Ritz-Carlton opens luxury resort and spa on Japanese mountainside

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has launched a new luxury resort and spa in Japan, expanding its luxury Asia Pacific portfolio into the historic mountain region of Nikko.

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, showcases a new spa designed to be an urban sanctuary of wellness inspired by the abundance of natural revitalising elements and the rich heritage of the Nikko region, within four specialised treatment rooms.

The resort offers Ritz-Carlton's first branded onsen which draws natural hot spring water direct from Nikko Yumoto Onsen, a renowned hot spring discovered more than 1200 years ago. The facility includes an indoor bath, open-air bath, sauna and relaxation space.

The spa offers treatments supplied by Espa and Japanese skincare brand Mikimoto, the sister company to the famous cultured pearl business. However, due to Coronavirus restrictions the spa is currently unable to offer the full program of treatments.

Located in the Northern Kanto region of Japan, the 94-room resort is set two and a half hours north of Tokyo, neighbouring natural treasures including the Kegon Falls and famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

Nikko, and the surrounding area, has long been known as a holy place and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural, religious, and architectural significance.

Further enhancing the meditative and spiritual setting of the Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, guests are invited to participate in a nightly meditation ritual.

Every day at dusk, the lobby area is transformed into a place of spiritual respite, offering a moment to reset and appreciate the day that has passed. Upon departure, guests will receive a sacred omamori (Japanese amulet), their own keepsake memento and a wish for safe travel.

Introducing the resort, Rajeev Menon, President - Asia Pacific for Marriott International, explained “following much anticipation, we’re thrilled to finally open the doors to The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, and to continue the growth of the luxury segment in Japan.

“This opening marks an extremely monumental point for our brand and the entire company.”

Images: The nightly meditation ritual at Ritz-Carlton, Nikko (top), its spa pools (middle) and its lakeside setting (below). Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton.