My friends at Nagoya is not boring are making supporting and sharing options and information available for all of the great things to see and do in the Nagoya and Aichi areas. Time to explore places other than Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka… There is a lot to do around Nagoya City and the surrounding areas.
Exploring their website will help you find so many great activities and connections with the deep history and culture of the region so when you want to go there, where can you stay? They introduced me to an amazing accommodation option!
Nikko Style
We had the wonderful opportunity to spend time at the newest lifestyle hotel in the region, Nikko Style Nagoya. Everything about this accommodation is more than it seems at the surface. So much thought and detail have been put into every element to make sure that the two goals of guest comfort and celebrating the local culture are seamlessly combined.
The first of its kind in the region, this hotel sets the bar very high and distinguishes itself even if compared to other brands and cutting edge hotels in the bigger cities of Tokyo and Kyoto.
Lobby and checking in
When entering the hotel the first sign that you are not in a typical business hotel for the region is the gorgeous, light and airy lobby filled with books comfortable seating and artistic touches everywhere. Check in is easy and the staff are happy to explain any of the details and offer support.
Also on this first floor you will spot the restaurant bar and café area “Style Kitchen” This is a hotel where you definitely will want to have the breakfast package and even have some drinks and food the evening of your stay. The quality is impeccable and there are lots of shout outs to local farmers, producers and ingredients! More about that later when I talk about the coffee and breakfast service.
Local art
There is so much to see and appreciate in terms of highlighting local art and culture throughout this accommodation. Be sure to take note of the floor number signs and the plates outside each door for the room numbering of guest rooms. These are all made of local Mino-ware pottery from the Gifu region nearby. As you walk down the hallway notice the carpet pattern reminiscent of a historical Shibori dyeing tradition. And then inside your room be sure to spot the Nagoya area textiles on the comfortable seating and throw pillows. The overall effect of all of the choices for each room is more of luxury than this class of hotel normally provides.
Amenities
Towels, shampoo, slippers for your use… all are unique and high-quality. When choosing the amenities for the hotel, the manager told us they did not look for the largest or most famous brands that you will see at many other accommodations but instead they sought out unique producers and high-quality items. I personally loved the signature scent of “Thai Jasmine and Mint” for the body wash and soaps! Extra fluffy towels, soft pillows, cozy pajamas and super comfortable bedding all made for an amazing nights sleep.
Music
Nothing sets an atmosphere better than music and this too was deeply thought out in the design and opening of this hotel. In the aforementioned lobby and bar/restaurant the music is ever-changing upbeat, sometimes chilled out and we found out from talking to the manager this is because of an elaborate and amazing collaboration.
Working with Kenichiro Nishihara (Sound Director, Producer, DJ, Artist) the hotel music has been chosen specifically for every time of day and will not repeat. The DJ has a philosophy “ Great music and sound just exists around us, like air —Music, being formless and intangible, can affect us unknowingly. For example if you’re staying for multiple days the music for today’s breakfast will be different than tomorrow’s! This gives an overall feeling of freshness and calm and I’m sure is also appreciated by the staff.
The deep consideration of music does not end in the lobby, in each guest room the hotel has provided a very high-quality Bluetooth speaker by GENEVA so you can enjoy your own music as you relax, get a little bit of work done, read a book and unwind.
Coffee
Everyone knows that the world is fueled by delicious coffee! Most hotel coffee is not some thing you would remember or even think to write about. Not so at Nikko Style Nagoya.
Partnering up with an artisanal, local roaster TRUNK coffee, guests will find in every room drip coffee packs and very high quality custom made coffee hot water kettles by Ballmuda. Even the branded coffee mugs, also Mino pottery are designed in the shape similar to a wine glass to better capture the aromas and highlight the deep rich flavors and tastes. Kick back and enjoy a cup as you read the hotel newspaper, which gives interesting info about all the elements that make up Nikko Style!
The team at TRUNK worked carefully with the hotel designers to also make sure the quality coffee is equally tasty at the breakfast Café. Specially calibrated coffee machines make sure every cup is delicious. You can purchase trunk coffee your own mug and other branded items at a small stand in the entrance to the cafe. It would be great in the future to see this expanded to offer other local crafts that could be brought home as a reminder of your stay.
Bar, Restaurant and Breakfast at STYLE KITCHEN
On the evening I checked in, I had wonderful wine and cocktails at the bar along with some samplings from their varied and interesting evening menu, and the next morning– (I highly recommend reserving breakfast with your room package) I had a fantastic breakfast. There were many local products featured in the morning menu. Aichi veggies, local pork and eggs and more of that amazing coffee from TRUNK!
When you stay at Nikko Style Nagoya of course you are close to other local restaurants and attractions but the food in the hotel restaurant is top-notch, so it’s a great choice just to stay in and chill out. Unlike most other hotels in this price class, I felt like the breakfast and restaurant offerings went well beyond expectations. Totally Yummy!
Can’t wait to go back!
From start to finish my stay was amazing and I will definitely be back. The attention to detail was perfect. When I woke the next morning before hurrying down to breakfast an English newspaper was hanging on my door. This was a thoughtful and appreciated gesture. The location is perfect, just a 10-minute walk from the Shinkansen (bullet train) station and very close to the Central Morning Market which is a really fun stop to explore in the early morning.
I recommend adding Nagoya to your trip to Japan. The area is rich in samurai history, and artistry, and there are amazing local culinary experiences to explore as well! You can find out so many things to see and do on the website over at Nagoya is Not Boring. And when you plan your stay, this hotel should be at the top of your list! I can’t wait to go back.
Looking for other great tips and ideas for your future travels in Japan? Book our PLAN FOR JAPAN online experience! Your local host will be happy to share our insider recommendations.
Want to book a stay at this hotel? You can do so here!
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