The Ritz-Carlton is known for having hotels in some of the most interesting locales in the world. But their newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, set amidst a UNESCO World Heritage site, might just trump them all.
Open as of July 15, the hotel is located in the Northern Kanto region of Japan, about two hours north of Tokyo. Nikko and the surrounding area have long been a holy place and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the cultural, religious, and architectural significance of its richly decorated temples. You'll find natural wonders like Kegon Falls and an array of famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. And thanks to the positioning along the East end of Lake Chuzenji and South of Mount Nantai, guests will have easy access to these top attractions as well as Nikko's National Park.
Related: How to Visit 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 20 Days
To further embrace the property's unique location, they've also created one-of-a-kind themed programming that embraces local craftsmanship. The hotel collaborated with local Mashiko pottery artists (GENDO) to create original pottery wares exclusively for the hotel. At turndown, guests receive a card that spotlights the local eggs and farmers the hotel restaurants will showcase the following day.
Plus, traditional wood carvings are on display at the restaurants' entrances. Mother-daughter local artists create the floral wood carving motifs with traditional techniques found in UNESCO registered temples and shrines in Nikko. In fact, they are the first female wood carving artists in the 400 years of history since the shrines and temples were built.
And foodies will love that the hotel is procuring exclusive wagyu beef. It will have its own flavor profile and fat/meat composition hand-selected by the executive chef alongside his selected local stock farmer. The hotel's Executive Chef Shingo Hayasaka visited several local stock farmers in Tochigi prefecture and looked for the farm that offered the best quality of beef while also running an eco-friendly and sustainable business.
Related: These Are the Onsens You Need to Visit in and Around Tokyo
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is now offering 94 guestrooms and suites with views of either Lake Chuzenji or Mount Nantai.
