Kinugawaonsen Hananoyado Matsuya in Nikko

We spent one night here with our family of four. It's a little out of the way, we used only public transportation but made it out ok. We chose this particular ryokan because of its authentic feel and we did not get disappointed. A fair amount of staff spoke English with us, which we really appreciated!
We arrived just in time for dinner, which was super traditional, very good! When we got back to our room, the staff had kindly put out the futons for us to sleep.
Then we went to the bath, which is not tattoo friendly unless you choose the private bath, which we enjoyed thoroughly. Our children took advantage of the public bath. The public bath is hidden in tree leaves but you can hear the river below and enjoy the nature feel.
It does feel a little dated but since we were looking for an authentic feel, we were more than happy with what we got!
Breakfast was, again, traditional, which was great for us but the children did not enjoy as much as we did (I had anticipated and brought some snacks from the supermarket so all was well). We even got to enjoy another soak before breakfast since the baths open super early.
I recommend this place, if you're ok to not have the latest gadgets but want to feel like being in authentic Japan!

Located next to the river with an outdoor onsen that you can listen to the roar of the river. Breakfast and dinner are exquisitely presented. With new rice cooked over a slow fire in front of you. The price performance is exceptional. Hana no Yado is one of those small family owned Ryokan that still are the dreams of a Ryokan holiday. From the greeting at the door when we drove up. To the sweets offered by the doorman when we left. An unforgettable stay that I should have gatekeep.

I think to some wanting to stay in Nikko might not realize that this is outside of the main town center but it’s so worth the extra train ride to go to this hotel/onsen after visiting the Nikko national park area. As other reviews stated there is the train station kinugawa koen you can take that is like a 2-5 min walk.
We stayed in the room with futon and the style of the room was so traditional Japanese style with tatami mats you felt like you were back in time. There is green tea you can enjoy in the room and WiFi included. There is also a kimono that you are given when you check in that you can wear with shoes around the hotel and to the onsen.
For some the place may feel old but the timeless adds to the charm. The onsen part was really nice and clean. The place you put your clothes, the showers before the baths, and all the soaps provided, you get towels in your room for your face & body to bring down with you, and the water was so clean. The bath outside is close to the river and it’s very serene and peaceful to hear the rushing water. The staff was very sweet and because of a mishap we were able to ship our luggage to the hotel from the Nikko station since we couldn’t make it in the middle of the day.
The dinner & breakfast part was very nice, filling, we got a private room and the staff providing the meals were very sweet.
I also appreciated that there was a koi fish pond and there is access to the river bed if you want to see the river too.
Overall this was a very good experience away from Tokyo, and felt like a real experience of what Japan was like many years ago with modern day touches. I would say it’s good to spend about 2 days at this place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the country side.

Beautiful Japanese style hotel.
Staff were great,very helpful and friendly.
Food was excellent.
Onsen so relaxing snd beautiful.
Place was perfect with river and mountain view.
If you want to get away from it all and just relax,this is the spot
Highly recommend this place and will surely return in the autumn

Nice local onsen hotel! It’s pretty Japan style. It’s not brand new, more over it is old. But they kept the condition and cleanness very well. Hotel stuff don’t speak English well but their politeness and friendly attitude make it no barrier.

If you're looking for a warm, traditional ryokan experience this is it! Exceptional hospitality started before we entered the building.
We got a package deal for the night which included dinner and breakfast. Both meals were absolutely exquisite. Every dish was rich with flavour and prepared beautifully and promptly.
The onsen is nestled with an evergreen canopy, looking out onto the river as is rushes over the rocks. The area itself is also so quiet, with the exception of the river humming pleasantly in the background.
This was the perfect place to escape from everyday life and truly unwind for the night. All the staff were welcoming and friendly.

the views from hot bath is great. with 1000 yen you can enjoy hot bath also sonar and receive a free towel in a nice bag. the atmosphere traditionally warm.