15 Best Luxury Ryokan and Hotels with Onsen in Japan

Photo courtesy of Kumano-bettei NAKANOSHIMA

If you are looking to treat yourself and want to try staying at a luxury ryokan, we have compiled a list of lodges all over Japan.

Depending on the room that you choose to reserve, all the ryokan on this list will cost you around, and in some cases over 200,000 JPY.

To see precisely what each ryokan has to offer, we will be going through videos and providing extra information.

Let’s get started!

Table of contents

1. Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za
2. Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate
3. KINUGAWA KANAYA HOTEL
4. Atami SEKAIE
5. FUFU Atami
6. GORA KADAN
7. Hakone SUISHOEN
8. Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
9. Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori
10. Kumano-bettei NAKANOSHIMA
11. Arima Grand Hotel
12. Hoshino-oto
13. okcs Retreat Setouchi Aonagi
14. Gekkoju
15. Hyakuna Garan
16. Conclusion

Google Map

Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za (しこつ湖鶴雅別荘　碧の座)

Location: Hokkaido

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00~
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za is a lodge that takes design inspiration from the Ainu (a Japanese indigenous population) culture while integrating a modern touch, giving the interior and exterior an almost fantasy-like feel. This ryokan overlooks Lake Shikotsu, known for its extremely blue and clear water.

1:14~
You can get to Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za from Shin Chitose Airport by bus or by car, both methods taking about 40 to 50 minutes. The ryokan is also not too far from Sapporo city, which will be around an hour by car.

3:18~
Even the more affordable rooms at Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za are very spacious. All of them have a private onsen attached where you can bathe in private; these private baths are large and can fit around four people. The amenities provided as soon as you enter the room include champagne, chocolates, and fruit.

6:32~
This ryokan has a comfortable lounge and bar area with various shops to check out. You might enjoy grabbing a drink and relaxing here before or after dinner.

8:11~
You can enjoy the seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido during your course meal at this ryokan. As Hokkaido is known for seafood, you can expect to be getting some of the freshest fish in all of Japan when you stay at Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate (望楼NOGUCHI函館)

Location: Hokkaido

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

1:28~
Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate offers three types of suites for guests, all with top-class amenities. Many also have a spacious private onsen attached.

1:44~
The public bathing area is open from 2:00 pm to 11:00 am the following day, only closing for a few hours of cleaning. The large panoramic open-air bath is a must-try, as it gives you a view of the outdoors. Be aware that the outdoor bath and the sauna cannot be used between 12:00 and 5:00 am.

2:28~
The bath is not the only place where you can experience the view of Hokkaido, Japan. From the top-floor lounge, you can relax and enjoy the free amenities that the hotel provides. You can choose from beer, highballs, non-alcoholic soft drinks, and even ice cream.

4:28~
The cuisine at Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate is made up of mostly seafood. Depending on the season, you can experience a whole different course. Make sure to also take advantage of the variety of alcoholic beverages that you can get as well.

5:00~
The bar at Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate is open only for four hours at night but provides a relaxing space for you to wind down after the day with a few drinks. There is also an area to play pool, so we recommend this area to anyone who is looking to kill some time before bed.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

KINUGAWA KANAYA HOTEL (鬼怒川金谷ホテル)

Location: Tochigi

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:17~
KINUGAWA KANAYA HOTEL is located in Tochigi Prefecture, a few hour train ride away from Tokyo. Stepping into the hotel, you will find that the interior decor is very fancy and has a hint of western design. The concept of this hotel is meant to be a combination of both Japanese-style and Western-style traditions.

0:56~
You can choose from seven different types of guest suites at the KINUGAWA KANAYA HOTEL. Although not featured in the video, the most expensive room you can stay in is called the John Kanaya Suite, named after the founder of the hotel. It is on the top floor and you can enjoy a view of the forest below.

4:11~
The public bath area is very spacious and modern-looking. Depending on the time of day, the men’s and women’s baths change so you can have a different experience if you visit during the day or the night. You can even check how busy the baths are through a tablet in your hotel room so you know what times to avoid.

6:07~
At KINUGAWA KANAYA HOTEL, the visual presentation of food is very important. You will get high-quality ingredients arranged beautifully–also make sure to sample the deserts from the dessert cart that comes around.

8:39~
After dinner, we recommend that you check out an area called the Cigar Salon. This room was created because the founder of the hotel enjoyed cigars. There are premium imported cigars that you can try out (if you smoke) and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Atami SEKAIE (ATAMI せかいえ)

Location: Kanagawa

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00~
Atami is a famous onsen area in Kanagawa Prefecture, an easy train ride from Tokyo. Upon entering Atami SEKAIE, you will be greeted with a welcome drink and a great view of the ocean.

