At a Japanese ryokan, guests can experience not only an onsen, but also Japanese accommodation culture through tatami rooms, seasonal cuisine, yukata, beautiful gardens and attentive hospitality.
However, each ryokan has its own distinctive characteristics.
Some ryokan offer a peaceful stay surrounded by nature, while others are suitable for exploring an onsen town, enjoying a private open-air bath or staying comfortably with children.
This article introduces ten recommended ryokan, taking into account their onsen, cuisine, rooms, scenery, comfort and accessibility to nearby attractions.
Comparison of the 10 Best Ryokan in Japan
| Rank | Ryokan | Area | Recommendation Rating | Main Features | Particularly Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bettei Senjuan | Tanigawa Onsen, Gunma | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | In-room onsen baths, nature and tranquillity | Couples and special-occasion trips |
| 2 | FUFU Kawaguchiko | Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mount Fuji, in-room baths and spacious rooms | Travellers seeking scenery and comfort |
| 3 | Nishimuraya Honkan | Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Historic ryokan, public bath hopping and cuisine | Visitors seeking an authentic ryokan experience |
| 4 | Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama | Arima Onsen, Hyogo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Private onsen baths, golden spring and silver spring | Travellers prioritising private onsen |
| 5 | Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu | Hakone, Kanagawa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Open-air baths in every room and scenic public baths | Families and first-time ryokan guests |
| 6 | Hakone Airu | Hakone-Yumoto, Kanagawa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Open-air baths in every room, private dining and good value | Travellers seeking an affordable in-room bath |
| 7 | Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei | Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Forest setting, spacious property and family-friendly facilities | Families seeking nature and comfort |
| 8 | Arima Onsen Takayamaso Hanano | Arima Onsen, Hyogo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Nature, access to the onsen town and tranquillity | Couples seeking a quiet adult stay |
| 9 | Hakone Kowakudani Onsen Mizu no To | Hakone, Kanagawa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | A variety of onsen and private baths | Travellers who want to enjoy the onsen several times |
| 10 | Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan | Arima Onsen, Hyogo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Valley scenery, onsen and convenient access | Travellers combining scenery with exploring the town |
The ranking is based on an overall assessment of the balance between the onsen, rooms, cuisine, scenery, comfort, convenience and accommodation prices.
Prices, availability, accommodation plans and cancellation conditions vary depending on the season. Always check the latest information on the relevant booking page or official website before making a reservation.
- 1. Bettei Senjuan｜Tanigawa Onsen, Gunma
- 2. FUFU Kawaguchiko｜Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi
- 3. Nishimuraya Honkan｜Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo
- 4. Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama｜Arima Onsen, Hyogo
- 5. Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu｜Hakone, Kanagawa
- 6. Hakone Airu｜Hakone-Yumoto, Kanagawa
- 7. Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei｜Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo
- 8. Arima Onsen Takayamaso Hanano｜Arima Onsen, Hyogo
- 9. Hakone Kowakudani Onsen Mizu no To｜Hakone, Kanagawa
- 10. Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan｜Arima Onsen, Hyogo
1. Bettei Senjuan｜Tanigawa Onsen, Gunma
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For travellers seeking tranquillity, this is the place. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Tanigawa, it is a secluded ryokan for adults where the time spent at the property becomes an experience in itself.
Bettei Senjuan is an onsen ryokan surrounded by the rich natural landscape of Mount Tanigawa.
Every guest room has its own onsen bath, allowing guests to enjoy the onsen whenever they wish without worrying about other visitors.
Views of mountains and forests stretch beyond the windows, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels very different from a journey filled with visits to one tourist attraction after another.
It is recommended for travellers who want to step away from the busyness of everyday life and rest both physically and mentally while enjoying the onsen, cuisine and scenery.
Recommended For
- Travellers who want to enjoy the onsen privately in their room
- Couples looking for accommodation for an anniversary or special journey
- Visitors who want to rest while looking at mountain and forest scenery
Less Suitable For
- Travellers who want many restaurants and shops within walking distance
- Visitors who want to explore several tourist attractions in one day
- Travellers who want to reduce accommodation costs and focus mainly on sightseeing
Points to Check Before Booking
Because the ryokan is located in a mountainous area, it is important to decide the arrival time and means of transportation in advance.
