Hotel Nikko Narita: Great Choice Near Narita Int'l Airport, Tokyo

A large room and bed

The rooms in Hotel Nikko Narita are spacious by Japanese standards and well appointed. Not many hotels in Japan feature king-size beds and when they do, it can be quite costly. Don’t worry if price is a concern; rest assured this is one of the best hotel bargains in the area, and they have king-size beds. One of the big differences in Japanese hotel beds versus North American hotels beds, is that Japanese beds tend to be more firm as do the pillows. You can’t do much about the firm beds but you might want to bring your own pillow?

A room for two adults typically costs around 120 JPY / 100 USD providing you with an excellent value that is hard to match in Japan. Ask for a room on the opposite side of the airport if you want a quieter room, although the rooms that look out towards the airport are not too noisy due to good sound insulation. Some will like being able to open a large window to let in a bit of fresh air, a feature not often found in modern hotels. If you need a shower right away, as many travelers do after almost a full day of traveling, you will find ample hot water and great water pressure to blast away the weariness. You can also take a bath in this combination bath / shower feature. The upscale toiletries are by Thalgo Japon, and some travelers will be surprised that the bathroom features free hair brushes, toothbrushes with toothpaste, comb, shower cap, and razor with shaving cream in case you forgot something.

Need a work space or a snack?

Like most Japanese hotels, Hotel Nikko Narita has a gift shop selling local crafts and foods, plus snacks and beverages. Specialty peanuts from the area’s farmers are sold at the gift shop. What items the gift shop doesn’t have are found at Lawson’s convenience store, located on the first floor to your right after coming in the main entrance. Lawson’s is much like a Seven-Eleven store, except you will find many Japanese foods and drinks uncommon in North American convenience stores. If you are hungry after your long trip, the hotel has a good dinner buffet at Serena Restaurant on the first floor. There are three other onsite restaurants plus a coffee shop for your dining choices if needed. Most travelers will like the spacious business lounge located near the lobby with its long table that has ample plugins for your personal electronic devices. Wi-Fi is fast and free in the lobby and in your room. There is a desk near the long table with two computers for guests to use if you didn’t bring your own.

Top notch shuttle service

One of the best reasons to stay at the Nikko Narita is their free shuttle service that takes you into the town of Narita, which most travelers pass up in favor of heading into Tokyo or points beyond. When I called the front desk for more information on taking the free shuttle, the clerk said ‘wait a moment’ and before I knew it he was at our door to help explain how to take the shuttle and gave me a map and time schedule in English! That is great customer service. It’s easy to catch the shuttle to the Narita train station and walk fifteen minutes to Narita-san Temple. Be sure and wander through the dozens of shops and stalls selling local foods and crafts. Peanuts are one of the best produce items from this region and you can sample many different vendor’s products at this open air marketplace. For lunch there are two well know unagi (eel) restaurants near the temple. Try the one across from the Narita Tourist Pavilion (called Kawatoyo Honten) where you will see the cooks cleaning and cutting the eels right by the front entrance. Be warned, there can be a wait as this place is famous. After a refreshing walk and lunch near the temple your hotel shuttle awaits a short distance from where it dropped you off by the Narita Train Station for your trip back.