21 May Hot Springs Hotels in Japan: Stay in a Japanese Ryokan
Hot Springs Hotels in Japan: Stay in a Japanese Ryokan
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A trip to Japan is not complete without a visit to a Japanese onsen, a natural hot spring. And one of the best ways to experience them for foreign travelers is by staying in a Japanese hot springs hotel — or ryokan.
The mineral-rich thermal waters of the onsen have been enjoyed in Japan since the 8th century. Believing that the waters held therapeutic properties, Japanese warriors and emperors traveled long distances to soak in the restorative baths sourced from the country’s active volcanoes.
Today there are more than 3,000 onsens of all shapes, sizes, and settings scattered across Japan.
Read my post on the etiquette rules you should know and watch a video before you head off to find your perfect onsen.
Find What You're Looking For
Japan's Hot Springs Hotels
Onsens are usually — but not always — part of a ryokan, a traditional Japanese hot springs hotel. Ryokan offer more than just a place to stay for the night. They are a truly unique experience that provide a glimpse into the country’s traditional lifestyle and culture — with Japan’s famed omotenashi (hospitality) — as the cornerstone.
While we were in Japan we stayed at two hot springs hotels. These visits were the most memorable experiences of our trip (maybe even a top-five experience in all our travels!). I highly recommend spending a night or two in one while you’re in Japan.
Luckily for travelers, these traditional Japanes hotels can be found all over the country. And while they can be more expensive than chain hotels, it is possible to find budget-friendly hot springs hotels as well.
You may feel a little out of sorts when you first arrive. As with a lot of things in Japan, there are rules to be followed. Don’t worry; the staff is eager to help you! Here are some tips to help you blend in, relax, and enjoy your time at a Japanese ryokan.
Japan is home to the world’s two oldest hotels and the oldest dates back to the 8th century!
What are Hot Springs Hotels' Rooms Like?
Hot springs hotels feature traditional-style Japanese rooms with sliding doors, tatami (woven-grass) mat flooring, and futon mattresses placed on the floor. I absolutely love Japanese style architecture and found the futon mattresses to be way more comfortable than I thought (they’re really cozy!).
When you first arrive, your room will be made up for the day with a low table with chairs. In many ryokan, you will eat dinner privately here. In others, you will eat in a shared dining room with other guests or eat in a private dining room.
After dinner (or while you are enjoying dinner in the dining room), ryokan staff will replace the table with a futon, pillows and wonderfully thick duvet blankets.
The two ryokan we stayed at had out of this world bathrooms – think inside/outside showers, double vanities, and wonderful Japanese beauty products to rejuvenate your skin after your dips into the hot springs. (If you like Japanese beauty products, check out my post on the best products you can buy from your couch — right on Amazon!)
What Will You Eat at a Hot Springs Hotel?
Many hot springs hotels will serve your meals in your guestroom (this is called heya-shoku which means ‘dining in the guestroom’). However, some will serve your meals in a large communal or private dining room.
Dining at the ryokan was definitely one of the highlights for us! These painstaking and delicious meals called kaiseki ryori feature multiple courses and seemingly endless tasty bites of locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.
In the morning you will be treated to a traditional Japanese breakfast – which again includes many tasty courses.
Here’s a quick crash course on Japanese dining etiquette:
- Before starting a meal, Japanese say itadakimasu (pronounced like — “eat a duck and a mouse”), which conveys your appreciation for everyone and everything involved in your food — from the animal to the farmer to the chef to the server.
- At the end of the meal it’s polite to say gochaso sama (pronounced like — “go chiso sama”) to the cook, waiters, and the person who paid for the meal. This roughly translates to “What a feast!”
- Don’t stab your food with your chopsticks or point to people with them. And don’t leave chopsticks sticking straight up in a bowl of rice; this resembles incense sticks left as offerings at family graves.
Get to Know the Dress Code at Hot Springs Hotels
When you check into your ryokan and are shown to your room, a member of the staff will hand you your yukata, tanzen, geta, and tabi. (What are those things?!) And it’s encouraged that you change into them as soon as you arrive.
A yukata is basically a loose robe made of cotton. Both men and women wear the yukata. To put it on properly, wrap the left side over the right and then tie it closed with the obi sash.
