Highest-Rated Ryokans in Japan

• Open-air rock bath with natural waterfall view — a dramatic bathing experience
• Authentic Kaga kaiseki cuisine with premium Hokuriku seafood and Kaga vegetables
• Riverside setting with garden waterfalls and the sounds of the Saigawa River

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Hakone, Hotel Hatsuhana is a haven for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience. This charming ryokan stands out for its harmonious blend of traditional interiors and modern comforts, making it an ideal retreat for couples celebrating special moments or solo travelers seeking solitude amidst nature. A signature experience here is the tranquil morning tea ceremony, where guests can savor local traditions while surrounded by the majestic beauty of Hakone's mountains, perhaps even under a blanket of snow—a truly immersive way to connect with the region's timeless cultural heritage.

• All 47 rooms feature private open-air baths with natural hot spring water
• Completely renovated in September 2022 with modern cherry blossom-inspired design
• Four complimentary private baths with unique themes available to all guests

• Kappo ryokan — cuisine-focused inn with monthly-changing kaiseki
• 8 rooms with private open-air baths using 100% source-direct natural spring water
• Five signature hotpot options beyond the standard kaiseki course

Nestled in the serene heart of Minamioguni, Kyushu, Hozantei in Kurokawa Spa is a haven for those seeking an immersive experience in nature and traditional Japanese culture. This tranquil ryokan is perfect for travelers who yearn for solitude amidst breathtaking landscapes or couples celebrating special moments, as it offers a serene escape into the beauty of Japan's countryside. One of the signature experiences here is waking up to a gentle morning mist, then strolling through the forest to a secluded outdoor bath, where the warmth of the hot spring water blends with the crisp mountain air, embodying the essence of Kyushu's natural and cultural heritage.

• Riverside open-air baths (Tenguspa and Sennyospa) with natural forest soundscape
• Gentle sulfur spring water suitable for sensitive skin, children, and the elderly
• Spacious guest rooms with private open-air and indoor baths

• Cable car to a panoramic open-air bath with sweeping Aso mountain views
• Only 7 groups per day across detached private accommodations on 6,000-tsubo grounds
• All rooms feature private natural hot spring baths and dedicated dining spaces

• All 9 rooms feature private open-air baths with 100% natural spring water
• Designer ryokan opened 2018 as annex of century-old Kiyohime Onsen
• Farm-to-table dining with vegetables from the property's own garden

Nestled on the serene shores of Iki Island in Kyushu, Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin is a haven for travelers seeking an immersive experience of Japan's authentic beauty. This enchanting ryokan stands out for its thoughtful blend of traditional Japanese architecture with modern comfort, offering stunning sea views that invite guests to connect with nature's tranquility. Whether you're a couple celebrating a special moment or a solo traveler seeking solitude, the retreat's signature experience—enjoying a warm onsen bath while watching the sunset over the Genkai Sea—embodies the essence of Kyushu's unique cultural heritage and natural splendor, making it a perfect haven for those who cherish the subtle nuances of Japanese hospitality.

• Michelin 5-Pavilion luxury designation — the highest tier for ryokans
• 12 ocean-view rooms each with private open-air hot spring bath
• 1,700-year-old ultra-high-concentration golden mineral spring

• Villa-style rooms each with a private open-air onsen bath and garden
• Direct access to Yaizu Port seafood — among the freshest in Japan
• Intimate, owner-operated ryokan with highly personalized service