5 Luxury Ryokans for Authentic Japanese Hospitality

① Ryokans Nestled in Natural Landscapes

Japanese ryokan allows you to experience traditional accommodations.

These places have traditional architecture, landscaping, and even hot springs. Fugaku Gunjo is a ryokan located in Shizuoka. Shizuoka is about an hour from Tokyo and offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji.

At Fugaku Gunjo, you can soak in an open-air bath while admiring Mount Fuji. All rooms feature open-air baths where you can enjoy the scenery of the sea and Mount Fuji.

This luxury ryokan consists of 8 rooms, providing a private experience for guests. All rooms are suites with modern interiors. Given Shizuoka’s reputation for fresh seafood, you can enjoy fresh dishes from local seafood and vegetables harvested from their garden.

• Address: 2461-1 Yagisawa, Izu, Shizuoka 410-3303 Japan
• Room Rate: Starts from 1 million won per night (~$850)

The Zaborin Ryokan, located in Hokkaido, is surrounded by forests. It’s a place where you can enjoy Niseko’s extraordinary nature. Its exceptional natural surroundings make it a perfect place to spend leisure time.
Zaborin Ryokan has 15 villas, all with a modern atmosphere.

Each room has two hot spring baths. You can use the indoor bathtub and the open-air bath on the balcony. The rooms are divided into Japanese and Western styles.

Hokkaido is famous for its rich food culture. At the ryokan, you can enjoy Kita Kaiseki made with local ingredients. Zaborin Ryokan also features a space for tea, a boutique bar, and a footbath.

• Address: 76-4 Hanazono, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0084 Japan
• Room Rate: Starts from 1.4 million won per night (~$1,190)

② Traditional Ryokans with Long Histories

Kinosaki Onsen is about 2-3 hours away from Kyoto by train. Nishimuraya Honkan is a traditional ryokan that opened in the 1860s.

It is well-known among the ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen Village for its tradition and history. It has 31 rooms, all of which overlook a Japanese garden. The neat garden allows you to feel the unique atmosphere of Japan.

Nishimuraya Honkan has hot spring baths, but guests can use all public hot springs in Kinosaki Onsen Village. Guests can enjoy various types of hot springs.

• Address: 469 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101 Japan
• Room Rate: Starts from 1.4 million won per night (~$1,190)

③ Enjoying Japanese Hot Springs in Tokyo

Hoshinoya Tokyo is a luxury ryokan located in the heart of Tokyo. Hoshinoya is a luxury brand representing Hoshino Resorts in Japan. Hoshinoya Tokyo opened in July 2017 and consists of 2 underground and 17 above-ground floors. There are 84 rooms, with only 6 rooms per floor, ensuring a quiet stay for guests.

The Ochanoma Lounge is available 24/7, where you can enjoy coffee or tea with the provided tea set.
Hoshinoya Tokyo’s hot spring facilities include a large open-air bath. You can also enjoy the hot spring in the indoor bathtub. Soba is provided free of charge to guests every evening.

Breakfast at Hoshinoya Tokyo is served in the traditional Japanese style, and in the evening, French cuisine is served with seasonal local ingredients. In 2023, Hoshinoya Tokyo was named one of the world’s top 50 best hotels.

• Address: 1 Chome-9-1temachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004 Japan
• Room Rate: Starts from 1.2 million won per night (~$1,020)

Gora Kadan is a ryokan located in Hakone. Hakone is a suburban tourist spot that can be visited within 1-2 hours from Tokyo. Hakone Onsen has a history of 1,300 years and is a hot spring destination for locals.

Gora Kadan was once a summer villa for the Kaninnomiya Imperial Family. In 1952, it was remodeled into an inn and has since continued as a ryokan. It has 39 rooms.

Each room has a garden and an open-air bath, providing a private experience. There is also a private bath outside the room that the guest can use on a time-sharing basis. You can enjoy a legit hot spring trip thanks to the abundant hot spring water. It is famous for offering traditional Japanese meals.

• Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408 Japan
• Room Rate: Starts from 1.6 million won per night (~$1,360)