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Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that are a cultural treasure of Japan. Not only do they offer a unique experience to visitors, but they also represent the hospitality and elegance that is inherent in Japanese culture. Ryokans have been around for centuries, and they continue to be an essential part of Japanese culture. In this blog post, we will be exploring the top 10 unique and luxurious Ryokans in Japan, so get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of these incredible inns!
How we chose the top 10 most unique and luxurious ryokans in Japan
Choosing the top 10 unique and luxurious Ryokans in Japan was not an easy task, but we had specific criteria in mind to make sure we selected the best of the best. Firstly, we considered the historical significance of the Ryokans. We focused on inns that have a rich history and have hosted famous figures throughout the years, preserving their cultural heritage.
Secondly, we took into account the location of the Ryokan. Many of these inns are in areas of stunning natural beauty, such as mountains, forests, or by the sea, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japan’s landscape. We also looked at the onsen and spa facilities that these Ryokans offer, making sure they provided guests with the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience. After all, one of the unique features of Ryokans is their traditional hot spring baths.
Lastly, we considered the traditional architecture and design of the Ryokans. We wanted to showcase inns that represent the elegance and beauty of Japanese architecture while still offering modern-day luxury amenities. With these criteria in mind, we selected the 10 best unique and luxurious Ryokans that Japan has to offer.
10 Unique and Luxurious Ryokans in Japan
11Beniya Mukayu
Beniya Mukayu is one of our top 10 picks for luxurious ryokans that offers guests a serene and authentic Japanese experience. It’s in the stunning town of Yamashiro, Ishikawa, the Ryokan is in the midst of natural beauty, including a beautiful garden with a tranquil pond.
The rooms at Beniya Mukayu have a peaceful and relaxing environment. From the natural wood furnishings to the traditional tatami floors, each room is carefully designed to provide guests with a comfortable and authentic experience. And if you’re looking to unwind, the open-air baths offer a serene setting to soak in the natural hot spring water while enjoying the beautiful garden views.
10Kurokawa Onsen Yamamizuki
Kurokawa Onsen Yamamizuki is a truly unique and special ryokan experience that stands out from the rest. What sets it apart is its location in the charming town of Kurokawa, which is famous for its traditional Japanese architecture, hot springs, and natural beauty. The Ryokan is in the midst of a serene forest, and the surrounding area is full of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, making it the perfect place for nature lovers to explore.
One of the most unique features of Kurokawa Onsen Yamamizuki is its hot spring baths. The ryokan has both indoor and outdoor hot springs, each with its own distinctive design and ambiance. Guests can soak in the natural hot spring water while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and forests. And for those looking for even more relaxation, the Ryokan offers a range of spa treatments, including massages and facials, to help you unwind and rejuvenate.
Another unique aspect of Kurokawa Onsen Yamamizuki is its commitment to sustainability. The ryokan uses locally sourced ingredients for its kaiseki meals and even grows its own vegetables in an onsite garden. In addition, the ryokan has implemented eco-friendly practices such as using solar panels to generate electricity and recycling wastewater to minimize its impact on the environment.
9Amanemu
Amanemu is one of the luxurious ryokans that are located in the heart of the Ise-Shima National Park in Japan. This stunning retreat is in the midst of natural hot springs, lush forests, and beautiful coastal scenery. It offers guests a peaceful and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
One of the most unique features of Amanemu is its contemporary architecture, which blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The Ryokan’s buildings are constructed from locally sourced materials, such as cedar and granite, and are designed to create a sense of harmony between the interior and exterior spaces. The guest rooms are spacious and elegant, featuring traditional Japanese elements, such as tatami mat flooring and shoji screens, as well as modern amenities, such as high-speed internet and sound systems.
Amanemu’s hot springs are a major highlight of the ryokan, with both indoor and outdoor options available for guests to enjoy. The waters are rich in minerals and believed to have therapeutic properties, making them the perfect place to relax and unwind. The ryokan also offers a variety of spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs, to enhance guests’ overall wellness and relaxation.
8Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara
Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara is an amazing ryokan located in the tranquil Sengokuhara area of Hakone, Japan. This luxurious ryokan is famous for its exceptional hospitality, incredible dining, and rejuvenating hot springs. It’s an unforgettable destination for any traveler seeking a unique and immersive Japanese experience.
One of the most amazing aspects of Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara is its commitment to providing guests with an authentic Japanese experience. From the traditional tatami mats to the beautifully designed Japanese-style rooms, the ryokan exudes a sense of peacefulness and tranquility. Guests can also experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, sake tastings, and other cultural activities during their stay.
Zaborin
Zaborin Ryokan is a luxurious hideaway in the serene and tranquil wilderness of Hokkaido, Japan. What sets Zaborin apart from other ryokans is its unique approach to creating an immersive experience that combines modern design and traditional Japanese hospitality.
One of the standout features of Zaborin is its stunning architecture and interior design, which blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The main building is a contemporary masterpiece with a minimalistic design that incorporates wood, stone, and glass to create a peaceful and serene ambiance. Each of the 15 villas is designed as a separate entity, with its own private outdoor hot spring bath, providing an exclusive and intimate experience for guests.
