Kanaya Hotel Kinugawa

"This amazing hotel is located in the heart of Kinugawa with views over the gorge and is a 15 minute drive to Nikko. On arrival there are staff to take your car and bags and to check you in which is a seamless experience. There is coffee and tea available on arrival while you wait. This occurs in a pleasant lounge overlooking the forested valley. Across from the lounge is a well appointed shop. We had room 212 for three nights which was a spacious room done in traditional Japanese style. Although plainly decorated it had a very authentic feel and design. The room had a nice balcony but this could not easily be used as the afternoons were hot. There was minimal view from this room limited to trees and forested hillside and not the river. Perhaps the higher floors would likely have a better view. Spacious bathroom with a separate toilet. Good shower but no external curtain or privacy screen available. Along with the Onsen being out in the open on the balcony we found this lacked privacy for our liking. There was excellent responsive air conditioning. The room rate includes free mini bar with beer and iced tea and water. Only negative was poor quality towels and tissues. All staff were extremely attentive and nothing is too much for them. Excellent Alacarte breakfast was brought directly to your table. You are offered a choice between Japanese and Western breakfast. Some options rotated each day. Apart from this the choice was limited to 3 types of eggs. Everything was quality. Included in the rate was half board dinner each evening. Whilst you are at dinner your futon bed is made up in your room complete with turn down service which was usually a snack for later in the evening. The meal is 2 plus hours and very Japanese but again absolute quality. After three nights it does feel excessive to be enjoying a lengthy multi course menu but we did get to experience many meals that we would not normally try. The attention to detail went so far as having different crockery for each course. Some of these were very artistic. Overall this is an amazing one off experience although you do pay for the privilege."