10 Most Luxurious Onsen Ryokan in Japan

A cornerstone of hospitality, ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) are a much-beloved part of Japanese culture. While these days they come in styles ranging from refined traditional to resort-like establishments, the goal remains the same: unmatched hospitality. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating onsen (hot spring) baths, enjoy traditional cuisine, try on yukata robes, and more. Whether you're visiting for the first time or simply longing for a weekend escape, this list will help make your ryokan dreams a reality.

At Sui Suwako, you'll be treated to scenes of sunlight dancing across the waters of Lake Suwa and magnificent mountainscapes, all enhanced by the soft luxury of this peaceful inn. Each of the 8 rooms is furnished in a timeless Japanese style, with tatami-mat flooring and ensuite cypress wood baths for a rejuvenating aromatic experience.

When not soaking in the private or communal baths, head to the on-site sake bar to sample regional brews, relax in the lounge, or visit the restaurant, where the exceptional regional fare is as delectable as it is beautiful.

Ready to bask in the unparalleled beauty of Japan’s forests? Fufu Hakone, an absolutely gorgeous inn secreted away in mountainous Gora, awaits. Admire the scenery from your choice of room, from sumptuous suites to spacious standards, with an adjoining bath.

To offer every opportunity for relaxation, the premises also boast a full-service spa, a large communal bath with panoramic windows, and more. The dining is exquisite, with the on-site restaurant serving Japanese cuisine. Afterward, end the day in style with a signature cocktail for a nightcap.

Located in a district teeming with sights, rest assured, your time in this ancient capital will be well spent at Fufu Kyoto. This inn brings together the best of both worlds: time-honored ryokan hospitality in the form of an upscale urban loft. The rooms are—in a word—expansive, with ultra-cozy beds, inviting living areas, and everything needed to make you feel at home.

On-site, guests can enjoy rejuvenating cypress wood hot spring baths, picturesque Japanese gardens, and more. With phenomenal Kyoto-style cuisine to round off the experience, a stay here will surely be unforgettable.

The quintessence of Japanese elegance, Atami Onsen Furuya Ryokan embodies everything you imagine in a traditional Japanese inn. From the generous tatami-matted guest rooms with refined, classic furnishings to the tranquil gardens, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a luxurious bygone era. Many rooms come with an ensuite bath, but guests are welcome to relax in the large communal bath filled with specialty restorative waters.

A tribute to the artistry and beauty of traditional Japanese cuisine, the dining is truly extraordinary, featuring seasonal kaiseki (multi-course) fare that transforms your stay into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Striking the ideal balance between contemporary opulence and traditional Japanese charm, Bettei Koshi no Sato in Tsukioka Onsen elevates the modern ryokan experience to new levels. Take your pick of spacious suite-style rooms in Japanese-Western or Japanese designs, with ultra-comfy furnishings and ensuite baths.

Thanks to an idyllic, secluded location, you're sure to feel relaxed, but there's plenty to see and do on-site: a spa, heated pool, salon, and more.

With its sleek furnishings and serene ambiance, a step into Tokachigawa Moor Onsen Seijyakubow feels like a portal to an otherworldly paradise. Embracing the spirit of tranquility, the rooms offer an intimate atmosphere enhanced by spacious cottage-style layouts, adjoining baths, and every comfort necessary to unwind.

The on-site spa takes things to the next level, with specialty herbal treatments and massages designed to leave you in a state of bliss. Finally, no trip here is complete without sampling the superb dining, with the kaiseki fare inspired by the region's distinctive flavors for an unparalleled experience.

Surrounded by picturesque forests, Arima Onsen Kinzan is the elegant ryokan of your dreams. The rooms are offered in several styles, from classic Japanese designs for a touch of authenticity to modern Japanese-Western blends.

Thanks to its proximity to the famed Arima Onsen, the hot spring baths here are divine with indoor and open-air options and rejuvenating waters to help melt your worries away. With phenomenal Japanese cuisine, a spa, a cozy piano bar, and more to round out the experience, this sophisticated inn spares no detail in ensuring guests have the trip of a lifetime.

A newly opened inn in picturesque Hokkaido, Shikotsuko Tsuruga Besso Ao no Za is a fresh take on the ryokan tradition, capturing the essence of the region in its chic decor. Each of the spacious, contemporary rooms incorporates subtle nods to Japanese design, hot spring baths, and cozy living spaces to make you feel at home.

There is also an impressive assortment of amenities, including a spa offering tea ceremony-inspired treatments, traditional indigo dyeing demonstrations, and more. And to end the day right, delectable Hokkaido-style kaiseki dining awaits, followed by a nightcap at the stylish bar.

Tennen Denen Onsen Fukahoritei offers a relaxed, warm atmosphere without sacrificing any luxuries needed for a comfortable stay. Located in a quieter district of Kurume, this inn features a sprawling property with delightful natural scenery, gorgeous indoor and open-air hot spring baths, a cute cafe, and more. The rooms are decorated in a bright, airy Japanese-Western style, with impressively large layouts, marvelously cozy fittings, and options for terraces and ensuite baths.

As a final highlight, the nutritious yet out-of-this-world delicious rotating kaiseki menus, featuring fresh, local ingredients, will leave you feeling like a brand new you.

At Hakone Suishoen, guests are enveloped in the tranquil beauty of Hakone’s lush landscapes, where serene gardens and mountain views create a perfect backdrop for relaxation. From the stylish suite twin to the luxury suite maisonette king double, there are several room types to choose from, each including a private open-air hot spring bath.

Beyond the baths, visitors can indulge in exquisite kaiseki cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients, served in an intimate dining setting that highlights the artistry of Japanese culinary tradition. On-site, there's also a bar that serves seasonal drinks as well as a spa offering a wide range of treatments.