Silver Daisy Stay Nikko - Guest FAQ
Welcome to Silver Daisy Stay Nikko! We're thrilled to have you. Here are some quick answers to the most common questions we get to help you settle in and enjoy your trip.
Parking & Transportation
Q: Is there free parking available?
Yes! We have free guest parking spots located just 60 meters west down the road from our building. Please avoid parking in the lot directly next to the building, as that belongs to our neighbor.
Q: What's the taxi situation?
There are two taxi companies, Nikko Kotsu Taxi and Daiwa-Kotsu Taxi (Uber or Go apps don't work in Nikko). Taxis are out in front of Tobu Nikko Station and JR Nikko station when trains are set to arrive.
To get to the train station after your visit, or to sight see, here are your options:
- Nikko Kotsu Taxi (regular dispatch): 0288-54-1188. You can book the day of between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM. Nikko Kotsu Taxi (sightseeing): 0288-54-1197. For special sightseeing bookings between 8:30 AM and 4:45 PM.
- Daiwa-Kotsu Taxi | 大和交通: 0120-30-1717. They will take reservations more than a day in advance, but you need to call in Japanese. If you need us to book it for you, please contact us.
Q: What's the best way to get to Silver Daisy using the bus?
Almost any bus heading West from Tobu-Nikko or JR Nikko stations will get you here. You can take lines Y, YK, C, SP, M, or N. Just get off at stop #9 (Nishisandō Iriguchi) right in front of the Lawson convenience store.
Q: Is it safe to drive to Nikko in the winter without snow tires?
It is much safer to have studless snow tires during the winter. While you might occasionally manage if you stay in the lower town areas, driving up towards Lake Chuzenji or during active snowfall without them is very dangerous.
Q: Are there bicycles available for guests?
Yes, we have pedal-assist bicycles for guest use on a first-come, first-served basis. You need to fill out the bike rental agreement portion of the online check-in form to use the bicycles.
Q: Can I park my car at the property before the 3:00 PM check-in time?
Yes! You can park in our designated guest spots at any time on the day of your arrival so you can explore the area on foot.
Luggage & Storage
Q: Can we drop off our luggage before check-in or leave it after check-out?
Absolutely! We have three free storage lockers outside the units that you are welcome to use at any time before your check-in or after you check out. You can grab an available locker key from the reception wall.
Q: How exactly do the storage lockers work? I'm having trouble locking it.
The lockers can be a bit tricky at first! To open, you have to turn the key to the left while pushing it in at the same time. If you just turn it without pushing, it will spin endlessly. Once you hear it click, let go of the key and slide the door open. To lock it, push in and turn to the right.
Q: Are the lockers big enough to fit large suitcases?
Yes, our storage lockers are quite spacious and are designed to easily fit large, standard-sized travel luggage.
Q: Can I have a parcel or luggage forwarded to the property via delivery service?
Yes, but since we don't have a staffed front desk, the delivery driver will have to place it in one of the unlocked storage lockers.
Sauna & Amenities
Q: How do I book and use the sauna?
It's super easy! There's a paper sign-up sheet in the reception room. Just write down your desired 1-hour time slot next to your unit name. Since we only have three units, finding an open slot is usually no problem. You can book another session once you finish your first one.
Q: Do I need to bring my own towels for the sauna?
No need! We provide dedicated sauna wear (shirts and shorts) which you can find in the reception area, along with fresh towels.
Q: How do I turn on the sauna?
The switch is located on the inside, to the left of the heater. It's a dial that glows orange. Turn it all the way. It'll take about 20 to 40 minutes to get fully hot.
Q: How do we empty the outdoor sauna tub?
There are pliers on the wall above the tub that you can use to turn the plug and release the water. Please put the plug back in after you're done emptying it.
Q: Is the sauna shared with other guests or private?
The sauna facility is shared among the property's three units, but it is booked privately. When you reserve your 1-hour time slot on the sign-up sheet, you have private access to the space.
Q: Is it safe to drink the tap water?
Yes! Nikko is actually known for its high-quality water. The water straight from the tap in your room is totally safe and tastes great.
Q: Do you have basic cooking utensils or a microwave?
Yes, your unit comes with a full kitchen, including an induction cooktop, a microwave, and all the basic cooking utensils you'll need. (Please note we do not provide rice cookers).
Q: Are there washing machines or dryers available?
Yes, we have a laundry room on-site. Instructions for operating the washer and dryer can be found in the guidebook located right next to the machines.
