The 7 Most Luxurious Onsen Ryokan in Japan

Japan is a country steeped in tradition, culture, and natural beauty, contrasted with fast-paced, high-tech urban jungles. With so much to see and do, your body will be craving a rest and a recharge after long days of exploring on foot. Luckily, no matter where you are, the serene surroundings of onsen towns are usually only a couple of hours away by train. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese life, and revive your tired muscles, is by visiting an onsen ryokan.

These traditional Japanese inns are the perfect combination of indulgence and cultural immersion, with their natural hot spring baths, kaiseki cuisine, and authentic decor. Beautiful views, exquisite food, and a soul-invigorating soak — there's no better way to "do as the Japanese do". And do it really well.

There are a variety of onsen ryokans scattered throughout Japan, ranging from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. If you want to treat yourself to the ultimate in comfort, service, and amenities, let's take a tour of Japan's seven most luxurious onsen ryokans. Brush up on your onsen etiquette with our handy beginner's guide to onsen culture, and let’s begin!

Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei is in the charming town of Kinosaki in Hyogo Prefecture, renowned for its hot springs and historic streets. If you're seeking an authentic experience, you'll find it within the traditional walls of this ryokan. The same family has owned its elegant architecture and lush gardens for over 150 years!

Once you step inside, you'll discover the perfect blend of time-honored Japanese hospitality, natural hot spring baths, and exquisite cuisine, all dating back to the ryokan's establishment in 1869. It features spacious tatami rooms, each with its own open-air hot spring bath, so you're on your way to creating a private moment of serenity from the first soak.

For those keen to check off "communal bathing" from their bucket list, you can visit the on-site onsen with stunning views of the surrounding forest around you. In addition to its hot springs, Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei offers a plethora of cultural activities: take part in a tea ceremony, unleash your inner artist with ikebana, the traditional art of flower arrangement, and enjoy a traditional music performance.

End the day with kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal featuring masterfully presented dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients. This ryokan makes the dining experience extra special – your meal is served in a beautiful private room.

Located in the serene forested hills of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, Hoshinoya Karuizawa blends traditional Japanese design and hospitality with modern luxury amenities. The resort-hotel-style property is situated along the scenic Yukawa River, flowing from a wild bird forest. With stunning views of the surrounding scenery, this rare location creates a tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Each of their 50 well-appointed guest rooms features natural wood and stone materials, and some boast floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for breathtaking views of the nature that envelopes the property.
The onsen, fed by natural hot springs, offers a relaxing space to soak and unwind as you listen to the sounds of the forest.

Balancing unique cultural experiences, including traditional tea ceremonies, nature walks, and gourmet dining, with the ultimate indulgence at their onsite spa and beauty salon, Hoshinoya Karuizawa is a destination in its own right.

You’ll find one of Japan’s most famous hot springs at Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama. Located in the historic Arima Onsen town of Hyogo Prefecture, Arima’s hot springs are listed as one of Japan’s three major ancient hot springs.

The hot springs here contain Kinsen (rich in iron and salt, with a dark golden color) and Ginsen (rich in radon, believed to have therapeutic properties for skin conditions and respiratory ailments). Both are unique types of hot spring water that are known for their health benefits – a must-try for weary travelers!

Sink into the property’s indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and a sauna and steam room, all of which are fed by natural hot springs. Once you’ve emerged from your cocoon of bliss, decompress in the property’s traditional Japanese-style guest rooms, each decorated with tatami flooring, shoji screens, and futon beds. Your body and soul will thank you for it.

Globally recognized and no stranger to the international press, Zaborin is an award-winning contemporary ryokan on the wild and snow-dusted island of Hokkaido Prefecture.

Zaborin has 15 villas complete with their own private indoor and covered open-air outdoor hot spring baths, where guests have the luxury to unwind within the serenity of nature.

After the restorative benefits of onsen bathing, experience their unique multi-course kita kaiseki, an extraordinary evening meal of fine Japanese haute-cuisine. This award-winning course is Zaborin’s northern interpretation of the ancient traditional Kyoto kaiseki dining, celebrating local produce and seasons.

In between soaking and savoring, tour the beautiful spaces in this expansive property, home to a formal tearoom, a living room, a library, a boutique, a bar, a cigar lounge, a massage room, and even a foot bath.

Located in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, Fufu Atami offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains, a sanctuary by the sea.

There’s a variety of room types, from spacious suites to luxurious villas with their own private gardens. Each room includes your very own open-air hot spring bath containing Fufu’s private source of natural spring water pumped in from 1200 meters beneath the ground.

Enjoy traditional Japanese-style accommodations and relaxing onsen with the heart of Japanese service, omotenashi, in all activities and experiences, including a spa, traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy lessons, and sake tastings.

When it comes to fine dining, you’ll be spoilt for culinary choice. Fufu hosts multiple onsite restaurants, including authentic kaiseki, teppanyaki grill, and sushi. Surrender your senses to the scent of the seaside, steeped with 1000 years of history.

The major draw of staying at Fugaku Gunjo in Shizuoka Prefecture is the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and the Pacific Ocean you get to take in as you soak in your private outdoor bath. With only eight guest rooms, this exclusive property dedicates time for a quality experience to each and every guest.

In an interesting twist, your evening meal will be an exciting Japanese-French fusion, prepared with local seafood ingredients from nearby Suruga Bay, and fresh vegetables harvested from their own garden. Dine in your room or on the outside terrace surrounded by the sight of nature.

Escape to a different world at Monjusou Shorotei, an inn with Sukiya-style architecture standing on the tip of Cape Monjudo.

This upscale Japanese ryokan is situated in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, a historical area known for its temples. Grounded by the warmth of wood tones, each room is designed in the traditional Japanese style, where guests can enjoy the surrounding terrace and Japanese garden that you can view from every angle.

One of the highlights of Monjusou Shorotei is its kaiseki-style cuisine. Each course is made with local ingredients inspired by the scents of the four seasons unique to the area.