Hotel 2-Star di Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

Most of the reviews are outdated so I thought I'd give an updated review. For one thing, there is WiFi (I have informed the landlady that the website indicates otherwise). This place is a traditional-style inn. You'll be sleeping in a futon (some Google-fu should help you know how to use one), use two pairs of slippers (one for moving around the house, one exclusively for the toilet) and will also bathe in a Japanese-style shared bathroom. The front gate and bathroom close at 10pm, which is not an issue as everywhere in Nikko closes early and it's too dark to hike outdoors (in early Autumn). We loved using the onsen to relax after a day of strolling around and hiking, and the delicious Japanese-style breakfast was lovingly prepared by a friendly old granny. The premises are old but well-maintained. Toilets, bathroom and onsen were great but we were there during off-peak season so we didn't need to share so much. Should we return to Nikko, this place will be our first choice!

It was the perfect place for me to reset and refresh. The hostel is surrounded by beautiful nature and has a hot spring, just what I needed in a getaway from the big city. The common space is designed beautifully and has two very comfortable kitchens, big fridges, and everything you might need for a comfortable stay. The staff was very friendly and helpful, one night the hostel even arranged a hot pot dinner. First I stayed in a standard room but I ended up extending my stay here, this time in the women's only dormitory. Both the private room and the dormitory room were very comfortable and had everything I needed. Long walks was just what I needed but it looks like there's quite a lot to do around if you drive just a little bit, so I would recommend coming by car or renting one at the train station. I can't wait for my next visit here.

I stayed here for a business trip. I was prepared for a very small 4.5 tatami mat Japanese-style room, but it was surprisingly cozy and felt just like my own room. The toilet, located at the back of the room, was very clean and pleasant to use. The onsen (hot spring bath) was also empty on a weekday, so I had it all to myself, which was great for soothing the fatigue from a lot of walking. I wonder if it would be packed on weekends? Most of the shops around the station closed abruptly around 5 PM, leaving no dining options, but having a convenience store right across the street was a huge lifesaver. The breakfast was also uncrowded on a weekday, allowing me to enjoy it leisurely. It was Japanese-style and healthy, which I appreciated. Given it's a station in a tourist area and one of the more affordable options around, I'd definitely like to stay here again if I have the chance.

The room in the new building was clean and the security was good, so I felt safe.

This hotel was in a very beautiful, peaceful location. The room was very large with a shower room separate from the toilet. There were a couple of parking spaces, I would recommend driving as the stores are a bit farther away from this hotel

It was excellent in the location right next to the station and local shops. The room was clean as well as the toilets and shower - I wish that the rooms were warm - i was cold while in the rooms

What an amazing place to stay - Kas and his wife made us extremely welcome and provided excellent restaurant recommendations as well as places to visit. The rooms were spotlessly clean and the breakfast was excellent (with juice, yogurt, ham and omelette and fruit, plus toast and tea/coffee). The bedrooms are large and the bed are comfy. The shower was also super clean. It is uphill from Nikko Tobu station but you can easily get a taxi from the station for 1,000/1,100 (£5/6) which saves carrying the luggage. Short walk to Kirifuri waterfall which is beautiful and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see the monkeys along the way. I couldn’t recommend more highly and look forward to coming back in the future!

This guesthouse is super close to JR Nikko Station, just a 5-minute walk away. The buses to Toshogu Shrine also stop right by JR Nikko Station, making it incredibly convenient. The owner's wife was very welcoming; she first asked about my travel plans and then meticulously explained how to get everywhere, handing me maps and bus timetables for the next day. I stayed in a Japanese-style room on the second floor with a toilet nearby, and the shower room on the first floor was very clean and comfortable. The next morning, the owner's wife prepared a delicious and complimentary breakfast, giving us a real taste of local life. She even gave us an origami crane as a blessing... Her thoughtfulness and genuine hospitality offered a warmth that's different from staying in a regular hotel.

The guesthouse is quite a way from Nikko town (10-15 mins by bus / 1 hour walk) but is in a good location for getting to the shrines or to Lake Ashi - there's a bus stop close by. The guesthouse was homely and had 2 private onsen. Our room was comfortable enough although the en-suite was very tiny! The host was welcoming but didn't speak any English which meant we had to communicate by translating on our phones. We booked to have breakfast at the guesthouse, but didn't realise that for booking the dinner we needed to give 24 hours+ notice so missed out!