Nikko Senhime Monogatari Inn

A stay at Senhime Monogatari Inn is a truly traditional, personal Japanese experience. From the moment you check in, you will receive the highest level of personal attention and hospitality.

At check-in, we were served a cup of cold tea and some mochi. The ryokan manager explained every detail of our stay--the operating hours of the onsen, which door was for men and which was for women, the proper way to wear the kimono to the onsen and to dinner. It wasn't condescending or professorial, but rather he was trying to ensure that we would be all set to have as pleasant a stay as possible.

This was a continuing trend throughout our stay. I had never before experienced a hotel staff so accommodating, respectful, appreciative, and hospitable. I cannot rave about them enough! Even for the most minor kink in our stay, the whole staff would rush to mend the situation and make sure our stay was absolutely perfect. On our way back from the Toshogu Shrine on a rainy afternoon, one of the managers ran out to the street with an armful of umbrellas when he saw us across the street. And when we checked out, the whole staff ran outside to bow, wave, and thank us over and over. The show of appreciation and respect is definitely inspirational--if only the whole world operated this way!

The Japanese-style rooms are plush. The futon beds are laid out while guests are at dinner, and they are put away while guests are at breakfast. The rooms are decorated in a luxurious yet minimalistic Japanese style, with fresh ikebana in the room (and in the corridors) replaced every two days. Every room has a beautiful view of the mountains and the Daiya River, and the roar of the river is white noise during bedtime.

Dinner and breakfast are served in a traditional dining area, where guests are seated in private rooms. The food is formal, traditional, and of the highest quality. Dinners are composed of 8-10 courses, and the menu is customized daily. Ingredients are fresh fresh fresh, harvested or caught that day! They use a lot of local specialties such as yuba and mountain potatoes. Every dish is a masterpiece, intricately and artfully prepared. Breakfasts are Japanese or Western style.

Onsen, indoor and outdoor, are available. Men's and women's baths are separate.

Location is excellent, just a few hundred feet from the Toshogu Shrine. Parking is available, and they also have a complimentary shuttle to take guests into Nikko's downtown or to the train station.

There are cheaper hotels and ryokan in Nikko. But the personal service and attention, coupled with the plush and clean rooms, make Senhime Monogatari a superstar! Spending a night at Senhime is a true immersion in Japanese culture and traditions. Highly recommended! I cannot praise it enough!