Ryokans are a kind of traditional inn unique to Japan, and offers a rich cultural experience and relaxation to its guests. These Japanese inns are known to cater to the guests’ every need and serve kaiseki meals that are meticulously prepared by the finest chefs in the business. Ryokans are most commonly found around Tokyo, Kyoto, and onsen or hot spring resort towns like Hakone.

Tokyo, Japan cityscape with Tokyo Skytree.

The experience of staying at a ryokan is worth the expense because of the quality of service and amenities that come with a stay, as well as the usual kaiseki meal inclusions that are unique to each area. Some kaiseki meals are even specially made by the inns themselves and show off their culinary prowess.

Hoshinoya Tokyo

Hoshinoya Tokyo, Yuta Iguchi

Hoshinoya Tokyo offers one of the most relaxing ryokan experiences in Japan. With polished wooden interiors and tatami flooring throughout the establishment, the whole inn welcomes an ambiance of serenity in the midst of a busy city. Hoshinoya Tokyo is tucked into the prestigious Otemachi District in Tokyo, offering a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hoshinoya Tokyo is one of the first onsen ryokan of the Hoshinoya properties in the urban city, and the first in Tokyo, aiming to serve businessmen and tourists and to give a better appeal than a regular hotel. This unique innovation of bringing a relaxing experience from the countryside to the city earns Hoshinoya Tokyo the recognition as being one of the best ryokans in Japan, and earned a spot in the World’s Best Awards 2020 Top Hotels in Tokyo by the Meredith Corporation.

The Japanese inn offers its guests two gender-segregated baths with waters sourced from a hot spring, over a thousand meters underground. The indoor baths are connected to their outdoor counterparts by a cave-like tunnel that leads to a chamber surrounded by tall walls, the outdoor baths situated under the Tokyo sky.

The easily accessible Japanese inn is also praised for its location, being just across the road from the Imperial Palace and its striking gardens. Hoshinoya Tokyo is also known for its authentic Japanese hospitality–the ryokan’s staff is noted to be attentive to guests and provide services from a spa treatment, to cultural performances and ceremonies–like a Tea ceremony where guests can participate as well.

Website: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/
Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan

Gora Kadan

Gora Kadan in Hakone Gora is a 4-star ryokan located on the grounds of the former summer villa that was once owned by a member of the Imperial Family. The Japanese inn has earned praises for its design and has been awarded the Welcome Trophy by Relais and Chateaux for its high customer satisfaction and high standards of service. It is also a notable member of Relais & Chateaux, a hotel association for exceptional hotels and gourmet restaurants.

Gora Kadan features a fusion of tradition and modernity. The former Imperial estate is considered one of the National Park’s most coveted jewels, and was once a favorite retreat of the Kaninnomiya Family.

The guest rooms in Gora Kadan all feature views of the mountainside, same with the open-air baths. There are also private onsens available, going well along with the spa service that would give the most relaxing, yet intimate experience with nature and the self.

Website: https://www.gorakadan.com/
Email: sns@gorakadan.com
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan

Hakone Suishoen

Hakone Suishoen was built as a second home for the aristocratic Mitsui Family in the Taisho Era, right at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it is a 5-star stay that preserves its legacy and history, as a registered tangible cultural asset. Despite its cultural heritage, Hakone Suishoen refuses to adhere completely to outdated aesthetics and has made minor renovations around the property to combine the charms of the Taisho Era with the conveniences and chic design of the modern age.

Each room at the Japanese inn comes with a balcony that overlooks the surrounding forest, and lavish open-air hot spring baths. During mealtime, guests are served by the restaurant, “Momiji”, with expertly prepared meals and kaiseki cuisine that features only the best ingredients in the area.

Hakone Suishoen is highly praised for their relaxation-focused facilities such as the large outdoor hot-spring bath, the spa services, and the sauna. There is also a library and a 10,000 square meter garden with 300-year-old maple trees to explore.

For sightseeing opportunists, Hakone Suishoen is a short distance away from the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Chisuji Falls, and the Okada Museum of Art.

Website: https://www.hakonesuishoen.jp/
Email: reservation1@hakonesuishoen.jp
Address: 519-9 Kowakudani, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0406, Japan

Ryokan Kurashiki

Ryokan Kurashiki, Okayama

Ryokan Kurashiki is situated on the banks of the canals of the Kurashiki River in the center of the Bikan Historical Quarter. The old merchant town preserved a unique charm that extends to the ryokan, which was once a sugar merchant’s home.

The home-turned-inn radiates a charm reminiscent of stepping into the past, with its well-preserved craftsmanship and antiques, and exudes the feel of comfort and luxury. Ryokan Kurashiki features only five unique bedrooms that have served as a home away from home for many high-profile guests and celebrities.

Ryokan Kurashiki is well-praised for its attentive service and the accommodating Okami, who makes sure the guests feel welcomed and are provided with only the best Japanese hospitality that the ryokan can offer. At night, guests are served a kaiseki dinner unique to the area and feature seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.

Ryokan Kurashiki is praised highly for its location. The property is right on the banks of the Kurashiki River, where the charming street of the town is lined with willows and captivating old-world architecture of the surrounding buildings. Staying here, you’ll find yourself in their captivating Japanese garden as well, where guests will be overlooking at breakfast time.