Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Kinugawa Gyoen
6,7/10 Good - Based on 1209 reviews
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Kinugawa Gyoen sits in the Kinugawa Onsen district of Nikko as a large, family-oriented ryokan operated by the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari group. The property is designed around views of the Kinugawa valley and offers a mix of river- and mountain-facing Japanese-style rooms; some room categories include a private indoor bath, while public facilities comprise indoor and open-air hot spring pools and a sauna. Located within easy reach of the local station by a short walk or shuttle service, the hotel functions as a practical base for sightseeing in Nikko and the surrounding Tochigi area and is promoted as a ryokan with onsen in Nikko for travelers seeking a classic hot-spring stay.
Guest rooms follow a traditional layout with tatami and futon options alongside modern conveniences such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles and in-room safes. The property accommodates couples, families and larger groups with multi-person rooms and communal spaces; free parking and a 24-hour front desk add practical convenience. Dining is delivered in buffet format for both breakfast and dinner, featuring regional ingredients and rotating seasonal menus, and public dressing areas supply yukata and slippers to complete the onsen experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel K…
Positive Reviews
Relaxing and varied onsen facilities
Guests repeatedly praised the hot springs—multiple baths including an outdoor rotenburo—described as comfortable, clean and a highlight of the stay.
Excellent buffet meals
Many reviewers said the dinner and breakfast buffets were very good with wide, tasty and plentiful choices for both meals.
Helpful staff and on-site amenities
Staff were often described as friendly and the property offers many amenities (manga/karaoke rooms, massage room, vending machines, robe/slipper sizes); a convenience store (Lawson) is within walking distance.
Beautiful location and scenic views
The hotel’s riverside setting and nearby nature (ropeway, monkey park, autumn leaves) were appreciated for great views and sightseeing opportunities.
Spacious traditional rooms (tatami) and value
Several guests liked the large tatami-style rooms and felt the hotel offered good value for money, especially for a traditional ryokan experience.
Negative Reviews
No Wi‑Fi in most rooms
Multiple reviewers noted there is no reliable Wi‑Fi in guestrooms (often only available in the lobby or a single building), which is inconvenient for many travelers.
Aged/outdated property and lingering smells
The hotel was frequently described as old or dated; some guests reported discomfort from worn furnishings and occasional tobacco or bathroom odors.
Difficult access and taxi issues
Several guests found the walk from the station long or awkward with luggage, experienced problems getting taxis (language/phone number issues), and wanted clearer directions or shuttle information.
Crowded dining areas
The buffet/dining halls were often crowded and noisy at peak times, leaving some guests wanting a cosier dining experience.
Room and bathroom shortcomings
Some rooms had small private bathrooms, unpleasant bathroom smells, slow-to-heat hot water, or other comfort issues (soft/short beds, old carpets/slippers), affecting overall comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary: most Japanese-style rooms suit 2 adults, family rooms fit around 3–4, and some larger configurations can accommodate up to 6 using futons; children under 3 are usually considered infants while those aged 3 and over are treated as adults—please confirm the exact capacity when booking.
The property offers gender-separated indoor and outdoor hot‑spring baths and a sauna with views over the Kinugawa valley; private/reserved family baths may be available on request—check with the hotel.
The ryokan runs a group/dial shuttle service from Tobu Kinugawa‑Onsen Station and the Ooedo group sometimes operates seasonal direct highway buses from Tokyo; confirm current shuttle and bus schedules with the hotel before travel.
From Tokyo take Tobu Railway to Tobu Kinugawa‑Onsen Station (around two hours by train), then use the hotel shuttle, a local bus or a short taxi; airport journeys require train transfers to the Tobu lines or private transfer options.
Reception staff generally have basic English, but English fluency can be limited elsewhere; using a translation app or simple Japanese phrases is recommended for smoother communication.
Expect a ryokan-style stay with tatami rooms and futons, yukata robes for guests, communal onsen bathing, and buffet meals serving Japanese and international dishes.
The ryokan sits in the Kinugawa Onsen area with river-valley views and local attractions nearby; Nikko’s main sites, including Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls, are reachable as day trips (roughly 24–40 km).
Regional trains and local buses connect Kinugawa to central Nikko and Tobu Nikko Station, and taxis are available for faster transfers; typical travel time to central Nikko is about 30–60 minutes depending on route and connections.
Check‑in normally begins at 15:00 (the booking page indicates a latest arrival time around 19:00) and check‑out is by 11:00; contact the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive late.
Pets are not accepted at the property; the hotel provides buffet dining for breakfast and dinner, and guests report a convenience store (e.g., Lawson) within a short walk for basic supplies.