Nikko Kanaya Hotel

Launched in 1873, this historic destination is known as Japan’s longest standing resort hotel. It’s pre-war build has garnered its national designation as an Tangible Cultural Property, featuring a bold exterior of mixed Japanese and Western design, and select architectural features that integrate an especially Japanese flair. The hotel was established by Zenichiro Kanaya, a once performer at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, which explains the many carved statues across the hotel made in homage to the shrine itself.

The guestrooms keep the same classic chic interior from its opening, each one made with a unique flair and features like the room with two expansive viewing windows, or the room with the arched ceiling. Charles Lindbergh, Helen Keller, Albert Einstein and Shotaro Ikenami are just a few of the guests who have stayed here, giving a lot of food for thought as you wander the same halls. In addition to the classic chic décor, there are modern-designed rooms made by Kundo Koyama.

In the main dining room you’ll find the same sprawling wood carvings that have decorated the walls since the Meiji Period, as well as a hotel French cuisine course passed down from many esteemed chefs. Prepare for a taste of old-world charm with dishes like the Nikko Sauteed Rainbow Trout or the Taisho Croquettes. For whisky fans, there are over 200 varieties of single malt whisky at the retro-chic bar Dacite.