Top 3 Hotels in Kanto Region Where You Can Indulge in Luxury
Because of Japan’s long history and pride in offering the highest standard of hospitality, you’ll find that the country has an abundance of great hotels across its regions. Of course, a number of these hotels continue to keep traditions alive. But throughout the prewar and postwar years, a lot has also evolved to adopt Western sensibilities in their service.
With elegant interiors and unique amenities, these upscale hotels offered both locals and tourists a space to indulge. As such, they were dubbed as “reward hotels” where one would stay a little longer.
If you’re hoping to treat yourself to a Japan trip after months of hard work, then check out the three best Kanto region hotels. Offering unparalleled luxury, these accommodations will be sure to spoil you with their service.
1)Nikko Kanaya Hotel (Nikko, Tochigi)
Founded in 1873, Nikko Kanaya Hotel is the oldest existing resort hotel in Japan and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. Since its founder Zenichiro Kanaya worked as a musician at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many sculptures of sacred beasts and animals can be found in the facility. The three-clawed dragon above the entrance’s revolving door, in particular, is a sight to behold.
The hotel has also managed to preserve the same traditional flavors for over 100 years in its menu. A definite must-try is its Nikko Rainbow Trout Sauteed Kanaya Style, a filling dish perfect for dinner served in the main dining room.
After enjoying the food in the hotel, why not take a walk and be enchanted by the spectacular views of Nikko? A popular destination, the area is famous for its hot springs and the Kegon Waterfall. Travelers also shouldn’t miss the Daiya River trail, which runs for about 10 minutes from the garden of Nikko Kanaya Hotel to the banks of the Daiya River.
If you’re visiting in autumn, stop by the Shinkyo Bridge by the entrance of Nikko Yamauchi. The red wooden bridge is the perfect place to view the crimson autumn leaves that are set to fall during the season.
Facility Information
Name: Nikko Kanaya Hotel |
2)Fujiya Hotel (Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa)
Located in Miyanoshita Onsen, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, the hotel opened in 1878 as Japan's first full-scale resort hotel. In its over 140 years of history, Fujiya Hotel underwent renovations for about two years and reopened in July 2020 when it went viral online. There are four buildings in the enormous 25,000-square-meter property: the Main Building, the Western Building, the Hanagoten, and the Forest Wing.
The Main Building’s design is reminiscent of shrine and temple architecture with a tiled Karahafu gable, a traditional style that features a curved roof. On the other hand, the entrance, which has been registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, mixes Western elements with Japanese building techniques.
Take note as well of the interiors of the main dining area, The Fujiya, where classic French cuisine based on the recipes from the time of its founding is served. The details are so beautifully designed: There’s the 6-meter-high coved ceiling featuring 636 species of alpine plants from the Japanese Alps, as well as sculptures carved into the columns and pillars, making the whole hotel look like an art gallery.
The charm of this hotel is its proximity to the must-see destinations of the Kanto region in Japan. It’s especially close to the Miyanoshita Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway. The mountain railway stops at Hakone-Yumoto Station, which is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and hot spring inns worth checking out.
For a cultural trip, you can go museum-hopping in the area. From the hotel, you can easily access the Hakone Chokoku-no-Mori Museum of Sculpture and Gora Park. The Hakone Glass Forest Museum and the Hakone Open-Air Art Museum are also just a 15-minute ride away by car.
Fujiya Hotel is one of the best Kanto region hotels, not only because its location is ideal for visiting multiple art museums. It’s also within proximity of spots perfect for adventure.
If you can, try riding the gondolas at the Owakudani Ropeway just 20 minutes by bus from the nearby Miyanoshita Station. The aerial lift gives you a mesmerizing view of the surrounding mountains from above.
Facility Information
Name: Fujiya Hotel |
3)The Okura Tokyo (Minato, Tokyo)
The Okura Tokyo is five minutes on foot from Toranomon Hills Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. While inheriting the heart of hospitality and traditions from The Hotel Okura Tokyo originally founded in 1962, it has evolved and reopened as a brand-new hotel in September 2019.
The most notable space in the hotel is the Okura Heritage Wing building lobby, which has been likened to an alcove. There, the floor and ceiling are left bare without any decorations, but the front wall is splashed with murals inspired by the Heian period Waka poem “Sanjurokujinkashu” or “The Works of 36 Master Poets.”
Throughout the building, guests can also catch a glimpse of Japanese elements such as chandeliers with wisteria flowers and shoji screens with hemp leaf patterns.
Though located in the midst of the city, wonderful nature is still incorporated within the hotel so you can really feel the beauty of the four seasons. For one, a large water basin rests by the Okura Square entrance. To its north is the Okura Garden, which features a wetland with stone representing a waterfall and irises. Ginkgo trees and more in the garden truly capture the four seasons.
As one of the best Kanto region hotels, The Okura Tokyo also provides superb dining options. Inside, the authentic tea ceremony room Choshoan is situated next to the Japanese restaurant Yamazato, along with other restaurants that serve the world’s famous cuisines.
Popular places to visit in the surrounding vicinity include the Toranomon Yokocho, which puts a modern spin on the old alleyways filled with izakayas. The site houses 26 famous restaurants, making it a perfect destination for foodies.
The Hibiya Line, which gives convenient access to must-visit spots in Tokyo, is also near the hotel. Spend the afternoon at the Hibiya Park just 15 minutes away via the line or go shopping in Roppongi and Ginza. Lastly, the National Diet Building, the Imperial Palace, and other popular spots are also within the hotel’s vicinity.
Facility Information
Name: The Okura Tokyo |
Refer to the following for more information on the facilities mentioned in this article
2 top pick Kansai classic luxury hotels that are loved by Japanese people as a self-treat trip!
https://www.japan.travel/en/my/little-splurge-travel-2/2-top-pick-kansai-classic-luxury-hotels-are-loved-japanese-peopl/
3 Styles of Accommodation in Kansai
https://www.japan.travel/en/my/fascinating-suburb-japan/3styles-accommodation-kansai/
Kanto
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/
https://www.japan.travel/en/travel-directory/kanto/
Tokyo
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/tokyo/
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/index.html
Nikko
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/tochigi/nikko-area/
https://www.japan.travel/en/travel-directory/Nikko/
https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/
Hakone
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/kanagawa/hakone-and-around/
https://www.japan.travel/en/travel-directory/Hakone/
https://hakone-japan.com/
Hotel Information
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
https://www.kanayahotel.co.jp/nkh/
Youtube URL: https://youtu.be/ulxA_ldSyNQ
Fujiya Hotel
https://fhr.fujiyahotel.jp/en-gb?_ga=2.264733831.988061280.1605590850-1216058419.1605590850
The Okura Tokyo
https://theokuratokyo.jp/en/