Hotels in Ashikaga

Whispers of Ashikaga: A Journey Through Temples, Hills, and Blossoms

Nestled in Tochigi Prefecture, Ashikaga is a charming small town that blends rich history with breathtaking natural beauty. Famous for the stunning Ashikaga Flower Park, visitors can marvel at vibrant wisteria blooms in spring. The serene Kotokuji Temple offers a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage, while the Ashikaga Museum showcases local culture and art. Surrounded by hilly landscapes, this hidden gem invites travelers to wander through picturesque streets, enjoy seasonal flowers, and experience a slower pace of life. Perfect for those seeking a romantic getaway or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Ashikaga promises unforgettable memories. For the best hotel rates in Ashikaga and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Ashikaga

Some of the best places to stay in Ashikaga are Nikko, Utsunomiya and Takasaki. Nikko, Utsunomiya, and Takasaki offer unique experiences for travelers. Nikko is renowned for its stunning shrines and natural beauty, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Utsunomiya is famous for its gyoza and vibrant city life, while Takasaki features the impressive Daruma Temple and scenic mountains. Accommodations in these areas range from modern hotels to traditional ryokans, providing options for various preferences. Ashikaga itself has a mix of downtown hotels and convenient stays near Horigome Station, catering to diverse travelers. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Ashikaga:

1. NikkoOpens in a new window: Nikko is a stunning destination known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. With attractions like Lake Chūzenji, which offers romantic scenery, and the historic Toshogu Shrine, this area is perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and culture. For accommodations, consider KINUGAWA GRAND HOTEL YUME no TOKIOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel with natural hot springs and a full-service spa, ideal for family and relaxation themes. Another option is The Ritz-Carlton, NikkoOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5.0-star hotel offering adventure sports and on-site hot springs. If you prefer a ryokan experience, Kinugawa Kanaya HotelOpens in a new window provides a mix of luxury and traditional Japanese hospitality with beautiful hot spring amenities.
2. UtsunomiyaOpens in a new window: Utsunomiya is a vibrant city that caters to families with attractions like the Oya History Museum and Utsunomiya Central Park. It’s a great base for exploring Tochigi Prefecture while enjoying city conveniences. For a comfortable stay, check out Utsunomiya Tobu Hotel GrandeOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel with dining options and entertainment amenities. Another excellent choice is Hotel Higashinihon UtsunomiyaOpens in a new window, also 3.5 stars, featuring a buffet breakfast and a cozy atmosphere. HOTEL THE CENTRE UTSUNOMIYAOpens in a new window, another 3.5-star hotel, offers a full dining experience with free breakfast, ensuring a great start to your day.
3. TakasakiOpens in a new window: Takasaki is a cultural hub with attractions like Mount Haruna and Ikaho Onsen, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking wellness experiences. The area has several excellent hotels, including Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by HiltonOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel perfect for business and family travelers, offering various amenities. For a luxurious stay, consider HOSHINOYA KaruizawaOpens in a new window, a 5.0-star lodge with hot spring access and adventure activities nearby. Another option is Karuizawa Marriott HotelOpens in a new window, also 4.5 stars, which combines business facilities with a relaxing hot spring experience, making it suitable for both leisure and work travelers.

Things to do in Ashikaga for first time

A three-day trip to Ashikaga immerses travelers in a charming small-town atmosphere surrounded by lush hills and vibrant flower fields. Enjoy hiking through scenic landscapes, participate in local summer festivals, and explore cultural tours that highlight the region's rich heritage, making it a delightful getaway in Japan. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Ashikaga:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure in Ashikaga with a visit to the Kanayama Castle Ruins, where you can explore the remnants of this historical site and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding area. After soaking in the history, head to the Art Museum & Library in Ota, which showcases a variety of art pieces and offers a peaceful environment for reflection. Conclude your day at Daikoin Temple, a serene place for meditation and experiencing traditional Japanese architecture.
• Day 2: Kick off your day at Tanaka Shozo's Former House, where you can get a glimpse into the life of this influential figure and appreciate the traditional Japanese home design. Next, visit the Soshuji Yakuyoke Daishi Temple, famous for its spiritual significance and beautiful gardens. Wrap up with a trip to the Sano City Museum, where you can delve into local history and culture through fascinating exhibits that capture the essence of Tochigi Prefecture.
• Day 3: Start your day by hiking Tenjin Yama, a mountain offering stunning panoramic views and a chance to connect with nature. After your hike, visit Suzumenomiya Shrine, known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection. End your day at Mikazukimura Historic Village, where you can immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese village life, complete with historical buildings and engaging activities.

5 tips to find a great Ashikaga hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly months to visit Ashikaga are January, February, and December, when hotel prices drop significantly. A stay of at least 1-2 days is recommended to fully appreciate the city's main attractions, which include beautiful temples and scenic gardens. This makes it a great value for money destination for travelers looking to explore without overspending.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Ashikaga, you're in luck! Hotels.com offers a variety of options that may suit your needs. To explore these deals, head to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com, where you could find great rates on nearby hotels as your travel date approaches. To maximize your savings, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep you informed about flash sales and special promotions. This way, you’re more likely to snag an excellent hotel deal before your trip.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the location, star rating, and the time of year. Thus, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Ashikaga.
4. Consider your location: When booking on Hotels.com for your holiday, think about your location. Staying near major attractions or city centers may offer convenience, but it usually tends to come with a higher price tag. For more affordable options, consider looking for hotels in less central areas or neighborhoods, striking a balance between cost and easy access to the places you want to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your hotel in Ashikaga and join Hotels.com's free One Key rewards program, enabling members to earn and enjoy reward points for hotel reservations. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers and access perks such as room upgrades when available, exclusive discounts, and unique member offers. Join today.

Best time to go to Ashikaga

Ashikaga experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 37.0°F (2.8°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 79.3°F (26.3°C). July is usually the wettest month. April, November, and December are the peak travel months in Ashikaga, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light rainfall. On the other hand, June to August tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by moderate rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.