Traveling with children is a mix of pure joy and logistical anxiety. “Will they eat the food?” “Are the beds safe?” “Is there anything for them to do?” As a mother of an energetic 5-year-old daughter living in the Kanto region, I’ve asked myself these questions countless times. Tochigi Prefecture—specifically the Nasu, Nikko, and Kinugawa areas—is a fantastic destination for families, but with so many options, finding the truly child-friendly gems can be overwhelming.
Today, I’m sharing my honest reviews of six hotels and ryokans (traditional inns) in Tochigi where my family stayed. These spots not only welcomed my daughter but made our trip unforgettable. Whether you are looking for an activity-packed resort or a relaxing onsen retreat, here is my guide to help you book your next family adventure with confidence.
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Family Travel in Tochigi: Pros & Cons
Before diving into the hotels, let’s look at the big picture of traveling to Tochigi with kids.
The Pros
- Accessibility: Located about 2 to 2.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen or car, it’s the perfect distance. You arrive before the kids get too cranky.
- Kid-Centric Activities: Especially in Nasu, the density of zoos, amusement parks, and nature spots is incredible.
- Onsen Culture: Many hotels offer private family baths, allowing you to enjoy Japan’s hot spring culture without worrying about your child disturbing others in public baths.
The Cons
- Transportation: The attractions are spread out. Renting a car is highly recommended to get around efficiently.
- Climate: It gets significantly colder than Tokyo. If you visit in winter, snow tires and heavy coats are a must.
1. Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa (Nasu)
A re-branded all-inclusive resort where kids are the VIPs.
Location & Access
Located about 15 minutes by car from the Nasu Interchange. It sits in the heart of the Nasu Highland area, offering easy access to the Nasu Safari Park and Nasu Highland Park. They also operate a shuttle bus from the station.
The Rooms
We stayed in a Japanese-Western style room. At over 36 square meters, it was spacious enough for my daughter to play. The combination of beds and a tatami (straw mat) area is perfect for families; we could take off our shoes and relax, which is much cleaner and safer for little ones. The hotel provides child-sized yukata and slippers, which looked adorable on my daughter.
Activities for Kids
This hotel is a paradise for kids. There is a large indoor play area where my daughter spent hours climbing and sliding. As an all-inclusive hotel, the lounge offers free snacks and drinks, which was a lifesaver when she got hungry between meals. In the summer, the outdoor pool opens, complete with a shallow area for toddlers.
Breakfast Buffet
The breakfast highlights local ingredients, but the real winner is the “Kids’ Corner.” The food is placed at a lower height so children can serve themselves. My daughter loved picking out her own donuts and pancakes. Seeing her independence grow was a sweet bonus to the meal.
2. Nasu Onsen Sanraku (Nasu)
A traditional ryokan with imperial history, offering unmatched hospitality.
Location & Access
About 20 minutes from the Nasu Interchange, located near the Imperial Villa. The area is serene and quiet, surrounded by nature, making it a perfect escape from the city noise.
The Rooms
We stayed in a traditional Japanese room with Sukiya-zukuri architecture. It was expansive and pristine. Our personal room attendant was incredibly kind, engaging my daughter in conversation and making her feel special. While the large public bath is famous, I recommend booking a room with an open-air bath so the whole family can soak together privately.
Activities for Kids
Unlike a resort hotel, there are no flashy game centers here. However, walking through the meticulously maintained Japanese garden was an activity in itself. The staff’s warmth stood out—they gave my daughter origami paper and treated her with such kindness that she felt right at home despite the formal atmosphere.
Breakfast
Breakfast is a traditional Japanese set meal served either in your room or a private dining room. For parents of active 5-year-olds, in-room dining is a godsend—no need to worry about running around or noise. They served gentle flavors like grilled fish and tofu. For my daughter, they adjusted the menu to include rice, miso soup, and egg dishes she could easily eat.
3. Hotel Epinard Nasu (Nasu)
The undisputed “King” of family hotels in Nasu with endless activities.
Location & Access
Just 10 minutes from the Nasu Interchange. It’s located right off the main Nasu road, making it an ideal base for sightseeing. They even offer a direct highway bus from Tokyo and Shinjuku, which is great if you don’t want to drive.
The Rooms
We booked one of their specialized “Baby & Kids Rooms.” These rooms are designed with safety in mind: rounded furniture corners, low beds to prevent falls, and soundproofing. It came fully stocked with diaper pails, step stools, and kid-friendly amenities. The cute wallpaper made my daughter gasp with delight the moment we walked in.
