Established in 1873, Nikko Kanaya Hotel welcomes guests with a timeless charm that has endured for generations. Just a short stroll from the ornate Toshogu Shrine, the hotel offers a unique mix of Western-style comfort and traditional Japanese architecture. Each of its four buildings, from the Main Building to the Annex, features rooms with distinct character and atmosphere, making every stay slightly different yet always inviting.
Beyond accommodations, guests can savor prestigious Western cuisine refined over decades in the Main Dining Room, relax with light meals and tea, or enjoy a selection of more than 100 types of single malt whiskeys at the bar. Nikko Kanaya Hotel is a living piece of Japan’s heritage, ready to share stories and flavors that leave a lasting impression.
Read the full interview below and discover why a stay at Nikko Kanaya isn’t just a visit, it’s a journey into a living piece of Japan’s heritage.
The reception desk – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Hi, please introduce yourself and share a little about your background. What led you to the Nikko Kanaya Hotel, and what aspects of its history particularly appeal to you?
Nice to meet you. My name is Yoshiyuki Jigami, and I serve as the General Manager of the Nikko Kanaya Hotel. I was born in this prefecture, and I first learned about Kanaya Hotel during a school field trip in elementary school. I still vividly remember the beautiful view of the annex shimmering in the light of the setting sun.
When I was considering my career, I wanted to work in the hospitality industry, so I was fortunate to join the historic Kanaya Hotel in my hometown and have been with the hotel ever since.
Hotel exterior and annex – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
What are the origins of the hotel and what makes it such a unique stay?
Kanaya Hotel, founded in 1873, is the oldest existing resort hotel in Japan. Its history began when the founder, Zenichiro Kanaya, invited Dr. Hepburn, the creator of the Hepburn romanization system, into his home. With Dr. Hepburn’s advice, part of Kanaya’s residence was opened as a lodging exclusively for foreign guests called Kanaya Cottage Inn, which later developed into the Kanaya Hotel we know today.
With the opening of the railway, Nikko became a destination for dignitaries and cultural figures from around the world. Serving as a summer retreat, it grew into an international tourist destination, attracting many foreign visitors. This was also a time when the Meiji government actively encouraged the presence of foreign guests.
Kanaya Hotel expanded repeatedly over the years to reach its current form. The second and third floors of the main building preserve the original wooden architecture from the hotel’s founding, creating a space where Japanese and Western styles blend naturally. The hotel is not simply “old,” but a unique place that has grown and matured over time while welcoming generations of guests.
Early days of the Nikko Kanaya – Photo Credit Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Could you introduce the rooms and facilities, and are there any rooms or areas that have particularly interesting stories behind them?
The guest rooms have the warm charm typical of a classic hotel, with the craftsmanship of the hotel’s original artisans visible in the furniture, lighting, window frames, and stair railings.
In particular, the rooms in the main building retain much of the character of the 1920s, offering a quiet atmosphere where time seems to flow more slowly.
A warmly lit and spacious suite – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
As a fun fact, rooms in each building that were once occupied by famous guests are still in use and available for stays today. Room 15 in the main building hosted Dr. Albert Einstein; Room 105 in the annex welcomed Helen Keller; Room 56 in the new wing accommodated Natsume Soseki; and Room 53 housed Eiichi Shibusawa.
One of the guest rooms, showcasing the historic architecture and fine furnishings – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Throughout the hotel, reproductions of guest ledgers, along with signatures and photos of notable visitors, are on display, allowing guests to feel the history of the hotel and experience a journey through time. You can enjoy the very spaces where these remarkable figures once stayed.
The main dining hall – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
The Main Dining Room serves Western cuisine with a long history. What makes these dishes unique, and are there any signature favorites?
Since its founding, Kanaya Hotel has carefully preserved its traditions while evolving delicately with the times, which we believe is why it continues to receive strong support from our guests.
Dinner displayed with elegance – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
The hotel still serves dishes that reflect the culinary trends of different eras:
- Kanaya-style sautéed rainbow trout – appeared on the menu in the late Meiji period
- Century-old rice curry – originated in the Taisho period
- Taisho-era croquette – introduced during the Taisho period
Rainbow trout dishes, in particular, have been a signature of the hotel since its founding and are still celebrated today as a “traditional Kanaya Hotel flavor.”
