Honke Bankyu

Honke Bankyu is a traditional Japanese inn that could be found in a small city in the Tochigi Prefecture known as Nikko, situated in the northern mountains of Tokyo.

The location is known for the famous Shinto Shrine that dates back to the Edo Period.

Established in the year 1666, the onsen stands calmly in the mountain with the music of chirping birds and the everpresent greetings of the river. It is considered to be the top ryokan in Japan and is near to the Toshogu Shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The rooms of Honke Bankyu are designed based on traditional Japanese style, complete with tatami mat flooring, adequate spacing, and yukata robes for an ultimate cultural experience.

The ryokan has a total of 45 rooms, which cost between 40,000 to 55,000 JPY per night, with some including various features like the semi-open-air bath, an open-air bath, standard bathrooms, and toilets.

Honke Bankyu invites guests to their dinner and a breakfast buffet served in their large hall where the traditional practice of floor-sitting is observed. Their dishes pride in local ingredients, from their meals to beverages like wines.

The hot spring baths of Honke Bankyu have been around for 800 years. It is near a river, which makes the guests experience like he or she is part of the river while enjoying the calm embrace of nature. The water source of the onsen helps in recharging and revitalization. The properties of the water also have benefits for the skin that makes it feel refreshed.

Activities also vary in Honke Bankyu based on the seasons where sometimes there will be ice sculptures or viewing of fireflies.

The location of the ryokan is accessible by limited bus rides coming from Yunishigawa-onsen station and by train coming from Asakusa not later than 2:30 in the afternoon. Due to the coronavirus, Honke Bankyu limits the number of visits by only accepting guests from certain countries under their government guidelines.

Japanese ryokan food, dinner and breakfast – a ryokan providing local foodstuff

Famous local Nikko Yuba (dried bean curd) and Tochigi beef. Local deer meat, mountain birds, and river fish. Takezake (sake in a bamboo container) and kotsuzake (warmed sake flavored with grilled fish).

"No. 1" ryokan in Japan

The open air bath is a hot spring that has continued to spout for 820 years. With its use of old trees, the main building is often featured in magazines.

Traditional ryokan - historical architecture

This ryokan was built from precious wood and wood from old trees collected from all over Japan, and is notable for its amazing vine-rope bridge crossing the mountain stream on the property. With its line up of open hearths in the eating area and the old tree art atmosphere of the lobby, this ryokan brims with Japanese ambiance.

Year of establishment

1666

 

Rooms with open-air baths Available

Onsen Area Yunishigawa

Is this place ryokan only or ryokan with an onsen? Onsen Ryokan

Does this ryokan have private onsen (hot spring)? Yes

Is there a communal shared public bath? Yes

Are there additional rental options? With open-air tubs 3 With indoor tubs 0 With both indoor and outdoor tubs 0 Hours 15:00 - 23:00 Price 1050 yen / 45 minutes How to book Reserve upon check-in

In or near Tokyo

Price range (yen) 40,000-55,000

The price includes one dinner and one breakfast