0:20~
The guest suites are undoubtedly one of the most luxurious parts of Atami SEKAIE. All the rooms overlook the ocean and have private onsen attached, so you can bathe in privacy and do not have to worry if you have tattoos. There are a multitude of room service options and the room itself has many amenities like a Bluetooth speaker, a coffee maker, cutlery, and all kinds of drinks.

12:06~
There is lots to be explored on the grounds of Atami SEKAIE as you can find a souvenir shop, a terrace on the top floor with a view of the ocean, and even a karaoke room on the first floor of one of the buildings.

15:09~
Unlike some other ryokan that only provide you with a course of traditional Japanese food, you will have multiple options at Atami SEKAIE. If you want to enjoy fine meats, you can choose to eat at a restaurant that has more western-style foods. They will prepare your meal right in front of you and there are also lots of options for drinks.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

FUFU Atami (ふふ 熱海)

Location: Kanagawa

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:48~
FUFU Atami is also in the Atami Onsen area, with easy access from Tokyo. The guest suites are all western-style and modern, with more than enough space for two. Cleaning of the rooms is made easy, with item pickup and dropoff using a compartment and light switches on the wall. This way you will not have to call anyone for new towels or other amenities; just stick the used items into the compartment and flick the switch.

5:41~
On the fourth floor, you can find an outdoor terrace, a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of Atami’s nature. Visiting during warm summer nights is our recommendation, as the area is lit up with candles at night.

6:15~
Because Atami is a famous onsen in Japan, it is definitely worth it to check out the public bathing area even if you are a bit concerned about the idea of bathing with others. There are multiple baths and also a dry sauna that uses hot spring water that has a rich history. Make sure you take advantage of the free fruits and drinks before or after you enter the bath.

7:38~
There are two options for food at FUFU Atami. One is a Japanese restaurant that uses local vegetables, seafood, and meats, while the other is called “teppanyaki,” food cooked on a hot plate right in front of you. There are also both Japanese and western-style options for breakfast.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

GORA KADAN (強羅花壇)

Location: Kanagawa

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:09~
GORA KADAN is a lodge that has the feel of a more traditional ryokan than the others on this list. You will find that the exterior is a bit more modest, with a Japanese-style interior. Take note of the long hallways which make use of wooden architecture.

1:40~
The rooms at GORA KADAN are all different, and some even come with a sauna and jacuzzi. The suite featured in this video costs around 200,000 JPY per night and has a large balcony and a private onsen, not to mention lots of amenities. You will notice that the beds are close to the ground and the floors are tatami mats, in true Japanese style.

4:19~
The food is, of course, all Japanese-style. In traditional ryokan fashion, you will not have to lift a finger; the staff will bring all the food to your room. Later shown in the video, you can also buy wine priced at over 500,000 JPY.

7:30~
GORA KADAN has a pool aside from the regular public and private onsen. The pool is for rent, so you can have it all to yourself. This would be a good choice if you are traveling with multiple friends or family members so that you all can get the most out of the pool area.

8:00~
Called a “kazoku-buro,” or family bath, this area is a private onsen that can also be rented out. If you are looking to bathe in privacy or are looking for a tattoo-friendly bathing area, we recommend asking the staff about this.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Hakone SUISHOEN (箱根・翠松園)

Location: Kanagawa

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:03~
Hakone is another famous onsen town located not too far from Atami in Kanagawa Prefecture. Although fairly close to the city, the Hakone area is mountainous and filled with nature, allowing those in the city to escape the hectic stresses of daily life.

0:23~
The concept of Hakone SUISHOEN is taking a bit of the Taisho era of Japan into the modern day. The Taisho Era was one where westernization was starting to spread to Japan, and you can see this in the design of the guest suites and other facilities of the ryokan. The luxury suites are the most pricy, with both an indoor and an outdoor bath, a mist sauna, a minibar, and a spacious terrace.

1:43~
Food at Hakone SUISHOEN is served at a restaurant called Momiji, where you can eat traditional cuisine while getting a view of the Japanese garden outside. Because Japan has such prominent seasons, you will be able to see almost a completely different scenery depending on what time of the year you visit.

2:03~
The spa is another one of Hakone SUISHOEN’s selling points. All types of top-class oils and methods are used so that you can get an experience that is catered especially to you. The spa offers different treatments, some costing up to 55,000 JPY.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan (扉温泉　明神館)

Location: Nagano

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00~
Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is the only ryokan on this list located In Nagano Prefecture, which is about a three-hour drive northwest of Tokyo. Nagano Prefecture is known for its mountains, and as such the area around Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is covered in trees. Although the exterior is modest and almost blends in with the surrounding forest, the inside is a more luxurious experience.

