Top 15 Ryokans to Stay in Japan

Written By Grace Chen

Table of Contents

Honshu (Main Island)

Kyushu (South)

Hokkaido (North)

What is a Ryokan?

A stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan is an immersion into the heart of Japanese hospitality and culture. From the moment you step across the threshold and remove your shoes, you'll be embraced by a sense of tranquility and timeless elegance. The tatami mat floors, sliding shoji screens, and meticulously manicured gardens set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Whether you seek luxurious hot spring baths (onsen), exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals, or simply the chance to disconnect in a stunning natural setting, Japan's finest ryokan offer something for every discerning traveler.

1. Tenku no Mori  (天空の森) | Kirishima, Kagoshima

In the serene setting of Kirishima, the visionary Tateo Tajima dedicated over two decades to meticulously sculpting the landscape and unearthing the thermal springs, crafting an extraordinary retreat known as Tenku No Mori  (天空の森). Tajima's philosophy centers on the idea that immersion in nature is a pathway to uncovering one's true essence. This exquisite sanctuary is a proud member of the Relais & Chateaux collection and its name, meaning “Sky Forest,” perfectly encapsulates the transcendental experience it offers.

Nestled amid dense woodland and commanding views of Kagoshima’s volcanic terrain, the estate spans 123 acres and features a select number of private villas—three for overnight accommodations and two designed for day use—each boasting its own secluded outdoor thermal bath. Here, guests find themselves effortlessly drifting into tranquility, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature. For those in search of solitude and a chance to reconnect with the earth, Tenku no Mori presents an unmatched destination.

 

2. Takefue (竹ふえ) | Aso, Kumamoto

Takefue (竹ふえ), set amidst a dense bamboo forest in the Kyushu region's Mt. Aso area, stands out as one of the most picturesque and exclusive ryokans we have had the pleasure of visiting. The property exudes a charming, traditional ambiance, enhanced by its proximity to natural hot springs directly fed by Mt. Aso's volcanic activity.

Occupying 32 acres, the ryokan features a mere 11 accommodations, ensuring privacy and tranquility. These lodgings are dotted across the expansive property, linked by quaint stone walkways and enveloped by the lush bamboo grove. Every structure on the premises showcases a unique design, reminiscent of classic farmhouses with their vibrant red walls and contrasting black beams. Moreover, each room is furnished with its own private onsen, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding natural beauty.

3. Bettei Senjuan (別邸 仙寿庵) | Tanigawa, Gunma

In the mountainous onsen haven of Gunma prefecture, Bettei Senjuan (別邸 仙寿庵) is a hot spring retreat that has been on our radar for years. As part of the Relais & Chateaux collection, it is truly the perfect place to relax the body and refresh the spirit. There are just 18 rooms at Bettei Senjuan, which means the service is extremely personal. The staff is excellent, taking care to notice the little things that made our stay unforgettable. Every room has its own private onsen, looking out on Mount Tanigawa with its snow-capped peaks. The water used in Bettei Senjuan's elegant bathhouses is 100% spring-sourced and continually flowing. Floor to ceiling windows frame the views of unspoilt nature and allow natural light to fill the zen-inspired interior, where modern design meets the art of Kumiko wood joinery and original calligraphy.

4. Zaborin (坐忘林) | Niseko, Hokkaido

Nestled in its own private forest in Niseko's Hanazono region, Zaborin (坐忘林) is deliberately remote and secluded to provide a refuge of serenity and tranquility. In fact, the name Zaborin is a combination of zabo (坐 忘 – to sit and forget) and rin (林 – in the woods or forests) which combined together translates “to sit and forget amongst the woods”. This is an accurate description of our experience here as time seemed to slow down and allowed us to appreciate the surrounding nature and simply unwind and be at peace with ourselves.

Zaborin combines the best elements of Japanese tradition, modern architecture, simplistic zen-like style, and rustic charm. Each of its 15 villas have two private indoor and outdoor onsen baths filled with the purest, mineral-rich volcanic water, overlooking the tranquil winter and snow scenery.

5. Asaba (あさば) | Izu, Shizuoka

Asaba is located in the Shuzenji area of the Izu Peninsula. The inn has been around since 1489, passed down from generation to generation. It’s like stepping into another world upon entering with its koi-filled pond and temple gardens. There's a zen-like atmosphere that's immediately felt at Asaba. Each of the 17 rooms are classic ryokan style of the highest quality: minimal tatami mat floor spaces with sliding paper screens, futons unrolled nightly by staff, elegant flower arrangements, calligraphic scrolls and deep wooden bathtubs. All have large windows framing perfect views across the lake. The food served at Asaba is top level. It’s traditional Japanese cuisine by Chef Shigekazu Noto at its finest using a selection of fresh and local seasonal ingredients.

6. Beniya Mukayu (べにや無何有) | Kaga, Ishikawa

Beniya Mukayu (べにや無何有) is located in the spa town of Yamashiro near Kanazawa. In operation for 92 years since 1928, Mukayu is run by the third generation of the Nakamichi family, under the friendly, watchful eye of the okami, or proprietress, Sachiko Nakamichi. A famous Zen Buddhist temple once thrived where Mukayu now stands, and the ryokan takes that as inspiration to encourage peace and serenity among its guests. There are 17 total rooms, each with its own private open-air hot spring bath. In keeping with its motto, "Open air, open space," Mukayu makes the most of its natural blessings, using careful landscaping and floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the natural world and indoor spaces together.

7. Hoshinoya Karuizawa (星のや 軽井沢) | Karuizawa, Nagano)

Blessed with serene natural surroundings, Karuizawa is the stuff that fairy tales are made of. We're excited to end our stay in this picturesque town with a couple nights at Hoshinoya Karuizawa, the flagship property of the legendary Hoshino Resorts Group. The property is reminiscent of a resort village on the banks of small lake, populated with ducks and wildlife.

Situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level, nestled within dense mountain forests, Hoshinoya Karuizawa features 77 villas dotted along a stretch of the Yukawa River, or the “river of springs". The resort is a perfect example of a modern ryokan, where classic Japanese architecture fuses with contemporary design. Zen-like and quintessentially Japanese, the setting and the villas don't get prettier than this.

8. Miyamasou (美山荘) | Sakyo, Kyoto

Miyamasou (美山荘), a very special ryokan built by the Emperor during the Heian Era. It's located in the middle of a forest 1.5-hour drive north of central Kyoto and absolutely one of our favorite places in the world with top-notch Japanese hospitality and food. What makes this place so surreal? There are only 4 traditional rooms that run along the Kamikatsura river with views surrounded by nature. It was so quiet and serene that it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

10. Chikusenso Mt. Zao Onsen Resort & Spa (竹泉荘) | Miyagi, Yamagata

Ending our time in Yamagata Prefecture with a relaxing stay on the eastern side of Mount Zao. Covering about 66,000 sq meters, Chikusenso Mt Zao Resort & Spa (竹泉荘) is nestled in an area known for its exceptional beauty surrounded by lavish forests, pure running streams and rivers. It is a haven of peace and tranquility. 

Chikusenso presents tasteful decor that blends luxury and art. It is modern and spacious, yet pays homage to traditional Japanese design. The focal point of the interior is the enormous temple bell hanging over the lobby fireplace. Weighing 500kg, it is an identical replica of the bell of Matsushima’s renowned Zuiganji Temple. The guest rooms are astoundingly spacious and elegant, including private hot springs baths and decks.

11. ABBA Resorts Izu Zagyosoh (坐漁荘) | Izu, Shizuoka

ABBA Resorts (坐漁荘), situated on the Izu Peninsula, is a cherished ryokan that has welcomed numerous guests for more than fifty years. Each room is equipped with its own private onsen, nestled in a serene spot of the Ukiyama hot spring region. Upon our arrival, the tranquility of the setting immediately enveloped us, further enhanced by savoring a cup of matcha and slipping into a yukata.

The restaurant inside ABBA Resorts, led by Executive Chef Shinji Ido, was awarded “Asia’s Best Culinary Hotel” in 2017 and many of the dishes are seasonal specialties of the Izu region. Chef Ido-San has devoted himself to kaiseki for over 25 years, honing his skills at a 5-Star hotel in Tokyo before returning here to his hometown.

12. Wanosato (倭乃里) | Takayama, Gifu

Wanosato (倭乃里) is a beautiful Japanese ryokan located in the Gifu prefecture just twenty minutes from the historic town of Takayama, surrounded by forested hills and traditional Japanese villages. Dating back 160 years, Wanosato is a truly unique place with only eight rooms. The Miyagawa River running through the property's premise, old thatched-roof house relocated to this site, the old mill wheel, and irori fireplace all contribute to creating an nostalgic atmosphere. 

The ancient Minka (house of the people) has a Gassho-zukuri roof, a unique thatched and steeply pitched roof that is only found in this small region of Japan. Inside we found ourselves in a traditional and spacious room, as well as an irori fireplace at the center, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere through the evening.

13. Daikon no Hana (温泉山荘 だいこんの花) | Miyagi, Yamagata

Nestled among the magnificent nature of Mt Zao in Miyagi prefecture, Daikon no Hana (温泉山荘 だいこんの花) provides an ideal ryokan environment for those looking to spend time away from daily life. The property is composed of 18 Japanese-style cottages spread across a natural forest compound measuring over 8 acres. Each cottage is designed in an open ceiling style with wide windows which can be fully opened to enhance a sense of openness and oneness with the tranquil surroundings. One of Daikon no Hana’s greatest draws is that there is a large public bath and 4 private open-air baths situated alongside a mountain stream, and they have their own plentiful free-flowing hot spring source. Lastly, the food here is top-notch; seasonal vegetables are grown on-site and execution of the dishes is superb using unique cooking methods.

14. Onyado Kawasemi (翡翠の里 御宿 かわせみ) | Iizaka, Fukushima

Situated a short drive from Fukushima city, Onyado Kawasemi (翡翠の里 御宿 かわせみ) is a 12-room ryokan located on 2.5 acres of land just outside of Iizaka Onsen Town. This Japanese-style inn is wrapped around a Japanese garden, complete with a pond and a glass museum on extensive grounds marked by an outsized willow tree. We enjoyed everything about this place, from the food and hospitality to the decor and atmosphere. For our kaiseki dinner served in the room, the ingredients used were top notch as Onyado Kawasemi orders the best ingredients from not only local spots but also national and international places.

15. Tobira Onsen Myojinkan (扉温泉 明神館) | Matsumoto, Nagano

Rest and relaxation at Tobira Onsen Myojinkan (扉温泉 明神館), a ryokan located in the outskirts of Matsumoto. The property is quietly nestled in an environment blessed with abundant greenery and the sound of a river stream. Established in 1931 as a small mountain inn, Myojinkan has now emerged as one of Nagano Prefecture's premier resorts. Everything about the stay was perfect from the serene atmosphere in the forest, relaxing onsen baths in the heart of nature, and the well-appointed rooms and suites.

Here the air is fresh, the scenery natural and untouched, and the cuisine is truly memorable. Myojinkan maintains its own organic farm near the ryokan grounds, where vegetables and rice are grown and harvested for the organic kitchen. Chef Edaki’s philosophy is “local production for local consumption”, blending modern art with traditional Matsumoto gastronomy. The dishes are not only delicious, but offer the right combination for good health.

Grace Chen