In 1870, Dr. James C. Hepburn, an American medical missionary, visited Nikko and stayed at the house of Zenichiro Kanaya, who was a member of Gagaku (an ancient imperial court music) orchestra of the Toshogu Shrine. Foreseeing an increase in the number of foreign tourists to Nikko, Dr. Hepburn suggested that Kanaya open a hotel for foreigners. Following Hepburn’s advice, Zenichiro remodeled his house and opened “Kanaya Cottage Inn” in 1873.   Kanaya’s house was originally a residence of samurai warriors during the Edo period. For its unique architectural characteristics, Kanaya Cottage Inn was called “Samurai House” by its foreign guests.   In 1893, Zenichiro relocated his business and opened “Kanaya Hotel” on the top of the hill that overlooks the River Daiya. It was Japan’s first full-fledged western-style resort hotel and has been in operation at the same place to date.   The Kanaya Samurai House and warehouse were registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2014 and opened to the public as the Kanaya Hotel History House in 2015.

Nikko Takaiya, the Japanese restaurant, opened in 1805. At the request of shrines and temples in Nikko (Nikko Toshogu, Nikko Futarasan-jinja, and Nikkozan Rinno-ji), we have been preparing dishes for their festivals for over 200 years. Today, the Nikko specialty ‘yuba’ dishes are quite popular among tourists. Our guests include the Imperial Family, cultural figures, and generations of local customers. Lately, international guests also enjoy the traditional Japanese cuisine and atmosphere at our restaurant, and we are very thankful for their patronage.

This villa and garden used to be a retreat for the imperial prince in the 19th century. In the year 2000, they were opened to the public after renovation works. The residence, combining architectural styles of different periods, is well worth visiting. Located close to the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”, it is easily accessible. Take a walk in the garden with seasonal charms and 100 years of majestic history. After the historic tour, relax at the teahouse serving popular Japanese treats such as a bowl of maccha. English audio guides are available.

The popular café chain Nikko Coffee, beloved by fans across Japan, opened its Nishisando branch in March 2020! In summer, visitors can enjoy shaved ice made with natural ice, while in mid-October, the shop also offers delicious treats like wagyu beef buns. With a concept of “Good things from Nikko, good things from Japan,” Nikko Coffee not only serves rich, aromatic coffee, but also sells handcrafted goods from Nikko and Tochigi Prefecture, as well as carefully selected items delivered from all over Japan.

At Nikko Senhime Monogatari, you can enjoy the view of Nikko’s nature from the guest rooms. The view is spectacular: mountains turn light green in spring, cool breezes sweep across the river in summer, an explosion of yellow and red creates a beautiful mountain view in fall, and the view of the mountains and river as if covered by a snow-white wedding dress brings you peace of mind in winter. Guest rooms are designed with a taste of traditional Japanese beauty. There are Japanese-style twin rooms with a bath that is half open-air and half indoor, from which you can enjoy a view that changes with the season. (Baths in guest rooms are not hot spring baths). The communal baths use Nikko hot spring water from this area. Nikko hot spring water is clear, alkaline, and gentle on the skin, alleviates stiff shoulders and nerve pain, and beautifies skin. It is the perfect hot spring to heal the body after a day of enjoying walking around Nikko. 【About the hot spring】 Water color: clear Spring water type: simple alkaline spring water Efficacy: alleviates stiff shoulders, nerve pain, sprains, sore muscles, sleeplessness, etc.