The Ritz-Carlton

“A Place We Keep Returning To – Our Fifth Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko”

Some hotels impress you during your first visit. Very few continue to draw you back, time after time. For our family, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is one of those rare places. This summer marked our fifth stay, and once again it reminded us why we continue to return. It is not simply because of the be… more

Some hotels impress you during your first visit. Very few continue to draw you back, time after time. For our family, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is one of those rare places. This summer marked our fifth stay, and once again it reminded us why we continue to return. It is not simply because of the beautiful location or the luxurious facilities—it is because of the remarkable consistency of the people who make every visit feel genuinely welcoming. Over the years, we have experienced Nikko in spring, summer and winter. Each season transforms the landscape in its own unique way, yet one thing never changes: the calm atmosphere and the gracious hospitality that define this property. Long before our arrival, the hotel team was already assisting us with activity planning, restaurant recommendations and transportation arrangements. What impressed me most was the seamless communication between departments. Different colleagues handled different requests, yet everyone seemed fully informed, creating a smooth and reassuring experience from start to finish. One of the highlights of this visit was the Monkey Treasure Hunt, which our child thoroughly enjoyed. It is a thoughtfully designed complimentary activity that encourages children to explore the hotel while learning about the surrounding natural environment. Families travelling with younger guests should certainly consider reserving this experience in advance. The hotel’s greatest luxury, however, is its setting. Nestled beside the tranquil waters of Lake Chuzenji and overlooked by Mount Nantai, it offers something increasingly difficult to find in today’s world—true peace. Early morning walks along the lakeshore, quiet moments on the balcony with a cup of tea, and evenings spent in the natural onsen all create a rhythm that encourages you to slow down and simply enjoy where you are. One practical suggestion for anyone planning a visit: plan your dining arrangements before you arrive. Unlike larger cities such as Tokyo, restaurants around Lake Chuzenji generally have limited operating days and shorter opening hours. Some close on specific weekdays, while others finish dinner service relatively early. If there is a particular restaurant you hope to visit, checking its opening schedule and making reservations in advance is highly recommended. The hotel’s own Japanese Restaurant remains an excellent dining option, particularly the Teppanyaki counter, which I would happily recommend. Its popularity means reservations can be difficult to secure, so booking well ahead of your stay is advisable whenever possible. Another aspect that deserves recognition is the hotel’s approach to guest feedback. During our stay, I raised a concern regarding etiquette within the public onsen. Rather than offering a standard response, the Spa & Wellness team took the time to explain their policies, acknowledged my observations with genuine professionalism, and shared the measures they would continue to reinforce to protect the comfort and privacy of every guest. Their response reflected exactly the level of care one hopes to find at a luxury property. Luxury is often measured by architecture, interior design or amenities. Those elements certainly exist here. But after five visits, I have come to realise that the true luxury of The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko lies in something far more meaningful—the consistency, professionalism and genuine kindness of its Ladies and Gentlemen. We have now experienced Nikko in spring, summer and winter. Autumn is the only season still waiting for us, and I have every expectation that we will return. Some destinations are worth visiting once. Others quietly become part of your family’s traditions. For us, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko has unquestionably become one of them.

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“Amazing hotel for a family retreat”

I booked two suites (Lake Chuzen-ji view suite) for our family vacation, and we stayed three nights at Ritz-Carlton Nikko. I booked a package via Marriott which includes breakfast and dinner for 5 people. Food quality was excellent throughout the hotel (we tried all their restaurants including in… more

I booked two suites (Lake Chuzen-ji view suite) for our family vacation, and we stayed three nights at Ritz-Carlton Nikko. I booked a package via Marriott which includes breakfast and dinner for 5 people. Food quality was excellent throughout the hotel (we tried all their restaurants including in-room dining). We thoroughly enjoyed the natural onsen during our stay and was happy with the SPA treatment (including the private onsen). We found RC-Nikko a relaxing retreat where you can unwind your minds. The nearby world heritage sites and a few other tourist spots were great highlights as we all enjoyed outdoor activities and cultural experience. Both suites were very impressive with spacious space for a family to get together for a cup of tea. The abundance use of wood in the suite provides relaxing ambience.

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“Not bad but a bit let down”

I went here with high expectations, so I take some blame for disappointment but I would be lying if I say the hotel didn’t let me down. The location is nice and the drive up the mountains was fantastic. The hotel itself looks fairly simple from outside but it’s not unusual for ryokan style hotels… more

