Onsen bathing is a traditional part of Japanese culture and an amazing custom to experience as a foreigner. While you have infinite public onsen to choose from in Japan, there’s nothing quite like having your own private onsen to enjoy at your accommodation.
From in-room private baths to private single-person onsen that you can book ahead of time, the following ryokans give you the chance to enjoy the ultimate relaxing soaking experience. Located right across Japan, here are the best ryokan with private onsen to book for your next trip.
The 12 Best Ryokan in Japan with Private Onsen
1. Fudouguchikan, Izumi-Sano
Enjoy a private open-air bath or the public onsen at Fudouguchikan
If a soak in an authentic Japanese onsen is on your bucket list in Izumi-Sano, Fudouguchikan is a great choice of ryokan. The inn has private open-air baths where you can truly unwind, in addition to public onsen. The public baths are open 24 hours and separated by gender.
The spacious rooms have lots of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, along with tatami flooring and traditional Japanese low tables and seating, plus traditional futons for sleeping.
There’s a sense of serenity at this ryokan, which offers river views from the private open-air baths and from some of the rooms. But it still has all the new-world creature comforts you could want, from an on-site lounge and shop to flat-screen TVs in the rooms.
2. Yamanakaonsen Hanamurasaki, Kaga
A traditional ryokan with views of Kakusenkei Gorge
Hanamurasaki brings together the traditional and the modern with authentic Japanese décor arranged in a contemporary space. Guests can enjoy views of the Kakusenkei Gorge along with both indoor and outdoor hot spring public baths, and some rooms have their own onsen.
The JR Kaga Onsen Train Station being just 15 minutes away places Hanamurasaki in a convenient location, but there is also a free shuttle between the ryokan and the train station to make things even easier for guests.
Additionally, Hanamurasaki is just 10 minutes from Ayatori Bridge and a 15-minute drive from Nata-dera Temple. Aside from the range of onsen at this ryokan, guests can also relax in the quiet Japanese garden on the grounds.
3. Ichinoyu Honkan, Hakone
A Hakone ryokan with nearly 400 years of history
History buffs will love the chance to stay in this heritage ryokan in Hakone, which was established more than 380 years ago. The historic inn offers a range of modern features, including wellness treatments in the form of massages and facial treatments.
There are both indoor and outdoor onsen, with some rooms boasting their own private open-air bath for the ultimate exercise in relaxation. If you’re not staying in a room with a private onsen, you can reserve the public hot spring bath for private use.
A complimentary Japanese set menu is served for breakfast each morning in the communal dining room, while dinners consist of traditional multi-course meals featuring local seasonal ingredients.
The location is also amazing at this ryokan, which is just three minutes from Hakone Yumoto Train Station. Guests can reach the station via a free shuttle bus. Odawara Castle is also just 10 minutes away.
4. Kawaguchiko Fufu, Fujikawaguchiko
Indulge in mountain and lake views at this ryokan with its own onsen
Blurring the lines between a traditional ryokan and a lavish resort, Fufu Kawaguchiko offers guests the ultimate indulgent experience. You’ll have the personable service and traditional décor of a classic ryokan with VIP views of Mount Fuji and five-star features.
Certain rooms have their own patio and private bath, while guests are welcome to use the sauna and communal hot spring bath too. There’s also a restaurant on site featuring world-class Japanese food, and a shared lounge and terrace ideal for socializing.
Guests can enjoy room service served by the friendly staff and a 24-hour front desk. Each room is also equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar, a balcony, and a safety deposit box.
5. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Reserve the private open-air bath at this hotel with both Japanese and Western influences
Another resort-ryokan hybrid, Suiran is nestled on the banks of the Katsura River. This Luxury Collection Hotel offers traditional Japanese kaiseki at the on-site restaurant Kyo Suiran in true ryokan style, along with French meals served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The open-air bath can be reserved for private use, but guests are also welcome to relax at the spa. There’s a gift shop on the property, and a separate cafe serving tea and coffee.
Suiran is just three minutes from UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryuji Temple, and 10 minutes from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Guests can reserve a rickshaw ride through the nearby areas at the 24-hour front desk.
6. Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan, Takayama
A charming inn in historic Takayama Old Town
Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan is a traditional ryokan nestled in the charming Takayama Old Town, only three minutes from JR Takayama Station. The personal service starts with free pick-up shuttles from the station, and carries on through the Japanese set meals served for breakfast and dinner, which feature fresh local ingredients.
Guests can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese customs via rooms decked out in authentic furniture and the 800 unique Yukata robes that are for hire from the property. Additionally, the inn features indoor onsen with geothermal hot spring water, along with private bath tubs and free toiletries.
The inn is just a short distance to the Takayama Jinya Morning Market and 15 minutes from Hida No Sato Folk Village.
