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Best Ryokans in Iya Valley

The Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, is one of Japan's best-kept secrets — a steep-walled gorge carved by the Iya River, so remote that it became a refuge for defeated Heike warriors in the 12th century. Vine suspension bridges sway over the ravine, mountain vegetables grow in terraced fields cut into near-vertical slopes, and small riverside onsen inns offer complete isolation from modern Japan. It is one of the most authentic and atmospheric ryokan experiences in the entire country for travellers willing to seek it out.

Shourotei Hotel#1

Shourotei Hotel

Miyazu, Kansai

9.6$$$$
Private OnsenRadium-containing iron(II)-sodium-chloride spring (Amanohashidate Onsen)Couples seeking a romantic seaside ryokan with one of Japan's most iconic views
  • Over 300 years of continuous hospitality since 1690, now in its 13th generation
  • Unobstructed views of Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic landscapes
  • Radium-rich Amanohashidate onsen with both indoor and outdoor bathing
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Recommended stay: 1-2 nights to fully experience the onsen, kaiseki dining, and Amanohashidate exploration

Shinpurou#2

Shinpurou

Miyazu, Kansai

9.5$$$
Simple alkaline hot spring (Nariai Kannon Onsen)Travelers wanting to experience one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views from their roomCouples seeking a romantic sunset retreat on the Kyoto coast
  • Direct views of Amanohashidate — one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views
  • Early Showa-era three-story wooden building with modern renovations
  • Nariai Kannon Onsen alkaline hot spring (renovated November 2023)
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Recommended stay: 1-2 nights

Nagisatei Taroan #3

Nagisatei Taroan

Miyako, Tohoku

9.5$$$
Private OnsenNatural hot spring (Sanriku coastal onsen)Couples seeking a romantic adults-only oceanfront retreat
  • All 10 rooms with private outdoor hot tubs and ocean views
  • Adults-only property ensuring peace and tranquility
  • Renowned Taro abalone and Sanriku seafood cuisine
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Recommended stay: 1-2 nights

Iya Onsen Hotel#5

Iya Onsen Hotel

Miyoshi, Shikoku

8.8$$$

A uniquely dramatic ryokan perched on a clifftop above the Iya Valley gorge, with an outdoor cable car descending to riverside hot spring baths.

Simple thermal spring emerging from the ancient schist riverbed of the Iya ValleyAdventure travelers seeking Japan's most dramatically situated ryokanOff-the-beaten-path explorers — the Iya Valley receives a fraction of Kyoto's tourist volumes
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