0:59~
There are multiple outdoor terraces and a lounge, making it easy to always have a new area to sit down and relax in. You might want to grab a cup of coffee, tea, or alcohol if you are looking to take a break from traveling or exploring the area.

2:52~
The guest rooms at Tobira Onsen Myojinkan are all unique, with some designed to be more spa-like while others put more of an emphasis on the surrounding nature. Some are more Japanese-style and others are more western-style. You are certain to find a guest suite that fits your needs perfectly.

4:00~
Additional to the standard outdoor bath, the public bathing area at Tobira Onsen Myojinkan features what is called a “tachiyu,” or standing water. This bath requires you to stand up, as the water is quite deep. It is said to make your blood flow better, and you can spend time looking out at the forest. You can also do the opposite in the “neyu,” which is a bath that is shallow and allows you to lie down.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori (加賀屋別邸　松乃碧)

Location: Ishikawa

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:05~
The concept of Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori is an art museum; upon entering the ryokan, you will find all sorts of art pieces (mostly pottery). This ryokan is located in Ishikawa Prefecture, in the central north area of Japan by the ocean.

0:52~
All the guest rooms have a view of Nanao Bay. They are a hybrid of Japanese-style and western-style designs, and the highest quality rooms can get up to 140 square meters in size. The most expensive rooms will also come with a private onsen.

1:31~
If you do not have a private onsen attached to your room or are simply curious about onsen culture, we recommend checking out the public bath. There are both indoor and outdoor baths in the men’s and women’s areas, both very spacious and with a nice view of the water. Outside the bath, there is an area where you can relax and enjoy drinks and ice cream; after you have spent time in the hot water, cold food and drink can be very refreshing.

1:45~
Like many other ryokan, Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori provides seasonal dishes for food, most involving seafood and vegetables. For those who are into trying unusual cuisine, you might be interested in eating “Isaza,” which is a type of small fish that you eat alive with soy sauce.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Kumano-bettei NAKANOSHIMA (加賀屋別邸　松乃碧)

Location: Wakayama

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:19~
Kumano-bettei NAKANOSHIMA is located off the coast of Wakayama Prefecture, which borders Osaka. From Kii-Katsuura Station, you can ride a boat that will only take about 5 minutes to the lodge. It is in a very remote place but the hotel has a very luxurious feel to it.

2:23~
As the hotel is on a small island, you can expect the surrounding area to be very pretty. The water is clear and there is plenty of green, making this a great location to visit in the summer.

5:11~
Kumano-bettei NAKANOSHIMA is on the smaller side, with a total of 28 guest rooms. Featured first in the video is one of the most high-quality suites which has a beautiful view, plenty of storage space, and an outdoor bath. Keep in mind that the private bath does not use hot spring water, but it is spacious and gives you a good view of the scenery.

9:12~
The outdoor bath in the public bathing area is said to be one of the best in the country. It is so close to the ocean you would think it’s connected, and the water is known to have many health benefits such as helping with nerve and muscle pain. There is also a private rentable onsen available for 3,300 JPY per group for 50 minutes.

10:22~
The food at Kumano-bettei NAKANOSHIMA is prepared using fresh seafood, vegetables, and meat. The first drink pictured in the video is a red plum wine; as you continue to watch, the video will go through each dish of the course and how to eat it.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Arima Grand Hotel (有馬グランドホテル)

Location: Hyogo

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:32~
Arima is another very famous onsen town, located in Hyogo Prefecture not too far from Osaka. Arima Grand Hotel is located further into the mountains, so you will need to get to Arima Onsen Station and then take a quick shuttle bus up to the lodge. Both the interior and exterior are that of a luxury hotel with a very large lobby.

2:05~
The guest room featured in this video is one of the most expensive; it is located on the seventh floor and is a grand total of 184 square meters. It can fit up to six people, so it is a good choice for those who are traveling in a larger group. It comes with a private onsen and you can look out onto a large fountain area, which in summer becomes a pool.

5:43~
Going back down to the first floor, you can find a souvenir shop that sells all sorts of foods, drinks, and even clothing. You might consider shopping and bringing things back to your family and friends. Back on the seventh floor, there is a lounge where you can take a break with some free food and drinks.

9:13~
The onsen in Arima is known for two types of hot springs, named “golden water” and “silver water.” As the names suggest, the waters are their respective colors, and both provide different health benefits. These hot springs are famous in Japan, so we suggest you check them out if you can.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Hoshino-oto (天橋立離宮　星音)

Location: Kyoto

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:11~
Hoshino-oto is a ryokan located in the northern part of Kyoto. Walking into the lobby, you will be greeted with welcome drinks and snacks, all free for you to take. This video was taken close to New Year’s, so you can see that the snow is piled up on the building, making for a very scenic visit.