7. Gora Kadan, Hakone
An upscale ryokan in stunning Hakone
Hakone is one of Japan’s top geothermal destinations, and Gora Kadan is one of the town’s best ryokan if private onsen is what you’re after. Reviewers on Booking.com rave about the private onsen, in particular, along with the overall tranquil vibe of the inn.
Gora Kadan is just five minutes from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Line, and only 10 minutes from Hakone Open Air Museum and Hakone Gora Park. The concierge service at the 24-hour front desk can help to arrange any day trips or reservations.
Additionally, you’ll find an indoor pool and fitness center, plus massage treatments on offer to ensure you have a totally relaxing experience.
8. Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa, Tokyo
A three-star ryokan with a relaxing open-air bath
A three-star ryokan only steps away from Tokyo’s Asakusa Fuji Asama Shrine, Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa is a family-friendly property where you can take in stunning views of the city from soundproof rooms.
The rooftop onsen is an ideal place to relax, however guests are also welcome to kick back in the shared lounge area. The ryokan has its own family-friendly restaurant serving traditional Japanese meals.
You can enjoy amenities like luggage storage and in-room safety deposit boxes at this accessible ryokan, along with day security to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
9. Nishimuraya Honkan, Toyooka
A traditional ryokan in Toyooka that’s 160 years old
Nishimuraya Honkan has been serving Toyooka for over a century and a half. This traditional inn has its own hot spring baths and on-site garden, and doubles as a gallery exhibiting traditional Japanese artwork.
Aside from the steaming communal and private baths, the ryokan is home to traditional tatami floors and futon bedding. Guests are welcome to wear Yukata robes and Geta sandals while they tour nearby hot springs, too.
One of the star elements of Nishimuraya Honkan is the premium cuisine served in the dining hall known as Senrei. Fresh crab and wagyu beef are normally on the menu, while breakfasts are authentic Japanese style.
10. Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo, Kyoto
A Kyoto ryokan with tatami flooring and private baths
Located in Kyoto beside the Nanzen-ji Temple, Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo is known for its range of public and private onsen. As the name suggests, the inn boasts a picturesque garden where guests can immerse themselves in a relaxing atmosphere amid the bustle of the city.
The rooms at the inn offer traditional tatami flooring and futon bedding, with some offering private bathrooms and views of the serene garden. There’s also a shared lounge and gift shop on site.
Traditional Japanese food is served at the ryokan’s restaurant, with vegetarian options and other dietary requirements catered to.
11. Ubuya, Fujikawaguchiko
A five-star ryokan with its own wellness center and mountain views
Many of the ryokan with private onsen are a little more lavish and high-end than other ryokans, and that’s certainly true of Ubuya in Fujikawaguchiko. A short distance from Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji-Q Highland, Ubuya boasts sweeping mountain views.
There’s a spa and wellness center at Ubuya, complete with seated and reclining baths, with some rooms offering their own open-air patio baths with unbeatable vistas overlooking the mountains and the lake. Guests can also enjoy a sauna at the property, along with modern creature comforts in the rooms, such as TV and safety deposit boxes.
Traditional Asian breakfast is served at Ubuya, which is only 26 kilometers from Mount Fuji. You’ll also find a souvenir shop at the property, in addition to a shrine on the first floor dedicated to the local deity Konohana no Sakuyahime.
12. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Daita, Tokyo
Soak in the hot spring bath at this Tokyo ryokan
The four-star Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita is a ryokan with a focus on its onsen, offering spa and wellness packages so that guests can indulge in the ultimate relaxing experience.
There are both single-person private baths and larger communal onsen available at this Tokyo ryokan, which is less than a kilometer from both Shinganji Temple and Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine. Hanegi Park is also a short walk away.
The ryokan features a coffee shop and restaurant on site, as well as a 24-hour front desk where guests can make reservations and receive assistance with any query they might have. While you unwind amongst classic Japanese décor at this ryokan, you’ll enjoy contemporary perks like flat-screen satellite TV, private bathrooms, and free toiletries.
FAQs About Ryokans with Private Onsen in Japan
Do all ryokans with private onsen have in-room baths?
Many of the ryokans in Japan that have private onsen do have in-room baths or onsen. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the private onsen are in a public area of the ryokan, but they are considered private because you need to book them for private use ahead of time.
If you would like to stay in a ryokan with an in-room onsen, be sure to check that this amenity is available when booking to avoid being disappointed.
Where in Japan are the best ryokans with private onsen?
Onsen are a Japanese cultural tradition, so you can find them in ryokans right across Japan. However certain areas lend themselves to having a larger quantity of ryokans with onsen due to their proximity to geothermal springs.
One of the best examples of this is the town of Hakone, which is known for its onsen and is home to several properties that boast this feature.
Are ryokans with private onsen expensive?
Some ryokans with private onsen can be expensive, particularly if the onsen are in-room baths—which is a feature of more luxurious accommodation. However, you can still come across ryokans with private onsen that are affordable.
For example, Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa in Tokyo is a three-star property, and less expensive than some of the five-star or more lavish ryokans around Japan.
