Are you planning a family trip to the World Heritage site of Nikko, Japan, but struggling to find the right accommodation? You might be thinking, “We’ll be out sightseeing all day, so we don’t need luxury, but we definitely want somewhere clean, comfortable, and safe for the kids.” If this sounds like you, the Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko is the perfect solution.
Situated right next to a “Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Station), staying at Fairfield by Marriott Nikko offers a modern, simplified travel style that fits contemporary families perfectly. It balances budget with high-quality comfort in a way that impressed me deeply. As a mom traveling with a 5-year-old daughter, I’m excited to share our real experience and why this property is the best family-friendly hotel in Nikko.
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Pros and Cons of Staying at Fairfield Nikko
To help busy parents decide quickly, here is a summary of the highs and lows of our stay at Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko.
The Pros
Modern & Clean: Opened in 2020, the interior is stylish, calm, and incredibly clean.24-Hour Lounge: A fantastic community space next to the lobby with a coffee machine and microwave.Gourmet Soup: You can buy famous “Soup Stock Tokyo” frozen soups right at the hotel.Laundry Facilities: Essential for traveling with messy kids!Prime Location: Excellent access to major sightseeing spots like Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
The Cons
No Restaurant: There is no on-site restaurant for a full breakfast buffet (but great alternatives exist).Shuttle Limitations: The shuttle to the station has a limited capacity (reservation required).Showers Only: Most standard rooms have shower booths instead of bathtubs (common for the Fairfield brand in Japan).
Location: Where is Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko?
The Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko boasts a strategic location that makes exploring the area a breeze.
Getting There by Car The hotel is about 5 minutes from the Nikko Interchange on the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road. On-site parking is available, making this an ideal choice if you are renting a car to explore the Kanto region. The world-famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine is only a 5-minute drive away from the hotel, allowing you to beat the crowds if you head out early.
Getting There by Public Transport If you are arriving by train at Tobu-Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station, be aware that the Fairfield Nikko is a bit far to walk with luggage and little ones.
Shuttle Service: The hotel operates a shuttle bus to Nikko Station. However, it is reservation-only and has a maximum capacity of just 5 people .Pro Tip: Book your shuttle seat as soon as you book your room. If it’s full, a taxi is a quick 5-10 minute ride.
Rooms at Fairfield by Marriott Nikko
Interior & Vibes Stepping into the room at Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko, you are greeted by a warm, woody interior that feels instantly relaxing. While the rooms aren’t massive suites, they are smartly designed to feel spacious. The simple aesthetic is calming—exactly what you need after a day of sensory overload at the shrines.
Amenities for Families Basic amenities like toothbrushes are provided in the room, while other items (razors, hairbrushes) can be picked up from the “Amenity Bar” at the front desk. This eco-friendly approach is becoming standard in Japanese hotels.
Crucial Tip for Winter Travelers: Japan’s winters are surprisingly dry. The hotel lends out humidifiers/air purifiers. I highly recommend requesting one when you make your reservation at Fairfield Nikko to keep your family’s throats comfortable.
Bath & Laundry The sink area is open-concept, making it easy to wash hands or get ready. While our room had a rain shower booth (no tub), the water pressure was excellent. For parents, the Coin Laundry on the 1st floor is a lifesaver. There are two washers and two dryers. Detergent is added automatically, and you can pay via credit card or e-money.
Activities & Sightseeing around Nikko
Nikko is a treasure trove of culture, and Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko is the perfect base. Here are my top tips for families.
Must-Read Tip: Skip the Lines at Nikko Toshogu The World Heritage site, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, is only a 5-minute drive from the hotel. It is absolutely breathtaking. However, I have one crucial piece of advice for you: Buy your tickets in advance! When we arrived, the line at the ticket counter was easily 100 meters long! Waiting there with a 5-year-old would have been a nightmare. Luckily, we had purchased electronic tickets beforehand through KKday.
Best Play Spot :
Why Families Love It: There is a large playground specifically designed for toddlers. My daughter had a blast!Nature: We visited during the autumn foliage season, and the maple leaves were stunning. The park features a beautiful stream and mountain views.Food: The shop sells local vegetables and fruits. The Mandarins (Mikan) we bought were incredibly sweet!Facilities: Clean toilets and a huge parking lot make it very parent-friendly.
Other Attractions Edo Wonderland is nearby. It’s a theme park where you can dress up as Ninjas or Samurai—perfect for a cultural immersion experience.
Dining Options: The “Soup Stock Tokyo” Experience
Since Fairfield by Marriott Nikko does not have a full-service restaurant, you might wonder about breakfast. This turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay!
The 24-Hour Lounge The lobby lounge is available 24/7. It features a coffee machine and microwave that guests can use freely.
A Must-Try: Soup Stock Tokyo The hotel sells frozen soups from Soup Stock Tokyo in the lobby. This is a famous Japanese soup chain known for delicious, additive-free meals.
How it works: Buy the frozen soup at the front desk to receive a special cup. The staff will explain, but generally, you heat the soup pouch directly in the microwave (follow the package instructions!) before pouring it into the cup.My Recommendations: The Lobster Bisque is rich and restaurant-quality. My daughter loved the Corn & Sweet Potato Potage for its natural sweetness.Safety Note: The soup gets very hot. Please be careful when pouring it into the cup.
Nearby Hot Spring & Dinner: Nikko Wanoyo Onsen “Yashio no Yu”
Since most rooms at the hotel only have showers, I recommend visiting Nikko Wanoyo Onsen Yashio no Yu , a day-trip hot spring just a 10-minute drive away.
The Experience The water has a silky texture (Toromi ) that feels amazing. There is also a spacious open-air bath.
Dinner: There is a cafeteria inside serving Ramen, Soba, and Curry . We had an early, casual dinner here before heading back to the hotel.Important Tips:
Bring 100-Yen Coins: You need them for shoe and changing room lockers (coins are returned).Towels are Paid: Bring your own to save money, or buy them at the vending machine.Timing: It gets crowded around 4:00 PM. Go earlier if possible.
Summary: Is Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko Worth It?
Absolutely. The Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko strips away the unnecessary frills and focuses on what matters: cleanliness, comfort, and convenience. The unique option of enjoying Soup Stock Tokyo in a beautiful lounge, combined with smart use of nearby spots like Yashio no Yu and Daiyagawa Park, made our trip perfect.
If you are a family looking for a clean, modern base to explore the history and culture of Nikko, this hotel is a fantastic choice. We will definitely be back!
