Explore Japan through an authentic Ryokan (Japanese Guesthouse) stay - Here are 5 of my favorites!
Onsen in a ryokan in Hakone (Source)
As a resident of Tokyo myself, ryokans have been one of my favorite ways of experiencing Japan. It is such a specific and special style that will make any stay just so much more memorable than a generic hotel. Especially in the less touristy areas, ryokans are also often your only choice! But what are ryokans?
Ryokans are like the lovechild of a cozy inn and a time machine that whisks you back to the Edo period – think traditional Japanese hospitality with a side of futon finesse. Picture this: you're welcomed by staff in elegant kimonos who are more zen than a chilled-out panda.
Then, you step into a room that's a minimalist masterpiece, where the tatami mats are softer than a cloud, and the only thing more refreshing than the green tea is the hot springs waiting to soak away your worries.
But remember, it's not just a stay, it's a cultural adventure where even your slippers have a strict hierarchy (yes, there's a right way to wear them, and no, you won't be judged if you mess it up... much). So, if you're ready to get your inner samurai on while living your best spa life, ryokans are where it's at!
Meet the onsen-bathing monkeys in Nagano prefecture (Source)
Here are 5 of my favorite ryokans in Japan right now:
1. Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
Kyoto, Kansai
Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei features accommodations in the center of Kyoto, a 12-minute walk from Sanjusangen-do Temple and 0.6 miles from TKP Garden City Kyoto. The property is around 1.3 miles from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1.6 miles from Samurai Kembu Kyoto, and 1.7 miles from Kyoto International Manga Museum.
Book your stay from around $150 per night here
2. Fujiya Hotel
Hakone, Kanagawa
Opened in 1878, Fujiya Hotel features Meiji Era architecture set in Hakone’s natural beauty. Just 1640 feet from Miyanoshita Station, it offers indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a restaurant in a converted Imperial Villa called Kikka-so Inn.
Rooms feature bathtubs with natural hot-spring water. Rooms are divided between 5 different buildings constructed between 1891 and 1960, providing a variety of styles and decors. All rooms are nonsmoking, and come with air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Book your stay from around $400 per night here
3. ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo
Sapporo, Hokkaido
ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo features a sauna and a hot spring bath, as well as air-conditioned accommodations in the center of Sapporo, 1.1 miles from Sapporo Station. This 3-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and an elevator.
Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Every room comes with a kettle, a flat-screen TV, and free Wifi, while certain rooms are fitted with a balcony and some have city views. At the ryokan, every unit comes with bed linen and towels.
Book your stay from around $200 per night here
4. Aburaya Tousen
Sano, Nagano
Aburaya Tousen offers luxurious contemporary Japanese-style accommodations with an amazing 11 types of hot-spring baths and free WiFi. On just a 7-minute walk from Yudanaka Station, the hotel features outdoor hot spring baths with mountain views, a spa and a restaurant.
The Aburaya is a 10-minute drive via a free shuttle bus from Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, where monkeys can be seen bathing in hot springs. The Zenkoji Temple is an hour’s drive away. The spacious rooms feature a serene decor of sliding paper screens, tatami-mat flooring, and traditional futons. All rooms have a seating area, and some have an outdoor hot spring bath.
Book your stay from around $500 per night here
5. Beppu Showaen
Beppu, Oita
Boasting in-room hot spring baths and seasonal gourmet Japanese multi-course meals, Beppu Showaen provides chic Japanese-style individual house accommodations. Free Wi-Fi is offered in the public area, and parking in available for free. Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, spacious houses feature a low table and seating cushions.
A flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle with tea bags are also provided. Each house comes with an in-room hot spring bath or an open-air bath. The rooms are also provided with local beer and natural water. Special amenities for men and women are provided. See 'Important Information' for details.
Book your stay from around $525 per night here
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