Luxurious Onsen Ryokan in Japan

Japan is a country steeped in tradition, culture, and natural beauty — contrasted by 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 hot spring 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 a hot spring ryokan.

These traditional Japanese inns are the perfect combination of indulgence and cultural immersion, with their natural hot spring baths, kaiseki banquet 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 they do it really well.

There is a variety of hot spring ryokans scattered throughout Japan, ranging from the budget-friendly to the ultra-luxurious. If you want to treat yourself to the ultimate in comfort, service, and amenities, read on to take a tour of Japan's seven most luxurious hot spring ryokans. Brush up on your hot spring 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, which is 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-matted guestrooms, 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 "communal bathing" off their bucket list, you can visit the on-site hot spring that offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. 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 flower arrangement, or play audience to a traditional music performance.

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

You’ll find one of Japan’s most famous hot springs at Taketoritei Maruyama. The accommodation is located in the historic Arima Onsen of Hyogo, which is listed as one of Japan’s three most ancient and famous hot spring locales.

The hot springs here are comprised of kinsen (rich in iron and salt, with a golden-brown color) and ginsen (rich in radon and carbonic acid, believed to have therapeutic properties for skin conditions and respiratory ailments). Both are unique and well 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 spring water sources. Once you’ve emerged from your cocoon of bliss, decompress in the traditional Japanese-style guestrooms decorated with tatami-mat flooring, shoji paper sliding screens, and futon beds. Your body and soul will thank you for it.

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

Zaborin has 15 villas complete with their own private indoor and covered open-air baths, where guests have the luxury of unwinding amid the serenity of nature.

After the restorative benefits of hot spring bathing, experience their unique multi-course kita-kaiseki, an extraordinary evening meal of fine Japanese haute cuisine. This critically acclaimed course is Zaborin’s northern interpretation of ancient Kyoto 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, Fufu Atami offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains — a sanctuary by the sea.

There’s a variety of guestroom types, from spacious suites to luxurious villas with their own private gardens. Each room includes an exclusive open-air hot spring bath containing Fufu’s directly sourced natural spring water pumped in from nearly 4,000 feet underground.

The spirit of omotenashi — Japanese heartfelt hospitality — pervades this accommodation in all of its activities and services, including the spa, tea ceremony, calligraphy lessons, and sake tastings.

When it comes to fine dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Fufu hosts multiple on-site restaurants, including authentic kaiseki, teppanyaki grill, and sushi. Surrender your senses to the aromas of the seaside, steeped in 1,000 years of history.

The major draw of staying at Fugaku Gunjo in Shizuoka is the spectacular view of Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean awarded to you while you soak in your private outdoor bath. With only eight guestrooms, this exclusive property is dedicated to providing a quality experience for 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 the property’s own garden. Dine in your room or on the outdoor terrace, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

Escape to a different world at Monjusou Shourotei, an inn designed with Sukiya-style architecture standing just past Monju-do Temple.

This upscale traditional Japanese ryokan is situated in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, an historical area known for its ancient temples. Grounded by the warmth of wood tones, each guestroom is designed in time-honored Japanese style, where guests can enjoy the surrounding terrace and Japanese garden from just about every angle.

One of the highlights of Monjusou Shourotei is its kaiseki cuisine. Each course is made with local ingredients inspired by the aromas of the four seasons unique to the area.