My Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko: A Lakeview Escape in Japan

On my very first trip to Japan, I wanted to make the journey truly memorable. Part of that dream was realized when I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, a serene luxury retreat nestled in the breathtaking nature of Tochigi Prefecture. What made it even sweeter was that I booked the stay using Marriott Bonvoy points and successfully applied a Nightly Upgrade Award, which secured us an incredible Lake View Suite.

The Lake View Suite – A Room Beyond Expectations

Walking into the suite felt like stepping into a carefully designed sanctuary. The space was expansive, featuring a separate living room and bedroom. One of my favorite details was the shower with direct lake views—a surreal experience that made even a simple morning routine feel luxurious. The suite also included a winter garden, a cozy enclosed balcony where I could sit back and enjoy the calm scenery regardless of the weather.

Without exaggeration, it was one of the most beautiful hotel rooms I have ever stayed in. Every detail reflected elegance and comfort, and the view of Lake Chūzenji was simply mesmerizing.

Dining at The Lake House

Food was another highlight of our stay. We had lunch twice at The Lake House, the hotel’s chic lakeside restaurant. Each meal was delicious, blending high-quality ingredients with refined flavors that perfectly matched the tranquil setting.

Since breakfast wasn’t included with a points booking, we opted to enjoy it in our room. It turned out to be a wonderful decision—starting the day with a hearty Continental breakfast while overlooking the lake from the suite felt both private and indulgent.

Relaxing at the Onsen

One of the most unique aspects of The Ritz-Carlton Nikko is its onsen (hot spring baths). The hotel offers gender-separated pools fed by natural hot spring waters, and soaking there after a day of exploring was nothing short of magical. The warm mineral waters melted away any travel fatigue and added a distinctly Japanese touch to the luxury experience.

Service at Its Finest

From check-in to departure, the service was impeccable. Every staff member we interacted with was warm, attentive, and proactive in anticipating needs. I’ve stayed at many high-end hotels, but the hospitality at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko stood out as some of the very best I have ever experienced.

Final Thoughts

My stay at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko was the perfect blend of natural beauty, Japanese tradition, and Ritz-Carlton luxury. From the stunning Lake View Suite to the soothing onsen baths and exceptional service, every moment felt special. As a first-time traveler to Japan, this experience set the bar incredibly high—and I can’t wait to return one day.