dinner featuring local, seasonal dishes; please notify the property in advance for special dietary requests.
The ryokan sits beside the Kinugawa river with easy access to local sights like Fureai Bridge and Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi, and Nikko’s shrines, Tobu World Square and other attractions are a short drive away.
Staff primarily speak Japanese with limited English support available; the stay highlights Japanese onsen culture, offering yukata, communal baths and seasonal local cuisine for an authentic experience.