Visiting Japan isn’t complete without an authentic onsen (hot spring) experience. While day-use hot springs are popular, we strongly recommend staying overnight at a Japanese onsen ryokan — a traditional inn where you can relax in hot springs, wear a yukata, and enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine.
Why You Should Choose a Ryokan Stay
- Relax from check-in to check-out with no rush
- Enjoy a full-course dinner and breakfast featuring local ingredients
- Perfect for slowing down mid-trip or at the end of a busy itinerary
During our travels across Japan with our daughter (from age 1 to 11), we’ve stayed in many family friendly ryokan. In this blog, we highlight ryokans we’ve returned to more than once or those we truly want to visit again. We hope these tips help you plan your own peaceful retreat.
What a Day at a Ryokan Looks Like
Before your stay, don’t forget to read our [Onsen Etiquette Guide (link)] — especially helpful if it’s your first time.
This visual timeline outlines a relaxing 1-night experience at a traditional Japanese inn, perfect for families visiting Japan.
3:00 PM — Check-in & Family Bath Time
Change into your yukata and enjoy a private onsen before dinner. We recommend using the family bath early, as it tends to get busy in the evening.
4:00 PM — Tea & Sweets in Your Room
Most ryokan offer a welcome tea set with Japanese sweets — a calm moment to unwind.
6:00 PM — Kaiseki Dinner
Depending on the ryokan, meals are served either in your room or in a dining hall. The dishes feature seasonal, local specialties.
9:00 PM — Night Onsen Time
Soak in the large communal bath or open-air bath. Some ryokan also offer carbonated spas, which kids love for the fizzy sensation!
10:00 PM — Bedtime
Fall asleep warm and relaxed.
6:00 AM — Morning Bath
Start your day with a peaceful soak. Many ryokan have 24-hour access to their baths.
8:00 AM — Japanese Breakfast
Typically served in a set style. Some ryokans like Kyoritsu Resort offer both Japanese and Western options.
10:00 AM — Check-out
Take one last dip or simply enjoy a slow morning before heading out.
Great Value for Families
Most of the ryokan we recommend fall in the 20,000–40,000 yen per night range per room — and this includes hot spring access, dinner, and breakfast.
Compare that to a typical resort hotel where meals are not included, and you’ll see how staying at a Japan hot spring stay can actually offer more value. The dinners are often generous kaiseki meals, beautifully presented and very satisfying — a highlight of the experience.
Final Thoughts
Staying at a ryokan is more than just lodging — it’s a uniquely Japanese cultural experience. Even a one-night stay will leave lasting memories and help you recharge during your journey.
We recommend planning your kid friendly Japan travel itinerary with a relaxing ryokan stay in the middle or toward the end of your trip.
Our Favorite Ryokans in Japan
We’ve handpicked our top ryokan recommendations based on actual family stays — places we’ve returned to and would gladly visit again:
Yarimikan (Gifu)
This secluded ryokan in the Okuhida mountains offers a truly immersive Japanese onsen experience. Families will love the private open-air baths surrounded by snow in winter, and the multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring rich, flavorful Wagyu beef is a highlight. The peaceful atmosphere and traditional charm make it a favorite for repeat stays.
Kira-no-sato (Shizuoka)
Nestled in the Izu Highlands, this family-friendly ryokan offers free private baths and spacious public baths with a sauna. Guests can choose dinner courses such as sea bream shabu-shabu or Wagyu beef. Seasonal treats like roasted sweet potatoes and Shizuoka oden are also a fun bonus.
Kadensho Arashiyama(kyoto)
Located in Kyoto’s picturesque Arashiyama district, Kadensho offers a unique mix of modern comfort and traditional aesthetics. Guests can enjoy free private baths on a first-come basis, perfect after a day of exploring the bamboo grove. The included dinner features locally sourced Kyoto vegetables and tender Wagyu beef, making this an ideal retreat within the city.
Looking for more options? Check out our [Onsen Ryokan MAP in Japan] for an area-by-area guide!
