Japan is an enchanting destination with an interesting contrast of traditional and modern discoveries for travellers, from historic sites like shrines and temples, to popular anime, dining and shopping culture. Besides the seemingly endless list of things you can do in the Land of the Rising Sun, there is a diverse range of accommodation options you can check out too. Other than the usual hotels and guesthouses, have you stayed in a luxurious en-suite onsen ryokan for a distinctly Japanese experience yet?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn, an entirely different experience from Western-style hotels. Historically, ryokans are mostly located in countryside hot spring towns, attached to open-air baths known as onsen to the locals. Each ryokan is uniquely different from the other, from small and traditional with a few rooms to large and modern with a hundred rooms. Nonetheless, a ryokan stay is a fantastic experience on its own, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese lifestyle and exclusive hospitality from the owner. You can either stay in a ryokan with public onsen or a private en-suite onsen right in the comfort of your room.
To pamper yourself with a lavish and unforgettable holiday in Japan, check into one of these luxury en-suite onsen ryokans that are just within 3 hours from the capital city of Tokyo!
Hakone
Map Location
1. Gora Kadan (from USD 716)
Consistently ranked as the best choice by travellers in Hakone, Gora Kadan is a traditional yet modern and tastefully furnished Japanese ryokan. Enjoy the serenity of the beautiful Japanese garden all to yourselves as you soak your troubles away in the refreshing hot spring bath. The clear hot spring water here is mildly alkaline, great for cold relief and beautiful skin. Furthermore, indulge in traditional kaiseki cuisine that warms your heart and soul. You can also relax with a variety of soothing massages and treatments at the idyllic Kadan Spa, accompanied by gentle therapeutic music and surrounded in nature.
Gora Kadan
Address: Gora 1300
Accommodates: 6
Parking Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre
2. Hakone-Suishoen (from USD 521)
Hakone-Suishoen is a ryokan located right at the foothills of the majestic Mount Fuji. Pamper your soul with authentic kaiseki cuisine and unwind in the rejuvenating hot springs. Indulge in an impeccable traditional Japanese gourmet meal using the freshest seasonal ingredients in the exclusive private dining room. Engage all your five senses to see, hear and smell the finest meats and seafood carefully prepared and grilled right in front of your eyes at the lively Teppanyaki counter. In addition, the hot spring waters in this area are known for their healing powers over ailments such as muscular pain or sprains, joint pain and stiffness, and general fatigue. So immerse yourself in a supreme Japanese hot spring experience and gourmet treat at Hakone-Suishoen!
箱根・翠松園
Address: 神奈川県足柄下群箱根町小涌谷519-9
3. Kinnotake Tonosawa (Adult Only) (from USD 573)
Treat yourself to an authentic Japanese living experience. A night’s stay at Kinnotake Tonosawa entitles you to sleep in their tastefully designed rooms, each with its own open-air bath for a private and relaxing time—a great way to relax and unwind. Besides this, the luxury rooms also come with an iPad and coffee machine, as well as free WiFi, a terrace, and a bar. The rooms are spacious with wooden flooring and all offering nature views. The dining experience is also top-notch at the on-site restaurant offering authentic Japanese cuisines. It is very strategically located; despite being a 10-minute bus ride away from Hakone Yumoto station, the hotel is still in a very calming and serene area, which contributes to the overall relaxing hotel experience.
Kinnotake Tonosawa (Adult Only)
Address: Tonosawa 191
Heating Gift shop Air conditioning Adult only Public Bath Parking On-site parking Daily housekeeping
4. Hakone Airu (from USD 307)
Pamper yourself in a nice private bath with relaxing views of the mountains and nature. This is the kind of luxury that Hakone Airu offers: one that takes away your stresses and worries by pampering yourself with their high-quality amenities, service, dining, and overall experience. Hakone Airu is a luxury ryokan, with each room fitted with a balcony, views, private bathrooms and private outdoor bath. They also offer Western or Asian breakfast and for dinner, a multi-course Japanese kaiseki meal—which differs with every room type selected. Location-wise, it is in the Hakone Yumoto onsen district, known for its picturesque natural views and relaxing natural hot springs.
Balinese onsen ryokan Hakone Airu
Address: Yumoto 499-1
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Bar Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms Free parking
Izu Peninsula
Map Location
5. Atami Fufu (from USD 605)
Tucked away in a quiet residential area nestled in the woods, Atami Fufu is a hidden gem you should not miss. Within 1 hour by train from Tokyo, you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city for a wonderful traditional Japanese hot spring and culinary experience. This exemplary luxury ryokan will suit even the most discerning guests with its great detail in everything they do. All rooms are fitted with an open-air bath in a relaxing environment for you to enjoy the skin-friendly soak. In addition, savour the best authentic Japanese cuisine in the peaceful atmosphere of Atami Fufu’s Yumeoto restaurant. Indeed, a stay at Atami Fufu is the perfect retreat for a quick getaway from the capital city!