Q: Is there an iron and ironing board in the room?
Yes, we currently have an iron and ironing board in the reception room.
Q: Do you provide toothbrushes or basic toiletries?
Yes, we provide basic amenities. You can find toothbrushes with toothpaste in the reception room.
Local Area & Wildlife
Q: Is it safe to hike around the area? Should we be worried about bears?
It's generally very safe, but since Nikko is surrounded by nature, it's always good to be mindful. Making noise while hiking (talking or playing music) is usually enough. For extra peace of mind, we actually provide bear bells in the reception area that you can borrow.
Q: Are there any convenience stores or supermarkets within walking distance?
Yes, there is a 24-hour Lawson convenience store just a 5-minute walk from the property. The closest full supermarket is Lion D'Or, which is about a 30-minute walk away.
Q: Can you recommend any local restaurants?
Absolutely! For lunch, we highly recommend Shakankan (a multi-course homemade meal) and Pizza Linne. For dinner, Girouette (French/Japanese fusion) and Shiori are excellent choices, though we heavily recommend making reservations in advance.
Q: How far are the main shrines and temples from the property?
We are located very close to the main attractions! The UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Nikkō Tōshogū and Rin'nōji Temple, are just a 5-to-10-minute walk away.
Q: Can we reach Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls easily from here?
Yes, the bus stop to Lake Chuzenji (Nishisandō Iriguchi) is just a 5-minute walk away, located in front of the LAWSON convenience store. The bus ride up the scenic mountain road takes about 35 minutes.
Check-in & Rules
Q: How do we sort our garbage?
Please wash any dishes you used and separate your trash. We have bins provided inside your room: one open bin for plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass, and a separate bin for everything else.
Q: How do we check out?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM. There's no formal process—just turn off all the heating, cooling, and lights, and make sure the door is locked behind you when you leave. Safe travels!
Q: Can we request a late check-out or early check-in?
Because our cleaning staff operates on a tight schedule between guests, we generally cannot accommodate early check-ins or late check-outs. If you happen to arrive early and the unit is clean, your key code will work starting from 1 pm. If you do need a late checkout, you can message us and ask, and we can see if we can rearrange the cleaning schedule. However, you are always welcome to use our free storage lockers to hold your bags for the day!
Q: How does the smart lock on the door work?
After completing your online check-in, you'll receive a 6-digit key code. Just enter the numbers on the door's keypad, hit the check mark, and wait a few seconds for the door to unlock. To lock the door from the inside, simply press the round knob in the middle.
Q: Why do I need to submit my passport information online?
The Japanese government legally requires all lodging facilities to collect passport copies and home addresses from all international visitors who do not reside in Japan. Completing the online form allows us to send your smart lock access code.
Q: Is it possible to add an extra guest after making the booking?
Yes, we can usually accommodate extra guests depending on the unit size. If you booked through Booking.com, you'd have to either modify the reservation yourself or cancel and re-book. If you booked through Airbnb, we can offer an updated reservation, which you can accept. If you book directly, yes, we can update the reservation. Additional fees generally apply.
Q: Can we do a BBQ on the terrace?
Sorry, we currently don't allow this.
Heating, Cooling & Technical
Q: The downstairs area feels a bit cold. What can we do?
The loft spaces heat up quickly, but the ground floor can take time. We provide an electric floor heater (and sometimes a powerful gas heater) specifically for the lower level. You can also use the circulator fan to push warm air down from the loft.
Q: How long does it take the main aircon/heater to warm the room?
In the dead of winter, it can take about an hour for the main wall-mounted air conditioning unit to fully warm up the large space. We recommend keeping the circulator fan running to help distribute the heat.
Beds & Layout
Q: What is the bed setup in the units?
The setups vary by unit. Generally, there is a heavy Queen-sized bed in the loft or main area, and traditional Japanese futons that can be laid out on the tatami mat floors downstairs. If you need extra futons set up, please let us know!
Q: Are the sleeping areas completely private rooms?
To embrace an open, airy feeling, the units are built as open-concept spaces. The loft and tatami areas are connected to the main living space without separating doors or walls, so audio privacy is limited.
Q: I have a small toddler. Are the stairs to the loft safe?
The stairs to the loft are relatively steep and open. If you have young children, we highly recommend setting up the traditional Japanese futons on the ground-floor tatami mats so they don't have to climb the stairs.
Help & Communication
Q: What happens if we forget or lose an item after checking out?
