The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko Hotel in Japan Offers Bucket-List Winter Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko debuted July 2020 as a brand-new hotel amidst a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooking Lake Chūzenji and Mount Nantai within Japan’s Northern Kanto region. Offering verdant surroundings coupled with pristine accommodations, this hidden gem beckons discerning travelers with a decadent array of nature-rich adventures, healing wellness experiences, and other one-of-a-kind programming for a bucket-list winter retreat.

Ideally located 2.5 hours north by rail or car from Tokyo, Nikko is a dreamy winter destination particularly for its powder snow within the Kanto region, which rivals that of Hokkaido. Removed from bustling crowds and tourists, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is centrally situated within UNESCO-designated Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, touting 94 premium guest rooms and suites. Various on-site touchpoints beckon luxury, including four dining experiences that manifest Japanese craftsmanship and precision: The Japanese Restaurant for all-day dining within a traditional atmosphere with discerning taste; Lakehouse for a flavorful take on Western dishes showcasing local ingredients; The Bar, which offers a stylish respite for fine whiskeys and libations; The Lobby Lounge, for light bites and Afternoon Tea overlooking a stunning garden.

Winter Adventures
Perched at the nexus of intuitive hospitality and pristine nature, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko offers an array of winter experiences that cater to adventure seekers, families and those who are simply inquisitive. Exceptional programming changes seasonally and provides deeper access into the ever-changing destination:

• ​Woodland Snowshoe Hike – Oku-Nikko Yumoto is a special area where guests can enjoy powder snow in the Northern Kanto region. Guests can take a beautiful hike in a world of white and silver surrounded by silence, listening to the sounds of nature.  Those with a need for speed can glide on an air board on the fresh snow.

• Ice Climbing – Thrill-seekers can ascend a gorgeous ice-covered waterfall – one of the few ice walls in Japan – that underscores the epitome of Nikko adventure. On the top of the ice after the quest, guests can feel the mesmerizing sensation of being one of the brave winter athletes.

• The Fire Pray Ritual – Exclusive to The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, guests can take part in the burning of holy cedar-sticks by chanting monks at Chūzenji Temple, a sanctuary dating back to 784 and affiliated with the World Heritage Rinnoji Temple. Before the fire ritual, guests can partake in a writing meditation by copying an image of Guanyin or a wellness sutra related to the bodhisattva of compassion.

• Morning Zazen Meditation – Instructed by monks from a historic Chūzenji Temple, guests can start their day with this special activity at the hotel designated to bring inner peace.

• UNESCO World Heritage Discovery – The curated tour offers an opportunity to uncover the immersive moments at UNESCO World Heritage, including the Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine which is not readily available to the public. Guests can also view a scenic abyss formed over 7,000 years ago while visiting 70 mysterious Bodhisattva statues.

• Monkey Treasure Hunt (Ritz-Kids) – While parents are taking part in a romantic dinner, children can sleuth for hidden monkey toys with a treasure map while learning about Nikko’s ancient history.

• Kagura Shrine Dance – This storytelling and ritual dance began as a sacred performance at the Imperial court by shrine maidens. This ceremony is held at the Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chūgushi and celebrates a successful harvest, abundant fish and good health.

• Megaboard Experience – With a length of 5 meters and excellent stability, couples and families alike can all stand together on one mega paddleboard to glide over Lake Chūzenji together. Guests can take in majestic views of the snowy Nikko Mountain Range and nearby Ritz-Carlton Nikko hotel.

• Furoshiki Art – Offered as a complimentary activity, guests can master the 1,200-year old Japanese art of conscious wrapping.

The Ritz-Carlton’s First-Ever Japanese Onsen Hot Springs Experience
For wellness seekers, the full-service spa exclusively offers the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen hot springs experience. The ancient heritage of the Nikko region is further underscored in this sanctuary with four dedicated treatment rooms that prove to be both restorative and revitalizing. A thoughtful selection of personalized treatments including the indoor and open-air hot spring baths with therapeutic geothermal waters from Yumoto Onsen are also available.

With respect to health and safety, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko has built-in cleanliness initiatives to protect the well-being of guests, Ladies and Gentlemen and the broader community. With the support of Marriott International’s new Cleanliness Council guidelines along with enhanced property-specific technologies (e.g. electrostatic sprayers), guests can still expect the world-class experience of The Ritz-Carlton with modifications to ensure the safest experience possible. These initiatives will continue to evolve to maintain the highest standards of excellence.

To place a reservation or learn more about The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/nikko