Japan is home to countless amazing onsen ryokan (hot spring inns) 🛁. If you are looking for the best onsen ryokan in Japan, this guide will help you find the perfect stay. Among them, I have carefully selected the top 10 onsen ryokan that I have personally stayed at and would love to revisit. Some, like Sanyoan and Ikyu, I have only visited once, but they left such a lasting impression that they made it onto this list.
Each ryokan listed here includes a link to a detailed stay review article 📝, so be sure to check them out for more information.
1. 🏡 Nyuto Onsen Tsurunoyu (Akita)
Located in the famous Nyuto Onsen area, Tsurunoyu is a historic onsen ryokan renowned for its thatched-roof buildings and milky white sulfur hot springs. With a history dating back over 300 years, it offers a truly authentic and traditional Japanese onsen experience.
Nestled deep in the mountains, Tsurunoyu embodies the essence of a true hidden hot spring retreat. Its secluded location enhances the sense of tranquility, making it a perfect escape from everyday life. No matter the season—whether it’s the fresh greenery of spring, the cool mountain air of summer, the vibrant autumn foliage, or the magical snow-covered scenery in winter—every visit promises a deeply satisfying and unforgettable experience.
Due to its exceptional popularity, Tsurunoyu is incredibly difficult to book, often requiring reservations months in advance. Those lucky enough to secure a stay can enjoy not only its legendary hot springs but also its warm, rustic charm, making it one of Japan’s most sought-after onsen destinations.
2. 🌿 Tokachigawa Onsen Sanyoan (Hokkaido)
Tokachigawa Onsen is famous for its rare moor hot springs, which are rich in organic plant-based minerals and known for their exceptional skin-beautifying properties. Bathing in these unique waters leaves the skin feeling incredibly smooth and rejuvenated, making it a sought-after destination for onsen enthusiasts.
Sanyoan offers a refined and tranquil stay with top-tier hospitality, ensuring a luxurious and relaxing experience. Since it is located in Hokkaido, guests can also indulge in delicious local cuisine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From exquisite seafood to rich dairy products, every meal is a treat, further enhancing the overall stay at this elegant retreat.
📖 Read my stay review here
3. 🏞️ Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto)
Kurokawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous onsen destinations, renowned for its picturesque townscape and traditional charm. The town has gained immense popularity as one of Japan’s most stylish and atmospheric hot spring resorts, attracting visitors seeking both relaxation and an authentic onsen experience. With numerous high-quality ryokan, guests are guaranteed an unforgettable stay.
Having stayed at three different ryokan in Kurokawa Onsen, I can confidently say that the service at each one was exceptional, making for a truly satisfying experience. One of the highlights of visiting Kurokawa Onsen is the onsen tegata (hot spring pass), which allows guests to enjoy the baths of different ryokan, further enhancing the experience. Strolling through the charming streets, hopping between luxurious hot springs, and indulging in top-notch hospitality make this town a must-visit for onsen lovers.
📖 Read my stay review here
4. 🏔️ Yarimikan (Gifu)
Yarimikan boasts stunning views of the Northern Japan Alps, with an open-air bath that faces the majestic Mount Yari, offering an unforgettable onsen experience immersed in nature. This small ryokan also provides a unique mochi-making experience for guests, adding a touch of traditional Japanese culture to their stay.
With a limited number of rooms, the ryokan maintains a serene and exclusive atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the private baths without worrying about crowds, ensuring a stress-free and relaxing stay. The combination of breathtaking alpine scenery, soothing hot springs, and cultural activities makes Yarimikan a perfect retreat for those seeking both tranquility and authenticity.
5. 🚶♂️ Shibu Onsen Sakaeya (Nagano)
Shibu Onsen is a picturesque hot spring town with cobblestone streets and nine public baths, offering visitors a nostalgic and authentic onsen experience. Sakaeya stands out with its exceptional hot spring water, delicious cuisine, and newly added private sauna facilities, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing stay.
While Kinosaki Onsen is the most famous destination for visiting multiple public baths, Shibu Onsen follows closely in popularity. The town is also home to Kanaguya, a historic and retro-style ryokan that has become a landmark, as it is said to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Walking through the charming streets, soaking in the cultural ambiance, and experiencing the renowned onsen waters make Shibu Onsen a must-visit destination for hot spring lovers.
6. 🔭 Takamine Onsen Lamp-no-Yado (Nagano)
Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters, Takamine Onsen offers breathtaking seasonal views, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature throughout the year. At night, the ryokan hosts stargazing events, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Although it is a solitary inn deep in the mountains, guests can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free stay. The combination of pristine natural surroundings and relaxing hot springs makes it an exceptional retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Trekking opportunities in the area add to the adventure, and the stargazing events offer a mesmerizing view of the night sky.
Having stayed here four times, I can confidently say that it never gets old—each visit brings a new and refreshing experience, making it a place worth returning to time and time again.
7. ⛩️ Kotohira Onsen Shikishimakan (Kagawa)
This ryokan is a great base for visiting Kotohira Shrine. The ability to take an early morning stroll to the shrine, combined with relaxing hot springs, makes it a fantastic choice for those seeking both spiritual and physical rejuvenation.
It is also the perfect place to stay for those who want to enjoy shopping and dining along the lively path leading to Kotohira Shrine. The bustling street is lined with numerous shops offering local specialties, traditional souvenirs, and delicious gourmet treats like freshly made udon and Japanese sweets. Staying at this ryokan allows guests to fully experience the charm of the area, making it an ideal hub for both exploration and relaxation.
8. 🏠Tosuke-no-Yu Fujiya (Gifu)
Tosuke-no-Yu Fujiya is a hidden gem in Gifu, offering a quiet and relaxing stay with private hot springs. The ryokan features a charming traditional wooden architecture, creating a serene and authentic Japanese atmosphere.
It is also an ideal place to stay after exploring Shirakawa-go. After strolling through the UNESCO World Heritage site, guests can unwind and rejuvenate in the tranquil setting, making it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
9. 🌳 Myojin Onsen Sugishima (Gifu)
Surrounded by lush nature, this ryokan is known for its skin-beautifying, free-flowing hot spring water.
It is highly recommended to combine your stay with a visit to Gujo Hachiman, a picturesque town known for its beautifully preserved historic streets, traditional crafts, and the famous Gujo Odori dance festival. Strolling through the charming town before retreating to the peaceful ryokan creates a well-balanced travel experience, blending cultural exploration with ultimate relaxation.
10. 🎐 Inishie-no-Yado Ikyu (Mie)
Located near Ise Grand Shrine, this ryokan features private open-air baths in every room, allowing guests to unwind in a tranquil setting. The opportunity to take an early morning visit to the shrine adds to its charm, offering a peaceful and spiritual start to the day.
The path leading to Ise Grand Shrine is lined with numerous shops, where visitors can enjoy shopping for traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local specialties. The area is also a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of delicious treats such as Ise udon, fresh seafood, and Akafuku mochi. Exploring the vibrant streets before or after your shrine visit adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the trip.
Each of these onsen ryokan 🛁 offers a unique and memorable stay. For detailed stay reviews, follow the links 📖 and find out what makes each one special!
