Built in 1931 by John Kanaya, this is Japan's oldest Western-style hotel. Located in the heart of the renowned Kinugawa Onsen resort, it faces the mountains and the Kinugawa River. Besides a private onsen in most guestrooms, there are also two large communal onsen, complemented by kaiseki cuisine showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, and an art deco cigar lounge.


Joji Kanaya
Your Host and The Team
“I grew up watching my grandfather, Senji John Kanaya, bustling about and putting his life’s work into modernising Japan’s hotel industry. Even now, I cannot forget the year 1977 when he passed away, just before the opening of our hotel. Inspired by his vision, I continue his legacy to evoke traditional Japanese hospitality with Western comforts to my guests.”
Joji Kanaya – Carrying on the Family Legacy
Joji Kanaya comes from a long lineage of leaders in the service and hospitality industry. His grandfather Senji “John” Kanaya (who himself was the grandson of Zenichiro Kanaya, founder of Japan's oldest resort, the renowned Nikko Kanaya Hotel) was a charismatic man who grew up in a Western environment. After training at a succession of first-class hotels, John became the first president of the Kinugawa Onsen Hotel and then founded the Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel. As chairman of the Japan Hotel Association, John helped modernise Japan's hotel and tourism industry and is remembered as an industry legend.Carrying on his grandfather’s spirit and vision, Joji Kanaya continues to offer world-class facilities and services combining the best of both Japanese and Western cultures. Joji and his family have continually updated the hotel to suit the times while remaining true to Kanaya's management philosophy, fusing the relaxed atmosphere of a private villa with the convenience of a contemporary hotel. Today, the Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel is a one-of-a-kind resort where amenities, such as traditional common baths built from ancient Japanese cypress and elegant cigar salons exist side-by-side.
Rooms
Club Floor Suite
Two Western-style and four Japanese-Western suites are available on the top floor. Terraces are 50% larger than the standard guestrooms and offer spectacular views overlooking the Kinugawa River. The spring-fed outdoor bath built from Towada tuff also overlooks the river. The living room has heated floors, luxurious Western and Japanese style furniture, and an audio and wave speakers. Each bedroom features two semi-double Simmons beds.
Rate from 95,340JPY per night for 2 persons, half-board.
Club Floor Western Room
Five Western rooms are available on the uppermost Club Floor. Each has its own unique style. Some are connecting rooms and can be booked together and opened up into one large suite. With the windows open, the suite fills with the soothing sounds of the Kinugawa River and its surrounding nature. Each room has a multi-function shower and a large living area. The rooms have a Western feel with subtle Japanese elements like tatami straw matting and shoji screen doors. Music can be played on an iPod-compatible Amadana audio system. Each bedroom has two semi-double Simmons beds.
Rate from 82,380JPY per night for 2 persons, half-board.
Deluxe Japanese Room
There are six Kanaya-style Japanese rooms with open-air baths. Terraces are 50% larger than the standard guestrooms and offer spectacular views overlooking the Kinugawa River. The spring-fed outdoor bath made from granite (or Japanese cypress and Towada tuff, on the fourth floor) also overlooks the river. The understated interiors are designed to create a serene environment. Each room features an Amadana audio system and pressure-distributing futons.
Rate from 86,700JPY per night for 2 persons, half-board.
Standard Japanese Room
With the windows open, the room fills with the soothing sounds of the Kinugawa River and its surrounding nature. Guests can relax in the peaceful main area (19sqm), in the antechamber (10sqm), or on the terrace. The entire room is decorated with a subdued Kanaya style and pressure-distributing futons or semi-double Simmons beds.
Rate from 67,260JPY per night for 2 persons, half-board.
Facilities and Highlights















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Facilities and Highlights
- The Hot spring at Kinugawa Onsen was discovered in 1691. At the time, the land belonged to Nikko Shrine, and thus could only be used by feudal lords or monks on pilgrimage to Nikko. The spring is classified as alkaline hot spring; its odorless waters are gentle to sensitive skin.
- Kanaya offers classic Japanese cuisine, based on the traditions of kaiseki dining combined with some Western elements. The menu changes monthly and features locally sourced seasonal ingredients. You have your choice between the two menus for dinner upon advance request.
Useful Information
GENERAL
Total number of rooms: 40Time zone: (GMT+09:00) Tokyo
Currency accepted: JPY
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners, UnionPay
Electricity voltage: 100V
Electricity plug type:

CONCIERGE
Your concierge is ready to assist you with planning and completing your reservation, contact them on dream@secret-retreats.comACCESS
By train, from Askusa Sation (Tokyo), take the Kinu Tobu Limited Express (2hrs) until Kinugawa Onsen Station. The hotel is across the station.Airport: Haneda Airport - 165 km
Railway Station: Kinugawaonsen Station - 0.5 km
CONTACT
1394 Ohara Kinugawa Onsen Nikko, 321-2522 Tochigi, JapanCONTACT HERE