I went here with high expectations, so I take some blame for disappointment but I would be lying if I say the hotel didn’t let me down. The location is nice and the drive up the mountains was fantastic. The hotel itself looks fairly simple from outside but it’s not unusual for ryokan style hotels. Check in was a bit odd with me sitting at the bar counter literally staring at alcohol bottles for a while! I asked to move to a table after some time and eventually someone came and did the paperwork. I booked what they call “luxury suite” and the layout is good. Sort of open plan with plenty of seating area, 1.5 bathrooms, balcony etc. However, it certainly lacks the kind of privacy one would expect from a property like this. It is a bit closer to the street and a cross junction. You can see people and vehicles, and you will be very conscious of that when you are in the bathroom and balcony as both are located on the same side. Half of the view on the lake side was really beautiful while the other half was an eye sore. Room was equipped with all modern features and amenities. Furniture was comfortable. Minibar was nicely stacked. Some delicious Japanese grapes were provided as welcome amenities. The “onsen” itself is okay but I guess it’s special just because it’s in Ritz Carlton. If you take out the Ritz Carlton factor then it feels like a very normal public bath including the open air one. I am grateful for experiencing many wonderful onsens in Japan and this one probably wouldn’t come anywhere near those experiences. Also, I wish there was a private onsen at least in the suites. This is very common in most luxury ryokans across Japan, however, I do not know all the challenges behind providing those in the rooms versus having just a public onsen. Service was a hit or miss as is typical with most Ritz Carlton’s. Some staff were very nice and some were not so nice. Overall service was neither great nor terrible. Restaurants and food were probably the biggest disappointments I have had. Most ryokans take great pride in serving an amazing dinner but the dinner at the Japanese restaurant in this hotel is probably one of the most disappointing dining experiences I have had in a long time. The menu was ridiculously small and with absolutely nothing worth ordering. I looked through it 5 times, ordered something which turned out to be ridiculously small and really bad. I ended up going back to my room and ordering a sandwich! What a shame! Somewhat similar experience at the breakfast as well though slightly better than dinner. Seating was bad, very limited food options and I wondered if it was even worth going there for breakfast. I probably should have just ordered something from the room service.The only thing that was good was the martini from the bar. I watched the bartender make it and I could tell he was making a killer martini and he did! Interestingly enough, to me the best part of the stay was actually outside the hotel! Walking around was really nice with many small shops, cafes etc. It was beautiful and felt like straight out of a romantic Asian movie! Overall, I wouldn’t call this a bad stay but definitely a let down. This time I went here as a destination (only to stay here) but next time I will stay here only if I happen to be in the area and I need a place to stay.

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“Over crowded even off peak”

Lovely setting, well appointed rooms and and eye candy common spaces but some disappointments abound. On arrival at 2.40pm we were ushered into the bar area, served some very nice welcome tea and tidbits, and then left to wait for some 20 minutes before being attended to again. I would have much p… more

Lovely setting, well appointed rooms and and eye candy common spaces but some disappointments abound. On arrival at 2.40pm we were ushered into the bar area, served some very nice welcome tea and tidbits, and then left to wait for some 20 minutes before being attended to again. I would have much preferred to have been informed of the waiting time and encouraged to have lunch or drinks in the meantime. We booked a lake view room and unfortunately felt we did not get what was promised. The view from room 313 was mostly of the protruding roof and walls of an adjacent building, with scant views of any lake- see photo. The compromised view should have been disclosed at the time of booking as "obscured lake view" and priced accordingly. Economy with the truth should not happen at this price point.  Our room was eventually changed, but this cost us time and unnecessary scars on our first impressions. Certainly not the frictionless check-in one expects.  The lobby lounge and bar are constantly booked out. Even the time you wake up is dictated by breakfast slots. We tried booking breakfast the night before but only 7am and 7.30am were available. I am here to chill and waking at 6.30am for a 7am breakfast is certainly not palatable. If you have prepaid for your breakfast, which we thankfully hadn't, you are backed into a dilemma of 2 undesirable outcomes. Sacrifice your sleep or your breakfast. This is not a hotel where you decide your own itinerary at will ; the common facilities simply cannot cater for guests on their own schedule. OK for a smaller ryokan style hotel but not a Ritz Carlton. To make things worse, the library was closed for an internal photo shoot during the peak 1pm to 3pm slot during my stay making the seating capacity issue worse. Why? I experienced all this on 2 non peak weekdays in June. I'm told it gets alot worse on weekends and in the autumn; the mind boggles. If you prefer the flexibility to free-wheel during your stay, this is not the place for you but if you're happy to plan every detail ahead, or are content to spend time constantly waiting for a table or just chilling in your room, the hotel certainly has enough to redeem itself. Service levels and food quality were generally of a very high standard. For those so inclined I wholeheartedly recommend the Royal Star Brown pork cutlet sandwich at the Lobby Lounge; if you don't mind the long wait for a table. The best pork katsu sando I have had to date. "Royal Star Brown"  apparently refers to the pork brand.  The Omakase sushi course at dinner was also very decent and not overpriced for a Ritz Carlton. Ravi at the front desk made things that little bit better, always smiling and professional, he was a breath of fresh air. The overall experience was pleasant enough but I don't think I'll be back in a big hurry. I prefer hotels that cater to my on vacation impulsive  preferences. Not the other way around especially in this higher luxury segment. The customer should always come first, not the hotel.

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