If our cleaners find a forgotten item, we will message you right away. If you are still in Nikko, we can try to meet you to hand it off. If you have already left, we can ship it to your next hotel or home address (shipping fees apply).
Q: Is there someone at the front desk to help us?
We operate as a self-check-in facility, so there is no staffed reception desk. However, you can message or call us at any time.
Q: Do you have WhatsApp for communication?
We do not use WhatsApp for guest communication. The best and fastest way to reach us is by replying directly through your booking platform's messaging app or at our email: [email protected].
Q: Can you help us book restaurants or private hot springs?
While we aren't a full concierge service, we are happy to make local phone calls on your behalf to book restaurants or private onsens if they don't have English websites. Just try to message us your requests in advance if possible (the day before is ideal)!
Parking & Transportation
Q: Are the roads to the property plowed when it snows?
Yes, the main roads in town and leading up to our property are regularly plowed. However, the exact parking spots can get icy, so please drive carefully.
Q: Is the property wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, no. The property features a gravel driveway, a step-up entrance into the units, and lofted sleeping areas that make it difficult for wheelchair access.
Q: Can we rent a car nearby?
There are rental car agencies (like Toyota Rent-a-Car and Nippon Rent-a-Car) right near the Tobu Nikko train station.
Q: Does the local bus announce stops in English?
Yes, the Tobu buses that run the routes to Lake Chuzenji and our property announce the stops on a digital display in both Japanese and English.
Q: How long is the walk from the train station to the property?
It is about a 30-minute walk from the Tobu Nikko station. It's a nice walk up the main street, but if you have heavy luggage, we highly recommend taking the 5-minute bus or taxi ride instead.
Luggage & Storage
Q: Do we need a coin to use the storage lockers?
No coins are required! The lockers operate purely with a physical key that you borrow from the reception wall and return when finished.
Q: Can we store snowboards or skis in the lockers?
The lockers are built for standard luggage and are not tall enough for skis or snowboards.
Sauna & Amenities
Q: What temperature does the sauna reach?
When fully heated, our traditional sauna can reach temperatures between 80°C and 90°C (176°F - 194°F).
Q: Is there a cold plunge pool?
Yes! We have an outdoor tub right next to the sauna that you can fill with cold water for a refreshing plunge after your heat session.
Q: Do you provide shampoo and body wash?
Yes, all units are stocked with high-quality POLA shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Q: Are there hairdryers in the bathrooms?
Yes, every unit has a hairdryer located in the bathroom vanity area.
Q: Can we bring food or drinks into the sauna?
We ask that you do not bring food or colored/sugary drinks into the sauna itself. Plain water is perfectly fine!
Local Area & Wildlife
Q: When is the best time to see the autumn leaves?
It varies by elevation. Around Lake Chuzenji, peak colors are usually mid-to-late October. Down by our property and the town area, it peaks around early-to-mid November.
Q: Are there monkeys around the property?
Macaques (wild monkeys) do live in the Nikko mountains. If you see them, please do not feed them, stare them in the eyes, or approach them, as they can be aggressive over food. But while there is a possibility of seeing monkeys near our property, it's very unlikely.
Q: Is the Kanmangafuchi Abyss walk open at night?
It is physically open, but it is not lit and runs alongside the river. We strongly recommend visiting during daylight hours for safety and to actually see the beautiful scenery.
Check-in & Rules
Q: Do you offer daily housekeeping during our stay?
To give you complete privacy, we do not provide daily housekeeping or towel replacement. If you are staying for an extended period and need fresh linens, please message us.
Q: Can we smoke on the terrace?
Yes, you can smoke on your private terrace. Smoking in the units and outdoor shared spaces is strictly non-smoking.
Q: Is there a curfew or quiet hours?
Because the units are built close together and are located in a residential area, we ask that you respect a quiet time from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Please keep voices down and avoid loud music on the terraces at night.
Heating, Cooling & Technical
Q: Do you have a TV?
We intentionally do not provide TVs in the units so guests can disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings and the sauna. We do offer free, fast Wi-Fi if you wish to stream on your personal devices.
Q: Is the Wi-Fi fast enough for remote work or video calls?
Yes, we have high-speed optical internet that is fully capable of handling video conferencing and remote work.
Beds & Layout
Q: Do you provide cribs or baby beds?
We do not have specialized baby cribs or playpens. However, our thick traditional futons are an excellent and safe sleeping option for infants and toddlers since they sit directly on the tatami floor.