Luxury Onsen Ryokan Worth Experiencing at Least Once:
If there’s one type of accommodation worth experiencing at least once during a trip to Japan, it’s a luxury onsen ryokan. Beyond the hot springs and celebrated cuisine, many of these properties offer rooms with their own small private bath, and soaking in an open-air bath (rotenburo) while taking in the surrounding scenery is truly one of a kind.
Many luxury ryokan now offer rooms with Western-style beds rather than traditional futon, which may make them easier for international travelers to settle into. Many of these properties also lean toward a modern Japanese design aesthetic, simple yet refined, offering a genuinely calm and elevated stay. Here are a few of the standout options worth considering.
Fufu Nara
A small luxury resort adjacent to Nara Park, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Every room comes with its own private open-air bath, and the property has a distinctly sacred, nostalgic atmosphere.
- Address: 1184-1 Takabatakecho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8301
- Official website: https://www.fufunara.jp/
Fufu Nikko
A small luxury resort adjacent to Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, with a striking blend of Japanese and Western design. Every room has its own private onsen bath fed by the property’s own hot spring source, and it’s within easy walking distance of the UNESCO World Heritage area, including Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
- Address: 1573-8 Honcho, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1434
- Official website: https://www.fufunikko.jp/
Nasu Mukunone
Built around the concept of “unwinding the heart in a forest of breath,” this auberge (a stay-and-dine property) sits within more than 35,000 square meters of Nasu’s natural surroundings. The centerpiece is “Water Garden,” a landscape designed by internationally renowned architect Junya Ishigami. The property offers 15 “Suite Villa” rooms opening directly onto Nasu’s nature via private terraces, along with a more casual twin-style “B&B” option, and features refined French cuisine built around seasonal, local ingredients.
- Address: 2294-3 Takakuotsu, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture 325-0303
- Official website: https://mukunone.jp/
Chikusenso Onsen
Set within roughly 20,000 tsubo (about 66,000 square meters) of nature at the foot of Mt. Zao in Miyagi Prefecture, this resort ryokan is built around a modern Japanese concept. It draws from two of its own hot spring sources, with every onsen facility on the property fed directly from the source (kakenagashi) rather than recirculated. Guests can enjoy fresh spring greenery, autumn foliage, and snowy winter scenery from their rooms across the seasons.
- Address: 88-11 Uenohara, Togatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture 989-0916
- Official website: https://www.mtzaoresort.com/
Final Thoughts
Japan has hot springs scattered across the entire country, ranging from inns offering day-use bathing only to numerous high-end properties like the ones above, offering a truly luxurious stay. It’s well worth exploring the range of options out there to find the one that’s right for you.
This post is part of an ongoing series on Japan travel planning. Check back for more guides on luxury ryokan and onsen towns.
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| Rakuten Travel is one of Japan’s largest and most popular domestic travel booking platforms. It features an extensive database of hotels, ryokan, resorts, and other accommodations across Japan, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to book stays throughout the country. Available in your language. If you’re using a computer, click “Language” in the top-right corner to change the language. If you’re using a smartphone, tap the person icon in the bottom-right corner, then tap “Language” to select your preferred language. |
