If you are planning a trip to Japan and looking for a unique place to stay, this guide is for you. Whether you are a family with kids, a couple seeking a private retreat, or an onsen enthusiast interested in rare hot spring waters, you will find valuable insights here. In this article, we introduce the best onsen ryokan in Japan, organized by theme, with real travel experiences. You will learn which ryokan onsen is suitable for families, where to enjoy breathtaking scenery, which ones offer cultural immersion, and which have the most unique spring qualities.
- Family-Friendly Ryokan Onsen
- Onsen with Scenic Views
- Ryokan Near Cultural Sites
- Ryokan as Cultural Experiences
- Unique Hot Spring Qualities
- Private and Secluded Ryokan
📍Family-Friendly Onsen Ryokan
Soaking in an open-air onsen above the clouds—this unforgettable view shows why Takamine Onsen is often listed among the best onsen ryokan in Japan. The crisp mountain air and panoramic scenery make it a perfect family memory.
Quick Summary
Takamine Onsen (Nagano)
Mountain retreat with outdoor baths and kid-friendly hiking nearby.
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Yarimikan Ryokan (Okuhida, Gifu)
Spacious family baths, mountain views, and warm hospitality.
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Kira no Sato (Shizuoka)
Traditional thatched-roof inn with family-friendly rooms and onsen.
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More About These Ryokan
- Yarimikan (Gifu, Okuhida): A riverside ryokan with views of Mt. Yarigatake. Multiple private baths and even mochi-pounding events make it a hit with kids. We’ve stayed here 4–5 times as a family.
- Kiranosato (Shizuoka, Izu): A Kyoritsu Maintenance ryokan offering retro games like shooting and pinball that kept our daughter busy for hours. Seasonal treats such as roasted sweet potatoes by the fire added to the charm.
- Takamine Onsen (Nagano): At 2,000m elevation, this mountain onsen offers breathtaking views. We joined a stargazing tour and saw Saturn through a telescope—an unforgettable family memory.
📍Onsen with Scenic Views
📷Private riverside onsen at Okuhida Onsen, Yarimikan
Quick Summary
Yarimikan Ryokan (Okuhida, Gifu)
Riverside ryokan with Mt. Yarigatake views and spacious family baths.
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Takamine Onsen (Nagano)
Mountain retreat at 2,000m with breathtaking open-air baths.
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More About These Ryokan
Takamine Onsen (Nagano):
We wanted to experience the views from a 2,000m mountain onsen on a clear day—so we visited twice, staying three nights in total. The crisp morning air and sweeping alpine scenery became a treasured memory across three generations.
Yarimikan Ryokan (Okuhida, Gifu):
On clear days you can spot the sharp peak of Mt. Yarigatake from the baths. Its riverside location adds a rare sense of openness, while the private bath with playground equipment for kids makes it especially family-friendly.
📍Ryokan Near Cultural Sites
📷Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — serene and magical at dawn, lively and bustling by midday.
Quick Summary
Shikishima-kan (Kusatsu, Gunma)
Historic inn by Kusatsu’s Yubatake hot spring field, with easy access to temples and shops.
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Kadensho (Kyoto, Arashiyama)
Steps from Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, with private baths and cultural charm.
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Ikyu (Ise, Mie)
Just a short walk from Ise Grand Shrine, blending hot springs and pilgrimage culture.
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More About These Ryokan
- Shikishima-kan (Kusatsu, Gunma):
Located right by Kusatsu’s steaming Yubatake, we loved watching the nightly yumomi performance before returning to our tatami room. Its central spot made it perfect for exploring the town’s historic atmosphere. - Kadensho (Kyoto, Arashiyama):
Staying here meant we could stroll to Arashiyama’s bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge in yukata after a soak. The mix of private baths and Kyoto-style kaiseki made it feel like a cultural retreat. - Ikyu (Ise, Mie):
Just minutes from Ise Grand Shrine, this ryokan let us combine pilgrimage with relaxation. Bathing before a shrine visit felt spiritual, and the tatami rooms gave a true sense of Japanese tradition.
📍Ryokan as Cultural Experiences
📷Strolling through Shibu Onsen’s nine public baths — a timeless tradition where each doorway leads to a different healing spring.
Quick Summary
Tsurunoyu Onsen (Nyuto, Akita)
Thatched-roof hideaway and one of Japan’s most famous secret hot springs.
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Sakaeya Ryokan (Shibu Onsen, Nagano)
Historic ryokan in Shibu Onsen town, with access to the nine public baths.
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Fujiya (Shirakawa-go, Gifu)
Traditional gassho-style inn in UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go.