Activities for Kids
The facilities here are massive. There is a huge indoor heated pool with a dedicated children’s section, a Strider bike course outside, and seasonal events like treasure hunts. You could honestly spend the entire trip just inside the hotel grounds without getting bored.
Breakfast Buffet
Epinard’s breakfast is often ranked among the best in Japan. While the French toast is legendary, the “Kids’ Buffet” section is extensive. They even provide free pouches of baby food, which is a huge help for parents with infants. The allergen labeling is very clear, offering peace of mind for families with dietary restrictions.
4. Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
A stylish, conveniently located base camp right on the doorstep of World Heritage sites.
Location & Access
Located just a 5-minute drive from Tobu Nikko Station and, crucially, only 5 minutes by car to the famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine. They offer a free shuttle bus from the station (reservation required), which is a huge plus if you aren’t driving. The best part is being so close to the shrines that you can beat the crowds for an early morning visit.
The Rooms
The design is modern and minimalist, typical of the Marriott brand. While there is no bathtub (only a high-quality shower booth with a rain shower), the room is functional and spotless. The Simmons beds provide excellent sleep quality, making co-sleeping comfortable for us.
Activities for Kids
There are no playgrounds or kids’ clubs on-site, but the value here is the location. The short travel time to major sightseeing spots means fewer tantrums during transit. The lobby features local Nikko wood carving art and a library, offering a calm atmosphere where my daughter enjoyed looking at the displayed crafts.
Breakfast
There is no full-service restaurant. Instead, they have a “Market” next to the lounge selling frozen breads, soups, and risotto. The concept is to buy what you like and heat it up yourself in the communal kitchen using high-end toasters and microwaves. It felt like a fun little activity to choose our breakfast with my daughter and prepare it together before heading out.
5. Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa (Nikko)
A luxurious “time travel” experience near the World Heritage sites.
Location & Access
About 10 minutes from the Nikko Interchange. It is close to the shrines but tucked away in a secluded area, offering total privacy. They provide a shuttle service from the station.
The Rooms
We splurged on the “Bettei Aqua” room, which features a private open-air bath and a water terrace. At night, the water is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Having a private bath meant my daughter could splash around without us worrying about etiquette in the public onsen. The beds were large and comfortable for co-sleeping.
Activities for Kids
This is a place to unwind. The lounge has picture books, and the vibe is calm. It works best if you spend the day at nearby Edo Wonderland or Tobu World Square (both very close by car) and use the hotel to relax and recharge in the evening.
Breakfast
Breakfast is a Japanese set meal served in a private dining room. The local Yuba (tofu skin) cuisine was exquisite. I was impressed by the children’s meal—it wasn’t an afterthought but a high-quality set with hamburger steak and fried shrimp, prepared with care. The private room allowed us to enjoy the meal at our own pace.
6. Kinugawa Onsen Sanraku (Kinugawa)
A riverside luxury ryokan with spacious rooms and top-tier service.
Location & Access
A 10-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Station (shuttle available). It stands along the Kinugawa River valley, offering breathtaking views. It is only a 5-minute drive to Tobu World Square.
The Rooms
We were shocked by the size of the room—74 square meters! It was huge, giving my daughter plenty of space to run around safely. The view of the river from the window was stunning. In addition to the large public bath, the room had a bath made of cypress wood (hinoki), filling the air with a lovely scent.
Activities for Kids
The ryokan occasionally hosts cultural events like mochi (rice cake) pounding or Koto performances in the lobby. It was a great opportunity for my daughter to experience Japanese culture. The staff made an effort to remember my daughter’s name, a small touch that made us feel incredibly welcome.
Breakfast
Breakfast is a Japanese set meal served in a semi-private dining area. The Tochigi-grown Koshihikari rice and miso soup were delicious—my daughter asked for seconds of the rice! They immediately provided child-sized chairs and cutlery, anticipating our needs before we even asked.
Summary
All six of these hotels offer something special, depending on your family’s travel style:
- For Active Play: Choose Hotel Epinard Nasu or Grand Mercure for pools and play areas.
- For Relaxation & Onsen: Choose Nasu Onsen Sanraku or Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa for private baths and quiet luxury.
- For Sightseeing: Choose Fairfield by Marriott as a convenient base or Kinugawa Onsen Sanraku for proximity to theme parks.
The common thread across all these properties is the staff. In every location, we were met with warm smiles and patience for our 5-year-old. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect spot for your family trip to Tochigi.