When staying after a long journey, avoid filling the day with too much sightseeing. Arriving early and allowing time to rest in the room will help guests appreciate the ryokan more fully.
2. FUFU Kawaguchiko｜Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mount Fuji views and spacious rooms are the main attractions. This onsen retreat combines a Japanese atmosphere with the comfort of a luxury hotel.
FUFU Kawaguchiko is a contemporary onsen retreat overlooking Mount Fuji and the natural surroundings of Lake Kawaguchi.
Rather than being a small traditional ryokan, it offers comfort similar to that of a luxury resort, with spacious rooms, beds, in-room baths and a restaurant.
It is suitable for travellers who want to relax in their room while enjoying the scenery and onsen of the Mount Fuji area.
It is also recommended for visitors who prefer spacious and comfortable rooms rather than a traditional ryokan stay centred around tatami and futon bedding.
Staying with Children
FUFU Kawaguchiko does not have an age restriction that applies to the entire property.
Infants and young children may also stay. However, children who are still wearing nappies cannot use the public bath.
Guests requiring children’s meals, indoor clothing or a baby cot should confirm the conditions and availability when making a reservation.
Recommended For
- Travellers who want to spend a special time in a room overlooking Mount Fuji
- Couples who prioritise spacious rooms and in-room baths
- Families seeking both a Japanese atmosphere and hotel-style comfort
Less Suitable For
- Travellers seeking a small, traditional wooden ryokan
- Visitors expecting Mount Fuji to be visible at all times
- Travellers who want to reduce accommodation costs and focus mainly on nearby sightseeing
Points to Check Before Booking
Even when a room faces Mount Fuji, whether the mountain can be seen depends on the weather.
Rather than choosing the ryokan only for the view of Mount Fuji, it is important to consider the in-room bath, cuisine, room size and facilities as well.
Many tourist attractions around Lake Kawaguchi are located far apart. It is advisable to consider transportation such as a private car, taxi or rental car in advance.
3. Nishimuraya Honkan｜Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended for travellers who want to experience authentic ryokan culture. Guests can enjoy both a stay at a historic ryokan and a walk through the onsen town in yukata.
Nishimuraya Honkan is one of the historic ryokan that represent Kinosaki Onsen.
In addition to atmospheric Japanese rooms, a garden, onsen and seasonal cuisine, one of its greatest attractions is the opportunity to walk through the onsen town in yukata and geta while visiting the public bathhouses.
The experience does not end inside the ryokan. Guests can enjoy the entire onsen town as though it were one large ryokan.
It is particularly recommended for travellers who want to experience a traditional onsen town, a historic ryokan and kaiseki cuisine together.
Recommended For
- Travellers who want to experience authentic Japanese ryokan culture
- Visitors who want to explore the public bathhouses of Kinosaki Onsen in yukata
- Travellers who value history, gardens and seasonal cuisine
Less Suitable For
- Visitors seeking completely modern room design
- Travellers who prefer a large hotel with fewer stairs and level changes
- Guests who want to remain inside their room throughout the stay
Points to Check Before Booking
When exploring the public bathhouses, it is helpful to bring comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and remove.
With plans that include dinner, arriving late may make it difficult to enjoy the meal fully.
Avoid filling the travel day with too many activities and aim to arrive at Kinosaki Onsen early.
4. Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama｜Arima Onsen, Hyogo
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If enjoying a private onsen is your highest priority, this ryokan is an excellent choice. With multiple private baths featuring Arima’s famous hot spring waters, guests can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing experience without sharing the bath with others.
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama is well known for its private onsen baths.
Guests can enjoy both Arima’s famous Golden Spring and Silver Spring, making it one of the few ryokan where two different hot spring types can be experienced during the same stay.
Instead of spending time in a crowded public bath, guests can enjoy a quiet and relaxing bath with family or as a couple.
It is especially recommended for travellers who value privacy and a calm atmosphere.
