The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced the opening of the latest hotel to join its Asia Pacific portfolio, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, set amidst a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located in the Northern Kanto region of Japan, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is two-and-a-half hours north of Tokyo, accessible by rail or car, and offers access to a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Natural sites include the Kegon Falls and multiple Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Nikko, and the surrounding area, has long been known as a holy place and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the cultural, religious and architectural significance of its decorated shrines and temples. Set along Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai, guests can easily access prominent scenic attractions, such as Nikko National Park, where the hotel is located, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage designated area.
Guests can choose from a collection of unforgettable excursions ranging, from cycling through protected wetlands to strolling through the precincts of centuries-old sanctuaries, meditating under waterfalls, ascending their frozen cascades in winter and more. The hotel also offers guests the opportunity to master the Japanese skill of furoshiki wrapping, witness a temple fire ceremony or enjoy the sounds of drums and Japanese flute music at a sacred ritual ceremonial dance.
The hotel’s 94 guestrooms and suites all have a private balcony with an engawa lounge area. As for dining, there is a Japanese restaurant offering all-day dining, Lakehouse, which uses local ingredients to create Western dishes; as well as a bar and lobby lounge, serving light bites and Afternoon Tea.
The spa’s treatments are inspired by the natural revitalizing elements of the Nikko region and are offered within four specialized treatment rooms. Godo to know: The hotel is the first Ritz-Carlton property to have an authentic hot springs experience in the Japanese onsen tradition. Guests can use the indoor and open-air hot spring baths, where therapeutic thermal waters drawn from the springs of nearby Yumoto Onsen.
Further, guests are invited to participate in a nightly meditation. Every day at dusk, the lobby area will be transformed into a place of spiritual respite, offering a moment to reset and appreciate the day that has passed. Upon departure, guests will receive a sacred omamori (Japanese amulet) as a keepsake memento and a wish for safe travel.
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