1:17~
The room featured is one of the “standard” guest suites, but the quality would certainly convince you otherwise. There are heated floors (perfect for winter), and plenty of amenities free to use. All the rooms at Hoshino-oto have an outdoor onsen pool, along with two other private onsen (one inside and one outside). One of these has a rich golden color and it is said to have a good moisturizing effect on the skin.

3:57~
One of the courses that you can reserve at Hoshino-oto comes with Queen crab (also called snow crab) for dinner. This is the most famous type of luxury crab in Japan, and you can enjoy a course with dishes that all incorporate the crab. This is highly recommended for those who want to try some of Japan’s best seafood.

5:20~
After dinner, heading back into the lobby you will find an assortment of drinks and snacks. These are all free to take and you can bring them back to your guest suite so you can enjoy a relaxing evening with your loved ones in the comfort of your room.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

okcs Retreat Setouchi Aonagi (瀬戸内リトリート　青凪)

Location: Ehime

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:26~
okcs Retreat Setouchi Aonagi is a modern hotel in Ehime Prefecture. When you enter, you will see many art pieces and wide-open areas; these are specifically made for people to take pictures, so you can find chairs where you can sit that make for good pictures. The interior design is all very modern and simple, and compared to ryokan which focus on the use of wood, lots of concrete is used. This is reflected in the dining space and the guest suites as well.

3:11~
This hotel is known for its pool, which is long and overlooks the scenery at the end. It is a popular spot for wedding pictures and we recommend trying to go on a day with good weather so you can get the most out of it. There is also an indoor pool and a jacuzzi if you want to take a swim indoors.

4:29~
Unlike many other ryokan, this hotel uses sunlight and has large glass windows, in the guest rooms. They are the closest to a western-style apartment that you will get out of this list, and the room featured in the video has two floors. Everything is modern and automated; you can use buttons to open the windows and curtains, giving the suite more of a high-class feel.

7:29~
Dinner is made using fresh Setouchi-local ingredients. Because this hotel is situated not too far from the ocean, you can expect many delicious seafood dishes.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Gekkoju (黒川温泉御処　月洸樹)

Location: Kumamoto

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00~
Gekkoju is in Kumamoto Prefecture, part of the southernmost area of mainland Japan. Kurokawa onsen is a famous hot spring of Japan that has a long history and old traditions. You can see that there is an abundance of nature surrounding the lodge. This area is especially pretty in the autumn with the changing and falling leaves.

:57~
This particular video gives a tour of one of the guest suites called “Kazemachi.” You can see that compared to many others on this list, Gekkoju has a very Japanese-style interior. The bathroom also incorporates lots of wood and sliding doors. The bedroom and TV area, however, are adorned with western-style decorations.

4:54~
You will not find a public bathing area at Gekkoju, and instead, your guest suite will come with both an indoor and outdoor private onsen. In the winter especially it is a great experience to soak in the hot water under the stars.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Hyakuna Garan (百名伽藍)

Location: Okinawa

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:10~
The southernmost lodge on our list, Hyakuna Garan is a luxury ryokan in Okinawa. Naturally, it is situated right next to the ocean and has a different, more tropical feel than other ryokan. This is the perfect place to book if you are looking for a high-quality beach getaway.

1:50~
The Executive Suite is the most expensive room that you can book at Hyakuna Garan. You can enjoy a plate of tropical fruits and a drink while looking out onto the ocean. The terrace is very large at 98 square meters. Like many others, this room incorporates both Japanese (tatami, floor cushions) and western (raised beds, large sofas) decor. The private onsen is also located outside

2:48~
The food at Hyakuna Garan is made up of a good balance of meats, vegetables, and seafood. There are many small dishes that you will find have a distinct Japanese seasoning and taste to them. The food is seasonal, so you will get different dishes depending on the time of year you visit. You can also opt to upgrade your food to even higher-quality ingredients for 12,000 JPY.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Conclusion

What did you think? If you are looking for a top-class ryokan to spend your vacation, we believe that any of the lodges on this list would be a good pick.

Depending on where you are staying in Japan, which locations are easier to get to will differ. This list starts from the easternmost side of Japan to the west, so make sure that you choose a hotel that suits your own transportation needs.

All of the ryokan that were talked about in today’s article are some of the best Japan has to offer, with some of the highest quality service and amenities.

Enjoy your stay at a luxury ryokan!

Have you booked your SIM card or pocket WiFi for your trip to Japan yet?

In Japan, you’ll want to be connected without missing out on high speed data and internet!

By reserving online before departing, you can

• Lower your rental fees
• Avoid stock shortages at the airport

To learn more about data and WiFi options for your trip, check out our products below.

CUSTOMER’S VOICE

↑ Go back to the table of contents