Discover Japan's most luxurious ryokans in Hakone, Kyoto, and Hokkaido
Japan’s ryokans—traditional Japanese inns—are a quintessential way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Ryokans are found across Japan, often in scenic locations such as hot spring (onsen) towns, mountainous regions, and coastal areas. They continue to uphold traditional Japanese hospitality, offering guests a unique cultural experience that sets them apart from modern hotels.
Key features of ryokans include tatami-mat flooring, futon bedding, yukata robes, and multi-course kaiseki dining that highlights local, seasonal ingredients. Many ryokans also feature private or communal onsen baths. Here are our top luxury Ryokans in Japan, from Kyoto to Shizuoka.
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Gora Kadan – Hakone
Located in the heart of Hakone’s hot spring region, Gora Kadan is a former imperial retreat turned luxury ryokan. Enjoy elegant rooms with tatami floors, open-air onsen (hot spring baths), and serene garden views. Its kaiseki dining showcases seasonal ingredients in meticulously crafted multi-course meals.
Gora Kadan is steeped in history, as it was once a retreat for the Kan’in-no-miya imperial family. Located within the grounds of Hakone National Park, the ryokan offers a tranquil escape surrounded by greenery and scenic mountain views. The carefully restored buildings retain their historical charm while featuring luxurious amenities such as private open-air baths and tatami-mat rooms.
Hoshinoya Kyoto – Arashiyama, Kyoto
Located along the Oi River, Hoshinoya Kyoto is a modern take on the ryokan tradition. Accessible by boat, this inn combines minimalist design with exquisite attention to detail. Enjoy private boat rides, riverside tea ceremonies, and refined Kyoto cuisine in a setting that feels like stepping into a Japanese painting.
The property dates back over a century and was originally a private villa for a wealthy merchant family. In 2009, it was transformed into a luxurious ryokan by the Hoshino Resorts group, meticulously preserving the villa’s historical charm.
Asaba – Shizuoka
Asaba is a hidden gem in Shizuoka, known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji and centuries-old heritage. The ryokan features rooms overlooking a koi pond and an onsen sourced from the region’s natural hot springs. Asaba’s kaiseki dining is complemented by cultural performances, including traditional Noh theater, making it a true cultural experience.
Asaba is located in the charming town of Shuzenji, part of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. This region, renowned for its hot springs and stunning natural beauty, is often referred to as the “Little Kyoto”. Shuzenji is famed for its ancient onsen, believed to have been founded over 1,200 years ago by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi.
Amanemu – Ago Bay
Amanemu, located in Ise-Shima National Park in Japan’s Mie Prefecture, is a luxury resort. Overlooking Ago Bay, known as the “Bay of Pearls,” this stunning hotel has a collection of ryokan-inspired villas and suites, each featuring its own private onsen fed by mineral-rich hot springs. You can indulge in wellness-focused experiences, from the serene Aman Spa with holistic treatments to yoga sessions. The dining at Amanemu showcases the region’s culinary highlights, including Ise lobster, Matsusaka wagyu beef, and fresh seafood sourced directly from the bay.
Amanemu draws inspiration from the cultural and spiritual heritage of its location. Ise-Shima is home to Japan’s most sacred Shinto site, the Ise Grand Shrine, which has been a pilgrimage destination for over 2,000 years. The area is also renowned for its historical connection to pearl diving, with generations of female ama divers practicing this traditional craft in Ago Bay.
The History of Ryokans
Ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, trace their origins back over 1,300 years to the Nara period (710–794), when they were established to provide rest and shelter for travelers on long journeys. These inns gained prominence along Japan’s ancient trade routes, such as the Tokaido Road, which connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Ryokans were deeply rooted in the principles of omotenashi, Japan’s culture of heartfelt hospitality, offering guests comfort with tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, and locally inspired meals. Over time, ryokans evolved to include luxurious touches while preserving their traditional style.
