The first iteration of Kanaya Hotel was built in 1873 as Kanaya Cottage Inn. In 1893 , the inn was moved to Hatsuishi and would be renamed into the Nikko Kanaya Hotel. It wouldn't be until 1940 that Kanaya Hotel would expand again, this time opening Nikko Kanko Hotel along the banks of Lake Chuzenji and at the foot of Mount Nantai. Although successfully run by Kanaya Hotel's management, both Kanaya Hotel and Nikko Kanko Hotel would be claimed by the American Military during their occupation of Japan after the Second World War. Both hotels would eventually be returned, a little over a decade later in 1957.  During the succeeding decades, the Nikko Kanko Hotel would rebrand itself into the Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel in 1965, proudly wearing the name of what would be recognized as Japan's oldest Western-style hotel.

Design and Architecture

As a whole, the aesthetics of Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel lean heavily on Western decor and designs. There are no tatami rooms or sukiya-zukuri spaces here, as the hotel embraces its philosophy of embracing Western standards that the Kanaya brand has kept up with for over 150 years. Inspired by Western log cabins, Chuzenji Kanaya's exterior is quite reminiscent of a mountain resort lodge one would find in the USA or Canada. Even the interior spaces cater to foreign design senses, as guestrooms feature tall tables flanked by posh armchairs, and fluffy beds dressed in delicate linens.

There is one location at the hotel with a distinct Japanese aesthetic - the hot spring baths of Soraburo. Here, locals and foreign visitors alike can soothe their bodies with healing waters sourced from Okunikko Yumoto Onsen. The open air design also makes it possible to enjoy stargazing or sunset watching while enjoying a rejuvenating soak after a long day.

Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel features two signature restaurants on-site, one specializing in Japanese gourmet and regional delicacies, while the other is a coffeehouse with a relaxing forest lodge theme.

Mizunara

Chuzenji Kanaya's fine-dining establishment. Guests can savor regional delights and traditional Nikko cuisine while admiring the view of the lake.
Opening hours: 7:30 am - 9:30 am (Breakfast); 12 pm - 2 pm (Lunch & Coffee); 6 pm - 8 pm (Dinner)

Yukon

Sharing a name with the rugged Canadian territory, Yukon is a cozy coffeehouse with a log cabin design meant to evoke the wilderness of North America.
Opening hours: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Surrounded by the scenic mountains and forests of Nikko, Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel is the perfect place to stay while exploring and discovering the natural wonders of Tochigi. Lake Chuzenji, which is right next to the hotel, is a sacred lake that is also very popular when it comes to seasonal activities such as lake cruises and watersports. Opposite the lake is Mount Nantai, a volcanic mountain 2486 meters (8156 feet) tall that provides challenging hikes and inspiring views. And don't forget the Waterfalls of Okunikko, three picture-perfect mountain cascades scattered around the region. While making your way around Nikko, be sure to relish the excitement of traversing the hairpin turns of Irohazaka. The steep and winding mountain road was made popular by the anime movie Initial D Third Stage as one of the film's highlights. While there won't be any street races for you to catch, the slopes are perfect for nature viewing, especially during autumn.

For cultural immersion, you should plan a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikko. Foremost of these shrines is Nikko Toshogu, where the great samurai warlord and Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu has been enshrined and deified. Another religious site that's not to miss is Nikkosan Chuzen-ji. While not part of the aforementioned UNESCO Heritage Site, it is still quite famous for its lakeside location and wooden statue of the goddess Kannon.

Other Celebrations

Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel sounds like a fantastic place to celebrate your birthday or anniversary. With its lakeside location and on-site restaurants, you may be able to make arrangements for a private event if you reach out to the management and staff. They might even be able to offer special travel packages that would suit your plans.