The rainbow trout served with a selection of side dishes – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
For the 150th anniversary, Executive Chef Nakagawa created the “Royal Lunch” and “Royal Dinner” courses, modern interpretations of iconic dishes from each era, which have been very well received.
The Royal Dinner – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanya Hotel
Are there seasonal menus or special events that showcase local flavors or traditions?
Yes, we actively incorporate locally sourced ingredients, such as vegetables and meat from Nikko and Tochigi Prefecture, as well as fish raised in the region’s natural spring water. We also offer seasonal menus that allow guests to experience the flavors of Nikko throughout the year.
Among these, our afternoon tea featuring seasonal strawberries from Tochigi Prefecture is especially popular.
The stairwell outside the dining room – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Can you walk us through a typical stay at the hotel, from arrival to settling into a room and enjoying the amenities?
At Nikko Kanaya Hotel, guests can enjoy their time in a variety of ways, with the charm of the hotel revealed throughout the property. Many visitors choose to spend extended periods simply soaking in the atmosphere.
The hotel features a fireplace, antique furniture, historical exhibits, and photo displays. Guests can also stroll along the promenade beside the Otani River, which runs alongside the hotel. From the riverside, you can enjoy views of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Shinkyo Bridge.
In the evening, we recommend spending a quiet, sophisticated hour at the bar, sampling from over 100 single malts.
The lobby – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
How has the hotel evolved over the years while maintaining its classic charm?
We place great importance on maintaining a balance between preservation and evolution. Repairs and renovations respect the building’s original construction methods, while modernizing facilities to ensure comfort. This allows us to remain a classic hotel while providing both cleanliness and a welcoming atmosphere.
Our staff’s service also reflects this philosophy. We do not rely solely on tradition, but continually seek to improve with the guest’s perspective in mind.
The detailed design seen throughout the building – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
What do guests most enjoy about their stay at Nikko Kanaya Hotel, and are there any particular aspects or areas they often mention?
The aspects most frequently appreciated by our guests are:
- The atmosphere of our historic buildings, which are registered tangible cultural properties
- The warm and friendly service typical of a resort hotel
- The delicious cuisine
The hotel’s must-visit spots are the lobby and the bar, Daylight. In particular, the area in front of the fireplace during winter is extremely popular, with many guests saying they stay at the hotel just to enjoy that experience.
The cozy atmosphere of the bar with the roaring fireplace – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
What draws visitors to Nikko beyond the hotel itself, and are there any cultural experiences guests are able to enjoy in the local area?
The most appealing area of Nikko is Oku-Nikko, which includes the World Heritage shrines and temples of Nikko Tosho-gu, Rinno-ji, and Futarasan Shrine, as well as:
- Kegon Falls
- Lake Chuzenji
- Iroha-zaka
I especially recommend enjoying tea at the tearoom in the former British Embassy Villa Memorial Park. It’s a luxurious experience to spend time surrounded by unspoiled natural scenery.
In addition, Nikko offers many cultural experiences, from hot springs and Nikko woodcraft to yuba cuisine, allowing visitors to enjoy the region from multiple perspectives.
The relaxing atmosphere of the hotel’s rooms on a quiet sunny day – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Lastly, beyond the sights and experiences, what lasting impression do you hope guests take away from their stay at Japan’s oldest resort hotel?
What we hope for is that our guests experience a “special time where they can feel the slow passage of time at Japan’s oldest existing resort hotel.”
The 150 years of history at Kanaya Hotel have been supported not by the building or the cuisine, but by the founder, Zenichiro Kanaya’s, spirit of hospitality.
We hope the time you spend here becomes a warm memory and inspires you to return someday. Please enjoy your journey through time at Japan’s oldest classic hotel.
A final shot of the entrance of the hotel – Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Thank you, Jigami-san, for opening your doors and welcoming us into a place where history permeates every corner. With its blend of classic architecture, distinct rooms, and decades of thoughtful service, the hotel offers an experience unlike any other. From lingering over carefully crafted meals to exploring the nearby shrines, each moment here highlights what makes Nikko Kanaya Hotel truly special.
It’s a place where the past is honored, comfort is assured, and every stay feels uniquely memorable.
Learn more about Nikko Kanaya Hotel on:
Website (English): https://www.kanayahotel.co.jp/en/nkh/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanayahotel/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYEKtOxrLh8IQB8Zr_ACtlg
Featured Photo Credit: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
