Pengguna Tetamu
13 September 2021
Nikko is one of the world's most amazing destinations; therefore, we were always bewildered over the dearth of world-class hotels/ryokans in the area. After trying out the brand new Fufu property, Nikko finally has a torch-bearer when it comes to first-rate luxury accommodations. We had previously stayed at Fufu Kawaguchiko less than a year earlier, and while we had a pleasant time there, we weren't blown away - especially given its price point. While Kawaguchiko is equally fresh and modern, it's apparent to us that they took many of the learnings and applied it to their Nikko property. We stayed 2 nights in one of their two Luxury Premium Suites, a stylish and serene room with over 140m² of stretch-out space. It also had both an indoor and outdoor free-flowing Onsen (natural hot springs bath.) The room is a corner unit that faces the forest, which gave us complete privacy even with the lights on and curtains up. The furnishings and decor were luxurious, high quality and tasteful, and were spaced out and arranged in a way that made Kawaguchiko much more constricting in feel (despite the Luxury Premium Suite at Kawaguchiko measuring a similar 136m² in size.) Also, while Kawaguchiko tries to be a bit too "hip" (I think they're really trying to attract Millenials there), Nikko is much more modest and understated in all respects - they made sure that form does not come at the expense of function, and they managed a perfect balance of both aspects. Of course, Kawaguchiko has one advantage that's hard to top - stunning views of Mount Fuji. That said, being 15 minutes walking distance away from Tosho-gu Shrine also makes Fufu Nikko a very compelling proposition. Service is also more intimate, warm and proactive, and the food was superior at Nikko; I'd say it's in the top 10 in terms of the best meals we've had at ryokans (although it doesn't crack the top 5 - there is no shame in that, by the way.. Kaiseki meals at nice ryokans are almost always at least "great." It probably helped that our dinner server on both nights was the charming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Chie Watanabe - she was an absolute delight and went to great lengths to explain every single ingredient in every single dish (which is substantial!) I'm a stickler for detail when it comes to Kaiseki cuisine, and she definitely did her homework after understanding our expectations. Two things that I'd wish for: 1) Valet parking, and 2) The option (even if it's at extra cost) of having meals served in one's own room. Especially since the rooms are so large and comfortable - why have to leave it at all? Fufu nailed it in Nikko - I think they've figured out a winning formula for a large swath of the luxury demographic. It's small enough (24 rooms.) The architecture blends in nicely to the environment - it's modern yet understated, and the decor is muted in tone but still lavishly adorned. The meals (especially dinner) were exceptional. The room was spacious, comfortable and had two won
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