🌿 Looking for a top ryokan in Japan with a one-of-a-kind outdoor bath?
Here are 3 unique onsen stays where you can soak in nature, enjoy private family baths, and experience real Japanese charm. Perfect for family trips or anyone who loves hidden hot springs off the tourist trail.
📌 Here’s what you’ll discover in this guide:
- 🌄 Breathtaking outdoor baths with views of mountains, forests, and snow
- 🏡 Authentic ryokan Japan experiences, from historic buildings to local cuisine
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly features like private baths and cultural activities
- 📷 Perfect spots for nature lovers and Instagrammers alike
Whether you’re after the charm of a star ryokan Japan, the relaxing vibe of a countryside nagano ryokan, or the traditional hospitality of a northern ryokan Japan, this guide introduces three of the best onsen in Japan.
🏔️ Takamine Onsen – Top Ryokan in Japan
✨ Highlights:
- Mountain-top open-air bath with panoramic alpine views
- Guided stargazing tour (great for kids!)
- Trekking at Ikedaira Marshland
- Rare flower sightings and possible deer encounters Nestled at an altitude of 2,000 meters, Takamine Onsen is a hidden gem in Nagano Prefecture. This traditional nagano ryokan is known for its romantic lantern-lit interior and spectacular mountain-top open-air bath. On clear days, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Asama and Yatsugatake. At night, the sky turns into a sea of stars—perfect for stargazing right from the bath.
🌌 A special highlight is the guided stargazing tour where you can view Saturn’s rings through a telescope—an unforgettable moment especially for children.
🥾 For nature lovers, the nearby Ikedaira Marshland offers a perfect trekking course. You might even spot wild deer or rare alpine flowers known as the “Queen of the Mountains.”
👉 This is a must-visit if you’re chasing the “star ryokan Japan” experience.
🏞️ Yarimikan – Private Family Onsen in Gifu
✨ Highlights:
- Open-air baths with Mt. Yari views
- Multiple private baths, easy to book
- Kid-friendly bath with slide and swing
- Mochi-making event & child-friendly meals Located at the base of the Northern Alps in Gifu, Yarimikan lives up to its name with unobstructed views of Mt. Yari. This historic ryokan in Shin-Hotaka Onsen boasts riverside open-air baths and multiple private baths—perfect for couples or families.
👨👩👧👦 With only 10 guest rooms, it offers an intimate atmosphere. Families will love the kid-friendly private bath with a slide and swing that brings big smiles to little faces. Unlike large hotels where private baths are often hard to reserve, Yarimikan’s multiple private baths are usually available.
🍡 Don’t miss the mochi-making event where kids can try pounding rice the traditional way and enjoy freshly made mochi. Dinner menus can also be tailored for children under 10.
👉 Perfect for travelers looking for a tranquil yet family-friendly escape.
🍁 Tsurunoyu Onsen – Star Ryokan in Akita
✨ Highlights:
- Historic thatched-roof architecture
- White mineral-rich hot springs
- Stunning fall foliage & snowy landscapes
- Easier booking at Yama no Yado annex + famous yam hotpot Step back in time at Tsurunoyu, one of the oldest ryokan in Nyuto Onsen village, Akita. With its thatched-roof architecture and milky-white hot springs, this ryokan transports you to the Edo period.
🍂 In autumn, the surrounding forest blazes with colorful foliage; in winter, it’s a serene snowy wonderland. These seasonal landscapes make the bath feel like a living painting.
🏯 While the main Honjin building is highly popular and often fully booked, the “Yama no Yado” annex offers similar charm with easier availability. You can still enjoy the signature yam hotpot cooked over a sunken hearth—the yam dumplings are uniquely chewy and delicious.
👉 An ideal pick for those searching for the best onsen in Japan with a historical twist.
🧳 Whether you’re planning your first visit to Japan or are a seasoned explorer, these ryokan Japan options are perfect for those looking to relax, rejuvenate, and capture Insta-worthy moments.
✨ Tip: Book early—especially during peak seasons like autumn and winter!
📌 Plan your next adventure:
- 🔍 Read more: Best Onsen Ryokan My Top 10 Favorite Hot Spring Inns
- 🔍 Read more: Top 3 Family-Friendly Japan Onsen Hotels Near Tourist Spots
Have you visited any of these ryokans or planning to? Share your experience or ask a question in the comments below!
