A tranquil forest retreat combining refined Japanese hospitality, natural hot springs and elegant accommodation close to Nikko's most celebrated cultural landmarks.
Location
Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa is nestled within a peaceful cedar forest on the outskirts of Nikko, just a five-minute drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine. The hotel offers complimentary transfers from Tobu Nikko and JR Nikko stations, making it an ideal base for exploring both the city's cultural treasures and the surrounding national park.
Rooms
The hotel offers 22 spacious guestrooms and suites, each blending traditional Japanese design with contemporary comforts. Many rooms feature private open-air onsen baths or cypress soaking tubs, while interiors showcase tatami flooring, handcrafted furnishings and large windows overlooking the surrounding woodland.
Amenities
Guests can unwind in the hotel's indoor and outdoor natural hot spring baths or enjoy private bathing facilities for a more secluded experience. Seasonal kaiseki dinners highlight locally sourced Tochigi ingredients, while breakfast features a selection of traditional Japanese dishes. The hotel also offers a peaceful lounge, beautiful landscaped gardens, complimentary WiFi and attentive personalised service.
Activities
Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa is perfectly placed for discovering Nikko's UNESCO-listed shrines and temples, as well as nearby Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and the scenic hiking trails of Nikko National Park. During autumn, the surrounding forests offer some of Japan's finest displays of colourful foliage.
Sustainability
The hotel embraces traditional Japanese hospitality while celebrating the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nikko. Seasonal cuisine showcases locally sourced ingredients from Tochigi Prefecture, and the property's intimate scale helps preserve the peaceful atmosphere of its forest setting while supporting local producers and artisans.
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When to visit Japan
Find out the best time to visit Japan with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is ideal for winter sports in Hokkaido and northern regions, with plenty of snow. Tokyo and Kyoto remain chilly but offer clear skies for sightseeing. Explore Sapporo's Snow Festival and soak in an onsen for the ultimate winter experience.
February
February is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano and Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major attraction, featuring stunning ice sculptures. Other areas are generally cold and dry and good for sightseeing.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions like Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy hanami picnics under the pink blossoms. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures.
April
April is the peak of cherry blossom season. Witness Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park come alive with vibrant sakura. Golden Week, late April to early May, offers festive parades and events.
May
May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and hiking. Explore Tokyo's International Food Festival and enjoy the comfortable climate for sightseeing in Kyoto.
June
June is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu, lasting until mid-July. Although it's wet, explore Kyoto's temples and gardens amid light crowds. Festivals like the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo showcase Japanese traditions.
July
July continues the rainy season, but the Tanabata Star Festival brightens the skies. Hokkaido hosts the Lavender Festival with fields of purple blooms. Kyoto's Gion Matsuri features grand floats.
August
August offers festivals and fireworks. The Obon Festival celebrates ancestors with lanterns and dances. Enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Hokkaido's summer flower festivals are perfect for nature enthusiasts.
September
September brings comfortable weather and the iconic Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki. Explore the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido. It's a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.
October
October features stunning autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko. Visit Tokyo's Meiji Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Festival and enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations. Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
November
November showcases autumn foliage, with Kyoto's temples and parks ablaze in red and orange. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo hosts the International Food Festival, and Kyushu's hot spring resorts offer relaxation.
December
December marks the onset of winter, with holiday illuminations in cities and festive lights. Explore Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival with breathtaking ice sculptures. Ski resorts open for winter sports enthusiasts.
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