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- Sakaeya (Nagano, Shibu Onsen)
Staying here let us wander Shibu Onsen’s cobblestone alleys in yukata, stamping our way through the nine public baths. It felt like living inside a hot spring town tradition. - Fujiya (Gifu, Shirakawago)
This gassho-style inn is part of the Shirakawa-go World Heritage site. Sleeping under steep thatched roofs and hearing the stories of the village gave us a deep cultural immersion beyond just staying overnight. - Tsurunoyu Onsen (Akita, Nyuto Onsen)
Known as one of Japan’s ultimate hidden onsen, Tsurunoyu is surrounded by snow in winter and lush greenery in summer. The thatched-roof lodge and rustic baths made us feel like we had stepped back in time. newer Yamanoyado.
📍Unique Hot Spring Qualities
📷Entrance of Tsurunoyu Honjin — a thatched-roof gateway that feels like stepping into Japan’s timeless heritage.
Quick Summary
Tsurunoyu Onsen (Nyuto, Akita)
Famous for mixed open-air baths surrounded by pristine nature.
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Tokachigawa Onsen (Hokkaido)
Rare moor hot springs, famous for skin-beautifying waters.
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Myoban Onsen Yamadaya (Beppu, Oita)
Milky-white sulfur baths with traditional thatched hut steam houses.
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- Tsurunoyu Onsen (Akita)
Known for its rare moor hot springs, the mineral-rich waters left our skin silky smooth. Locals call it a “natural beauty bath,” and after soaking we truly felt the difference. - Tokachigawa Onsen (Hokkaido)
One of Japan’s most famous hidden onsen, its large open-air bath mixes men and women, just as in centuries past. Sitting in the steaming pool surrounded by snow was a once-in-a-lifetime memory. - Myoban Onsen Yamada-ya (Oita, Beppu)
This inn is surrounded by thatched steam huts where sulfur rises from the ground. The milky-white baths had a distinct mineral scent and felt deeply therapeutic, a unique Beppu experience.
Private and Secluded Ryokan
📷Secluded forest onsen at Myojin Onsen Sugishima — peaceful retreat in our japan onsen guide.
Quick Summary
Sakaeya Ryokan (Shibu Onsen, Nagano)
Cozy ryokan in a historic hot spring town, with private bath options.
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Myojin Onsen Sugishima (Gifu, Gujo)
Right by Kusatsu’s Yubatake, offering private baths amid a bustling onsen town.
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Yarimikan Ryokan (Okuhida, Gifu)
Riverside retreat with family-friendly private baths and scenic views.
🔗 Official Website ｜ 📝 Read Our Experience
- Sakaeya Ryokan (Shibu Onsen, Nagano):
Though located in the center of Shibu Onsen’s historic town, its private baths gave us quiet moments away from the crowds. We loved pairing a soak with strolling the nostalgic streets in yukata. - Shikishima-kan (Kusatsu, Gunma):
Being just steps from the iconic Yubatake, this ryokan let us enjoy the energy of Kusatsu while retreating to our own private space. The contrast made the experience both lively and restful. - Yarimikan Ryokan (Okuhida, Gifu):
The riverside setting itself feels secluded, and the private baths with views of Mt. Yarigatake gave us a real sense of escape. Our kids especially loved the bath with play equipment, making it both private and playful.
Conclusion
Japan offers a wide variety of ryokan onsen experiences. From family-friendly stays to cultural immersion, from scenic landscapes to rare hot spring waters, each ryokan brings something unique. Based on personal experiences, these Japan ryokan onsen recommendations will help you choose the best ryokan in Japan for your travel style. Enjoy discovering the beauty and diversity of Japanese hot springs!
📌 FAQ – Best Onsen Ryokan in Japan
Q1. What makes an onsen ryokan one of the best in Japan?
A: The best onsen ryokan in Japan usually combine unique hot spring qualities, traditional Japanese hospitality, scenic settings, and family-friendly or private bath options. Many also offer kaiseki dining and tatami rooms for a full cultural experience.
Q2. Are onsen ryokan family-friendly?
A: Yes! Many of the best onsen ryokan in Japan offer family baths, kid-friendly meals, and spacious rooms. Some even feature play areas or seasonal events like mochi-pounding, making them enjoyable for children.
Q3. Do I need to be comfortable with nudity to enjoy an onsen?
A: Traditional onsen are usually enjoyed without swimsuits, but many of the best onsen ryokan in Japan provide private or family baths where you can bathe together in privacy. This is a great option for families or first-timers.
Q4. When is the best season to stay at an onsen ryokan?
A: Onsen can be enjoyed year-round, but many travelers say the best experience is in winter, when you can soak in an outdoor bath surrounded by snow. Autumn is also popular for colorful foliage, and spring brings cherry blossoms near some ryokan.
Q5. How can I book a stay at an onsen ryokan?
A: Many of the best onsen ryokan in Japan can be booked through hotel booking sites or directly on their official websites. For international travelers, platforms like Agoda or Booking.com often provide English support and flexible cancellation policies.
