Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel

“Service, impressive.”

An excellent stay at this Kanaya. The staff are not only professional and attentive but also very kind hearted. Whilst we were trying to eat dinner with a very demanding two year old the restaurant staff offered to play with our little one for a while so we could finish off our meal, things like th… more

An excellent stay at this Kanaya. The staff are not only professional and attentive but also very kind hearted. Whilst we were trying to eat dinner with a very demanding two year old the restaurant staff offered to play with our little one for a while so we could finish off our meal, things like this make a big difference. Thoroughly recommended, nice baths and ambience around the hotel. If you bring wine for dinner the corkage is a little expensive at 3500 yen and there isn't a *convenience shop in the hotel, or drink machines. A small trade off for an excellent stay.

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“A historic luxury property that has aged gracefully”

Given The Kinugawa Kanaya is a classic luxury hotel that more than holds its own against newer competition. Three areas allow it to stand out: the food, the view and the service. We were pleasantly surprised at how fresh the interior was - everywhere from the reception/lobby to the rooms were in r… more

Given The Kinugawa Kanaya is a classic luxury hotel that more than holds its own against newer competition. Three areas allow it to stand out: the food, the view and the service. We were pleasantly surprised at how fresh the interior was - everywhere from the reception/lobby to the rooms were in really good shape (not a scuff mark in sight.) And, unlike many "grand dame" style properties, the decor was not dark and drab in any way. It still retains its historic and classy charm, but has adapted itself to go with the times. We felt the service was perfect. Kanaya deftly managed the perfect balance of formality and attentiveness with finesse and grace - all of that without being overly stuffy in the process. The dining experience was an absolute highlight, and among the top 5 meals we've ever had at any top-flight hotel/ryokan in Japan (and that's saying something, believe me!) The Mrs. and I both agreed that there was not a single dish (of many) that we felt was not incredible. And here's another aspect where Kanaya continually improves - they don't allow its classic style to mean old-fashioned in the food department, either. Each dish was familiar, but was prepared and flavored in a very unique and innovative way. It was certainly not a case of "we've had it before, but it's a bit better here" kind of experience. Example: one of the courses was Bouillabaisse, but it was no ordinary Bouillabaisse - the soup contained White Miso (soybean paste), among other things, and it was amazing. And, of course, they used local seafood which consisted of Sea Bream, Japanese Tiger Prawn, Scallops and local vegetables. It was amazing. It was either the best Bouillabaisse we've ever had (if you can call it Bouillabaisse), and if not, then it was definitely the best soup-based dish we've ever tasted. It was that good. If there's a knock against the Kanaya, it's with the rooms - specifically the size of them. Given the rather exorbitant prices that it commands (mind you, the prices are inflated everywhere in the Nikko area by Japan standards), you would think that rooms would be a bit more spacious than they actually are. It's not claustrophobia-inducing, but certainly not roomy enough to want to spend all day lazing away in the room. While the Kanaya has 7 room categories, the actual room size of all of them - save for the John Kanaya Suite - are 66 square meters, with the only difference among them being the floor they're located in, whether the guests have club lounge access, balcony size, and the location of the private in-room onsen bath (some are on the balcony, whereas others are in the room itself.) Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel emphatically dispels the notion that "historic" does not necessarily have to mean outdated, old-fashioned, snobby and in need of a massive refurbishment. It shines in just about all aspects, with the room size and price the only thing keeping it from being an all-time great.

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“The Classic Kanaya in Nikko”

Exactly what's written on the tin. The classic hotel in Nikko. Great location - top of the hill - for the sacred shrines and temples, and for jumping off to the lakes further up the valley. But close enough to head down Main street, stop off at the craft shops, and pull in at the train/bus station … more

Exactly what's written on the tin. The classic hotel in Nikko. Great location - top of the hill - for the sacred shrines and temples, and for jumping off to the lakes further up the valley. But close enough to head down Main street, stop off at the craft shops, and pull in at the train/bus station for local touring. Very old-school design, and somewhat formal, but very welcoming and not to be missed even to swing by for lunch on the way to the shrines. Pricey, in-keeping with Nikko's price-iness, but not out of line. A classic, to be savoured.

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