ふふ 熱海
Address: 静岡県熱海市水口町11-48
6. Atami Kaihourou (from USD 383)
Boasting just four deluxe ocean-view rooms, Atami Kaihoro is a classy ryokan stay for the most memorable holiday. Wake up to an exquisite breakfast of your choice (either Japanese or Western) in a cosy environment. No worries about missing the delicious breakfast, as you can have it as brunch if you like after 11 am! Go ahead to catch up on your beauty sleep as much as you want. Soak in the fresh hot spring water for wonderful benefits of beautiful skin while you marvel at the stunning ocean view overlooking Sagami Bay. Designed like a transparent island on the sea, the Water Balcony is the icon of Atami Kaihoro, offering guests superb views of Atami. Clearly, Atami Kaihoro is a premium ryokan that you should experience at least once in your lifetime!
ATAMI 海峯楼
Address: 静岡県熱海市春日町8-33
7. Atami Sekaie (from USD 541)
At Atami Sekaie, let your hair down as you enjoy an indulgent holiday surrounded by the mountains and awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of your room. Feel welcomed by the attentive yet not overwhelming hospitality at the property. Tuck into delectable Japanese cuisine prepared using the freshest seafood local produce customized to suit your dietary preferences. Furthermore, the Izusan Onsen at Atami Sekaie is one of the country’s Big Three ancient springs, with water flowing from the south of Izu Mountain to the property. This water stream is well-known for treating ailments and contributing to longevity. So enjoy the fantastic benefits of your open-air bath with breathtaking views!
ATAMI せかいえ
Address: 静岡県熱海市伊豆山269-1
8. Arcana Izu
Rated as The Ryokan’s top choice for guests in Izu, Arcana Izu features only 16 non-smoking suites surrounded by nature and equipped with en-suite onsen. Delight in an interactive dining experience at Lumiere, the exclusive restaurant for Arcana Izu guests, as the chef explains the types of seasonal Izu ingredients being used for your meal of the day. Let time freeze as you immerse yourself and relax in the rejuvenating open-air bath surrounded by tranquil lush greenery.
The-Ryokan.com will be closed from 24 April 2018 onwards. Please check out this Ryokan below.
Arcana Izu
Address: 1662 Yugashima, Izu-city, Izu, Izu, Japan, 410-3206
9. Yagyu-no-Sho (from USD 873)
Yagyu-no-Sho is a traditional Japanese tea-ceremony house, or sukiya-style as the locals call it. Feel like you have travelled back in time to the Meiji Era as you step into this quiet property filled with Japanese-style paintings nestled in the forest. The water for the baths come from a natural hot spring on the ground of Shuzenji Temple, known as spa water for beautiful skin. Besides the private onsen you can enjoy in your room, you can also hop over to the 2 large public onsens for a different experience. Needless to say, you can expect to taste authentic seasonal delicacies at the restaurant that are also visually appealing.
柳生の庄
Address: 静岡県伊豆市修善寺1116-6
Gunma Prefecture
Map Location
10. Tsutsuji-tei
Tsutsuji-tei is a charming little ryokan with only 10 rooms on a 16,500-square-metre wooden field. The interiors may look old to some, but they are well-maintained for you to relax and unwind throughout your stay. Dining at Tsutsuji-tei is an experience by itself, as they offer the finest Japanese cuisine customized for each guest. Utmost care is taken at each step throughout your dining to ensure that each dish can be enjoyed at the best timing to please the most sophisticated palate. Besides being able to enjoy your time in the soothing onsen, there is also a homely fireplace where you can relax at night, with a cup of tea or book from the inn.
Tsutsuji-tei
Address: 639-1, Kusatsu, Kusatsumachi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture
Price: from 472 USD for two guests per night
Access: 1 hour 10 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station, followed by a bus ride to Kusatsu Bus Terminal (1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours).
11. Kaichoro (from USD 689)
With only 8 en-suite onsen ryokans on its premises, Kaichoro is a wonderful place where you can rest in a serene setting in the town of Ikaho. Enjoy your meal in a private room at Saryo restaurant and be delighted with unique and unconventional culinary delights by the young and promising chef. Have a lovely time in the terrace bath made from Japanese umbrella pine wood. Above all these great facilities, the warm hospitality of the staff is definitely worth mentioning too, as they go out of the way to ensure you a truly relaxing holiday to remember!
旅邸 諧暢楼
Address: 群馬県渋川市伊香保町伊香保香湯5-4
12. Bettei Yaeno (from USD 473)
Bettei Yaeno is located in the beautiful hot spring town of Minakami. There are only 4 Japanese villa-style rooms at the inn, so you can be assured of a secluded and soothing getaway. In addition, you can enjoy a rejuvenating hot spring bath anytime and as often as you like in your villa. The Japanese kaiseki cuisine being served at Yaeno may look simple and nothing to shout about, but it is a satisfying treat with fresh local produce. Regardless of the season you visit, the surrounding greenery acts as a fabulous backdrop while you enjoy the retreat. As the saying goes, the best things in life are usually just for a select few, so act fast for a marvellously private stay at Bettei Yaeno!
別亭 やえ野
Address: 群馬県利根郡みなかみ町綱子356
An exhilarating vacation you will not regret
While the costs of checking into such traditional Japanese inns may seem too high for many, it is a worthwhile investment for a truly luxurious experience hard to find elsewhere in the world. Not only can you enjoy complete privacy in these en-suite onsen ryokans, you can dive in for a bath in your own tub on the balcony anytime you fancy. Relish in the luxuriating moments of being enveloped by the scenic mountain or ocean as you soak your worries away. It’s certainly one of the most refined experiences you should try at least once!
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