Zaborin also places a strong emphasis on the natural environment and preserving the surrounding wilderness. The ryokan is built using locally sourced materials and was designed to minimize its environmental impact. Guests can take part in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing, which are organized with sustainability in mind.
7Hoshinoya Kyoto
This beautiful ryokan is in the heart of Kyoto and offers guests a luxurious and unique experience. The rooms are elegant with a modern twist and feature beautiful tatami floors and sliding shoji doors. But the highlight of the ryokan has to be its stunning onsen baths. Imagine soaking in natural hot spring water while surrounded by the beautiful forest and river. It’s truly an experience you won’t forget.
But Hoshinoya Kyoto is not just about relaxation and luxury. The ryokan also offers a range of activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture. You can take part in a traditional tea ceremony, watch a mesmerizing Japanese dance performance, or even try your hand at making your own pottery. And when it comes to dining, the ryokan doesn’t disappoint. You’ll be treated to delicious kaiseki meals made with locally sourced ingredients. You can dine in the privacy of your own room or in ryokan’s beautiful restaurant with stunning river views.
6Gora Kadan
This stunning ryokan is located in the beautiful town of Hakone, Japan, and offers guests a luxurious and authentic Japanese experience. From the traditional tatami floors and shoji screens to the modern amenities, every detail is carefully thought out to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
One of the standout features of Gora Kadan is its beautiful hot spring baths. These natural hot springs are in the middle of lush forests and mountains, offering guests a stunning and serene setting to relax and unwind. And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, Gora Kadan has a range of activities on offer. From tea ceremonies to calligraphy classes to cooking lessons, there’s something for everyone.
But what truly sets Gora Kadan apart is its commitment to locally sourced and seasonally inspired cuisine. The kaiseki meals are expertly prepared using fresh ingredients from the surrounding area and are beautifully presented. Whether you choose to dine in the privacy of your own room or in Ryokan’s stunning restaurant, you’ll have a culinary experience like no other.
5Nishimuraya Honkan
Nishimuraya Honkan is a ryokan located in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan and is famous for its exceptional hospitality and serene atmosphere. This ryokan has a rich history dating back to 1868 when it was originally a public bathhouse. It was later transformed into a ryokan in 1924, making it one of the oldest inns in Japan.
One of the most unique features of Nishimuraya Honkan is its traditional architecture, which includes a thatched roof, wooden beams, and sliding doors made of paper and wood. The ryokan’s interior design evokes a sense of tranquility and harmony, with tatami mat flooring, low tables, and comfortable futon bedding. The ryokan also offers a variety of hot spring baths, including both indoor and outdoor options, and a sauna for guests to relax in.
Nishimuraya Honkan is known for its exceptional omotenashi, or Japanese hospitality, which is reflected in every aspect of the guest experience. Upon arrival, staff will meet you dressed in traditional clothing and serve a refreshing cup of green tea. The ryokan also offers a variety of experiences and activities for guests to enjoy, such as calligraphy lessons, tea ceremonies, and traditional Japanese dance performances.
Nishimuraya Honkan is also famous for its exquisite cuisine. The ryokan’s skilled chefs prepare a variety of seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood, Kobe beef, and vegetables grown in the nearby countryside. Guests can enjoy a multicourse kaiseki dinner in the comfort of their own room, or in the ryokan’s elegant dining room.
4Guntu – Floating Ryokan
Guntu is a unique and luxurious ryokan that sails the beautiful Seto Inland Sea of Japan. It is an innovative take on the traditional Japanese ryokan experience, providing guests with a truly unique and unforgettable experience. What sets Guntu apart is its location, exceptional hospitality, and commitment to providing guests with an immersive and unforgettable Japanese experience.
Guntu sails along the Seto Inland Sea, providing guests with stunning views of the surrounding islands and ocean. The ryokan features just 19 rooms, each with its own private balcony that overlooks the sea. The minimalist decor and design of the rooms highlight the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating a serene and calming atmosphere for guests to relax in.
3Adding to the Unique Ryokan Experience with a Yukata
When staying at a Ryokan in Japan, it is customary to wear a yukata, a casual summer kimono, which is provided by the Ryokan. Yukata is a comfortable and lightweight clothing option, perfect for lounging around the Ryokan and relaxing after a long day of exploring. It is also an excellent opportunity to experience a piece of Japanese culture and immerse oneself in the Ryokan experience. Many Ryokans have different yukata patterns and colors to choose from, making it a fun activity to select one that fits your style and personality. Wearing a yukata adds to the unique and unforgettable experience of staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan.
2Prettiest yukatas for your Ryokan experience
1Discover the perfect blend of luxury, tradition, and natural beauty
Japan’s ryokans offer travelers an exceptional and unforgettable experience that combines traditional Japanese hospitality, gourmet cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. The 10 unique and luxurious ryokans featured in this article provide a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and highlight the diverse range of experiences that Japan has to offer. From sailing aboard a luxury ship in the Seto Inland Sea to relaxing in a private hot spring surrounded by mountains, these ryokans offer guests a truly immersive and authentic Japanese experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you are looking to relax and unwind or immerse yourself in Japanese culture, these ryokans are a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the best of Japan. Experience Japan’s cultural heritage and natural beauty at these 10 unique Ryokans. Book your stay now and create unforgettable memories.