Recommended For
- Travellers who want to enjoy a private onsen without other guests
- Couples looking for a relaxing and peaceful stay
- Visitors who want to experience both the Golden Spring and Silver Spring
Less Suitable For
- Travellers looking for the lowest accommodation prices
- Visitors who prefer large public baths over private facilities
- Guests planning to spend most of the day sightseeing outside the ryokan
Points to Check Before Booking
Private baths are very popular, especially during weekends and holiday periods.
If reservations are required, it is recommended to confirm availability as early as possible.
Allowing enough time at the ryokan instead of arriving late will make the stay much more enjoyable.
5. Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu｜Hakone, Kanagawa
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
A comfortable choice for first-time ryokan guests. Every room features an open-air bath, while the large public baths offer spectacular views of Hakone’s natural scenery.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu combines traditional Japanese hospitality with modern comfort.
Every guest room includes its own open-air bath, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing soak whenever they wish.
The large public baths overlooking the surrounding mountains are also one of the property’s biggest attractions.
The ryokan is suitable for families, couples and travellers experiencing a Japanese ryokan for the first time.
Recommended For
- First-time visitors staying at a ryokan
- Families looking for comfortable facilities
- Travellers who want both an in-room bath and a large public bath
Less Suitable For
- Travellers seeking a very small and traditional ryokan
- Visitors wanting an extremely quiet atmosphere
- Guests looking for the lowest accommodation prices
Points to Check Before Booking
Hakone is a popular destination throughout the year.
Reservations can fill quickly during weekends, holidays and autumn foliage season, so booking well in advance is recommended.
6. Hakone Airu｜Hakone-Yumoto, Kanagawa
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Excellent value for travellers wanting an open-air bath in every room. Private dining and a peaceful atmosphere make this ryokan particularly popular with couples.
Hakone Airu is a modern ryokan located in Hakone-Yumoto.
Every guest room features a private open-air bath, allowing guests to enjoy the onsen at any time.
Dinner is served in a private dining space, making it ideal for visitors seeking a relaxed and quiet dining experience.
Compared with many luxury ryokan in Hakone, it offers very good value while maintaining a high level of comfort.
Recommended For
- Couples looking for a relaxing getaway
- Travellers wanting an in-room open-air bath
- Visitors seeking good value without sacrificing comfort
Less Suitable For
- Travellers wanting extensive resort facilities
- Families needing large connecting rooms
- Guests planning to spend very little time at the ryokan
Points to Check Before Booking
Some rooms have different layouts and views.
It is worth comparing room types carefully before making a reservation to choose the one that best suits your travel style.
7. Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei｜Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
A spacious resort-style ryokan surrounded by forest. It is particularly suitable for families and travellers looking for a relaxing stay close to nature.
Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei is located in a quiet forest area of Kinosaki Onsen.
Compared with Nishimuraya Honkan, the atmosphere is more modern while still preserving traditional Japanese hospitality.
The spacious grounds, comfortable guest rooms and relaxing environment make it especially suitable for longer stays.
Guests can also enjoy both the ryokan’s facilities and the famous public bathhouses of Kinosaki Onsen.
Recommended For
- Families looking for spacious accommodation
- Travellers wanting to relax in a natural setting
- Visitors planning a longer stay in Kinosaki Onsen
Less Suitable For
- Travellers wanting to stay in the centre of the onsen town
- Visitors looking for a historic ryokan experience
- Guests who prioritise walking distance to every attraction
Points to Check Before Booking
The ryokan is slightly away from the centre of the onsen town.
Although shuttle services are available at certain times, checking transportation options before arrival will help ensure a smoother stay.
8. Arima Onsen Takayamaso Hanano｜Arima Onsen, Hyogo
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
A quiet ryokan where nature and the onsen town exist in harmony. It is ideal for travellers who want to relax while remaining within walking distance of Arima Onsen’s main attractions.
Takayamaso Hanano is a peaceful ryokan located on a small hill overlooking Arima Onsen.
Although it is close to the lively onsen town, the surrounding environment is calm, allowing guests to enjoy a slower pace during their stay.
The ryokan is especially popular with couples and adult travellers seeking a relaxing atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy both the peaceful surroundings and convenient access to Arima Onsen’s shops and historic streets.
