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Looking for a tranquil getaway in Japan’s Nikko region? Kojoen(湖上苑) a charming lakeside inn by Lake Chuzenji, offers breathtaking views, impeccable service, and delightful Japanese cuisine. My recent visit in December 2023 felt like stepping into a winter wonderland, complete with fresh snowfall, cozy accommodations, and a near-exclusive experience.
Getting to Kojoen: From Spacia X to Snow-Covered Serenity

After taking the Spacia X train to Tobu Nikko Station, we hopped on a bus heading up the mountains. Kojoen is conveniently located near the Chuzenji Boat Terminal bus stop, but we decided to make the most of the journey by stopping at Kegon Falls first. It takes less than 2 hr from Asakusa, Tokyo to Nikko.
For Spacia X review, see Discover Nikko’s Winter Magic: A Day Trip from Tokyo to a Snowy World Heritage Site
Stop at Kegon Falls
The falls, surrounded by souvenir shops and scenic trails, were mesmerizing. We took our time enjoying the view, picking up local goodies, and indulging in a delicious Japanese lunch.
As we continued to Kojoen, the weather surprised us—snowflakes began to gently fall! The untouched snow covering the roads and trees made for a picture-perfect arrival.
Kojoen: A Lakeside Gem with a Rich History

Kojoen, once a summer retreat for foreign ambassadors, retains its old-world charm while offering modern amenities. Despite visiting on a Friday, we found ourselves sharing the entire inn with only one other guest, creating an incredibly peaceful and private atmosphere.

Accommodation Details


Address: 〒321-1661 Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko City, Chugushi 2478
How to get there: A 13-minute walk from the Chuzenji Boat Terminal bus stop
Facilities: Private and public onsen, a restaurant, and a small shop featuring local pottery
(See hotel price on Tripadvisor/Agoda/)
We were welcomed by a senior lady who doesn’t really speak English(we don’t speak Japanese) but we had a pleasant stay anyway.


Here’s the little shop, beer vending machine is available.
Book Tokyo to Nikko: Nikko private guided tour english driver
Room in Kojoen

We stayed in Room 101, a compact Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a futon, and a private bathroom. What the room lacked in size, it more than made up for with its view—floor-to-ceiling windows showcased Lake Chuzenji in all its snowy glory.

The thoughtful amenities included complimentary senbei (rice crackers) and drink vouchers to be used for dinner. While the balcony was tempting, we decided to enjoy the view from indoors, wrapped in warm blankets.

It’s so pretty and uninterruped. I can watch this all day.

they have an old fashioned build in bathroom


separate wash pottery basin

Kojoen’s Memorable Meals


Dinner at Kojoen was a highlight.
Served in the on-site dining room, it began with an assortment of beautifully presented appetizers, including Nikko’s famous yuba (tofu skin). Each dish reflected the chef’s dedication to quality and local ingredients.
For complimentary drink we choose beer and sake. It was my first time have hot sake.


I bought the heart shaped place as a souvenir.

Standout dishes included:
Rainbow Trout: Lightly fried and paired with a tangy orange sauce, balancing sweetness and acidity perfectly.

Beef Steak: Tender, flavorful, and reminds me of the steak I had on peaceboat after departing Hawaii.
The consistency was remarkable—my partner, who visited five years ago, noted the dinner was nearly identical in presentation and taste, a testament to Kojoen’s high standards.

The waitress offered to take pictures of us. In fact, besides us, there’s only one other customer staying on the day, so only three customers in the dining room. It was a Friday, so I was surprised to see so little people.
The service was attentive, adding tea for us and I noticed that they started chatting until we left the room.
(See hotel price on Tripadvisor/Agoda/)
Kojoen Hot spring



there’s women and men’s room and one family bath

just to be sure that don’t take pictures when in public bath, this is taken in the private one. The public one is slightly bigger than this with three shower heads.

1 hour per group for family onsen. Mark your starting time on the white board.

There’s also one outdoor hot spring outside of it but it was snowing so we didn’t even open the door. So the warning says be aware of wild animals
Breakfast: A Perfect Start to the Day


Guests can choose between Japanese and Western-style breakfasts during check-in.

Japanese Breakfast: A full spread featuring grilled trout, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables.

Western Breakfast: Fresh salad, omelets, and yogurt served on elegant Noritake china.

Double sized menu with English at the back.

I got a milky milk so I paired it with black tea. Perfect combination. As a Taiwanese, milk tea is a must!

Noritake is a Nagoya based brand, affordable price, a china manufacture for the Japanese royals. They serve generous portions of drinks!

The dining room’s large windows let in the morning light, offering serene views of the snowy landscape. We noticed that they reserved us a different table from the day before, thus we can enjoy the panoramic view.

Service That Stands Out
One charming moment was when my partner shared a photo from her visit five years ago. To our surprise, the same staff member recognized herself in the photo! These small touches made the experience feel personal and unforgettable.


The staff waved us goodbye for minutes after we left.
(See hotel price on Tripadvisor/Agoda/)
Final Thoughts: Why Kojoen Is Worth the Visit

Kojoen offers more than just a place to stay—it provides an immersive experience in Nikko’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality. Whether you’re enjoying the tranquil lakeside views, indulging in gourmet meals, or soaking in the onsen, every moment feels special.
A friend of mine stayed at Ritz Carlton nikko but I think our view from the room is impeccable.
I hope to return to Kojoen during another season to see how its charm transforms. Until then, this winter getaway will remain one of my most cherished travel memories.
Discover Nikko’s Winter Magic: A Day Trip from Tokyo to a Snowy World Heritage Site

A blog post of this hotel review in Chinese can be found here
Please check out my review on journey by Medivaine here
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8 comments
Stunning views of the water, even in the winter! I love the look of that train… so much more dignified and cleaner than USA
There are so many trains for you to explore in Japan!
The train ride looks great and the falls so beautiful! This looks like a peaceful restful place. Thanks for the tips. 🙂
The train in Japan are designed nicely! Thanks for your comment
We did not get away from Tokyo when we visited. Interesting to read more about the Kojoen inn by Lake Chuzenji. I can see why you would make a stop at Kegon Falls along the way. It looks like you had a lovely stay. And great to learn the quality had stayed the same over the years. A great spot to really enjoy an immersive experience in the outdoors.
There are many great destinations around Tokyo! Kojoen has exceed my expectation and I’d love to go back!
Japan is on my bucket list and I’m hoping to visit in the next few years, haven’t researched this spot yet but after reading your post and seeing your photos it’s been added to my ideal itinerary.
That’s great! I heard that this is the most popular one day destination for the Japanese.