In colder months, guests are provided a tanzen which is a thick kimono. You wear the tanzen over the yukuta. For added warmth, put on a haori. This is shorter in length with large sleeves and functions as a coat.
Finish your look off with a pair of geta (traditional wooden sandals) and tabi, Japanese-style socks with the big toe separated from the rest of the foot in order to wear the geta!
How Much Should You Expect to Pay at a Japanese Hot Spring Hotel?
Japanese ryokan range from exquisite resorts to private retreats, with stylings from traditional to modern. However, the common elements are tatami flooring, futon mattresses, private baths, yukata robes, kaiseki dinners, and traditional Japanese breakfasts.
Unlike hotels that you may be used to, a ryokan charges per person, per room, with two meals (dinner and breakfast) usually included.
So the price tag is expensive, but you do get a lot for the money. You might be able to find a ryokan that offers a room without including the meals. However, I have to encourage you to dine at the ryokan because this is such an essential part of the experience.
Average Price of a Japanese Ryokan: Around 15,000-25,000 yen ($139-232 USD) per person, per night.
Recommendations for
Hot Springs Hotels
Around Japan
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links.
With ryokan scattered all over Japan, and at all price points, you’re bound to find one that suits your budget and taste. The city of Hakone, a mere 60 miles (about 100 km) from Tokyo, is ideal for your first experience. It’s actually been a resting spot since 1590 when the Japanese warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi directed an onsen to be erected here to aid his soldiers.
If you get bored of relaxing in your ryokan, take a moment to explore the area around Hakone which includes Hakone National Park, the beautiful Lake Ashinoko, museums, an outdoor sculpture garden (included works include Miro, Rodin, and Henry Moore), and funicular railways. Don’t miss seeing Mt. Fuji off in the distance!
** Stars beside the ryokan listing mean that we stayed with them during out trip to Japan. We can fully recommend them!
Check out these options:
Secluded & Adult Only
** Hidaji **
Gifu, Japan
Nestled between untouched nature in the tranquil Northern Alps area, Hidaji offers spacious Japanese-style accommodations with traditional architecture. One of our favorite parts of the room was the heated Kotasu table (it’s a low table that has heaters under it and thick blankets over to keep the heat in – OMG it’s luxurious!). Dinner features famous Hida beef and local vegetables served at a private table in the dining room.
From $562 / night for 2 people
The Guinness Book-Certified Oldest Hotel in the World
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
Hayakawa, Japan
Built in 705 A.D. by monks, this ryokan has a history that spans more than 1,300 years! Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is the world’s olden hotel – and the world’s oldest continuously operating businesses! Enjoy Koshu beef and other delicious seasonal dishes prepared by award-winning chefs during your stay.
From $491 / night for 2 people
Budget Friendly
** Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama **
Takayama, Japan
Enjoy a rooftop, private, family-friendly bath. It was pouring snow when we stayed at the Wat and getting to enjoy the private, roof-top bath with the snow falling down was something I’ll never forget! Don’t miss the alcohol vending machine next to the entrance to the baths!
From $75 USD / night for two people
Relaxing Mountain Views & Good for Couples
** Hakone Airu **
Hakone, Japan
Spacious guest rooms with mountain-view balconies and attached open-air baths. Delicious cuisine made from seasonal, local ingredients. Hot spring water sourced from Hakone Yumoto. Choice of a Western-style or traditional Japanese breakfast.
From $564 / night for two people
City Center
Takayama Ouan
Takayama, Japan
Rooftop open-air natural hot-spring bath, cozy family baths, and a hearty homemade breakfast buffet. Enjoy late-night complimentary ramen noodles between 10:30-11:30 at the restaurant.
From $153 / night for two people
Near the Action
Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring
Osaka, Japan
Located just two-minutes from Nippombashi station in Osaka, you can explore popular destinations like Dotonbori, the famous sight of the Glico sign, and Nanba City shopping center.
From $66 USD / night for two people
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Booking.com – For booking hotel rooms.
Tours by Locals and GetYourGuide.com – For finding high-quality tours around the world.
AirBnB – For renting unique homes and apartments across the world.
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