The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko

My first trip to Nikko felt far from Osaka, but I was finally able to visit Ritz, which I had wanted to go to for so long. It was such an extraordinary experience and incredibly refreshing. The weather wasn’t great, but the temperature was 10°C lower than in Osaka, which made it very comfortable. The Room was beautiful and had a view of Lake Chuzenji. Above all, the Onsen was the best! At first, I thought the sulfur scent was quite strong when I stepped in, but the water left my skin silky smooth—I wanted to soak in it every day. That night we had burgers via in-room dining; they were hearty, delicious, and left us completely satisfied! I also chose the Japanese breakfast I had been looking forward to, and it absolutely lived up to expectations. We used the shuttle bus as well. I thought I might get carsick on Irohazaka, but the driver’s careful and skillful driving really impressed me. It became a truly wonderful memory. Thank you very much.

What happens when the world-famous Ritz offers an Onsen? I visited while trying not to set my expectations too high. The result: I was absolutely delighted—it was outstanding. The milky, cloudy water warmed me to the core, making it a truly exceptional Onsen experience. The Room was also highly functional and incredibly comfortable. On top of that, the quality of the Japanese cuisine was superb—without a doubt Michelin-level. And the highlight was the staff’s exceptional hospitality. In particular, I was deeply impressed by Assistant Manager Seimiya in Japanese cuisine for his flawless, proactive service that stayed one step ahead at all times. I will definitely return.