Recommended For
- Couples seeking a quiet and relaxing stay
- Travellers who want both nature and convenient access to the onsen town
- Visitors looking for a peaceful adult atmosphere
Less Suitable For
- Families travelling with many young children
- Travellers looking for large resort-style facilities
- Visitors wanting the lowest accommodation prices
Points to Check Before Booking
As the ryokan is located on slightly elevated ground, some areas involve slopes.
Travellers with large suitcases or mobility concerns should check transportation options before arrival.
9. Hakone Kowakudani Onsen Mizu no To｜Hakone, Kanagawa
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Recommended for travellers who want to enjoy the onsen as much as possible. Multiple baths, including private baths, allow guests to experience different styles throughout their stay.
Mizu no To offers a wide variety of bathing experiences.
Guests can enjoy large public baths, open-air baths and private baths, making it an excellent choice for those who want to soak several times during their visit.
The relaxed atmosphere and reasonable accommodation prices also make it popular with couples and families.
It is a ryokan where the onsen experience itself becomes the highlight of the stay.
Recommended For
- Travellers who enjoy visiting different baths
- Couples and families looking for a relaxed stay
- Visitors seeking good value while enjoying multiple onsen facilities
Less Suitable For
- Travellers looking for ultra-luxury accommodation
- Guests who prefer spending most of their time sightseeing
- Visitors wanting a very small boutique-style ryokan
Points to Check Before Booking
Some private baths operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is recommended to check the usage system after arrival so that you can make the most of all the bathing facilities.
10. Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan｜Arima Onsen, Hyogo
Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
A ryokan where beautiful valley scenery and Arima’s famous hot springs can be enjoyed together. It is recommended for travellers who want both nature and easy access to the onsen town.
Gekkoen Korokan overlooks the beautiful valley of Arima Onsen.
The scenery changes throughout the year, offering fresh landscapes in every season.
Guests can enjoy spacious baths, seasonal cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere while still being close to the centre of the onsen town.
It is suitable for visitors who want to balance sightseeing with time spent relaxing at the ryokan.
Recommended For
- Travellers who enjoy seasonal scenery
- Couples and families looking for a comfortable stay
- Visitors who want both sightseeing and relaxation
Less Suitable For
- Travellers looking for a small traditional ryokan
- Guests who prioritise private baths in every room
- Visitors seeking the lowest accommodation prices
Points to Check Before Booking
Some guest rooms have different views depending on their location within the property.
Checking the room description carefully before booking will help you choose the accommodation that best matches your preferences.
How to Choose the Right Ryokan
Every traveller has a different image of the ideal ryokan stay.
Choosing accommodation based on your travel style will usually lead to greater satisfaction than selecting only by popularity.
| Travel Style | Recommended Ryokan |
|---|---|
| A special occasion or anniversary | Bettei Senjuan |
| Mount Fuji views | FUFU Kawaguchiko |
| Traditional ryokan experience | Nishimuraya Honkan |
| Private onsen | Taketoritei Maruyama |
| Families | Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu |
| Good value | Hakone Airu |
| Nature and relaxation | Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei |
| Quiet atmosphere | Takayamaso Hanano |
| Onsen lovers | Mizu no To |
| Scenery and sightseeing | Gekkoen Korokan |
Booking Tips
Popular ryokan are often fully booked several months in advance, especially during cherry blossom season, autumn foliage season and year-end holidays.
When planning your trip, it is recommended to:
- Compare accommodation plans carefully.
- Check cancellation policies before booking.
- Confirm meal plans, room types and bath facilities.
- Reserve as early as possible if your travel dates are fixed.
For travellers arriving after a long flight, choosing a ryokan with flexible check-in, spacious rooms or a private onsen can make the first evening in Japan far more relaxing.
Conclusion
A stay at a Japanese ryokan is far more than simply booking accommodation.
It is an opportunity to experience Japanese hospitality, seasonal cuisine, natural scenery and onsen culture in a way that cannot be found in an ordinary hotel.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a relaxing journey surrounded by nature, choosing the right ryokan will become one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
Take time to compare each property carefully and select the ryokan that best matches your travel style.
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