Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Japan / Nikko / Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Nikko, Tochigi, Japan · Independent · Accessible Luxury
Japan's oldest Western-style resort hotel still taking guests, Nikko Kanaya opened in 1873 as Zenichiro Kanaya's Cottage Inn, built at the urging of American missionary Dr. James C. Hepburn for foreign travelers to the shrines. Helen Keller and Albert Einstein both slept here. The Meiji buildings are registered tangible cultural properties, a walk from Rinno-ji and Futarasan.
- 63 rooms
- Opened 1873
- Rooms from 280 sq ft (26 m²)
About Nikko Kanaya Hotel
- Founded 1873 by Zenichiro Kanaya as a Cottage Inn for foreign visitors, at Dr. James C. Hepburn's urging.
- Japan's oldest Western-style resort hotel still in operation; Helen Keller and Albert Einstein were guests.
- Four buildings (Main, New, Annex, Second New); the Main Dining Room still serves French cooking passed down by Kanaya chefs.
- Eleven-minute walk to Rinno-ji; about 1 km from Futarasan Jinja and 2 km from Tobu-Nikko station.
- Entry-level rooms start at 280 sq ft (26 m²).
History
Founded in 1873 by Zenichiro Kanaya at the urging of American medical missionary Dr. James C. Hepburn, the hotel opened as a Cottage Inn for foreign visitors to Nikko. It remains Japan's oldest Western-style resort hotel still in operation. Helen Keller and Albert Einstein were among its guests. The Meiji-era buildings are registered tangible cultural properties, mixing Western fixtures with Japanese craft, a short walk from Rinno-ji.
The setting
11-minute walk to Buddhist temples at Rinnō-ji. 1 km from mountaintop Futarasan jinja shrine.
Restaurants and bars
- NIKKO KANAYA HOTEL MAIN DINING ROOM — Restaurant
- BAR DACITE — Bar · Bar
Amenities
- Fine dining restaurant serving traditional French cuisine
- Classic bar and lounge (Daimyo Room) with historical decor
- Complimentary shuttle bus service to/from Nikko and Tobu-Nikko stations
- Registered Tangible Cultural Property architecture and interiors
- Free Wi-Fi access throughout the property
- Close proximity to UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples
- Pool
- Hot tub
Open Nikko Kanaya Hotel in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
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