Discover the 9 Best Small Ryokans in Japan for Your Dream Onsen Getaway!
Updated: Feb. 2023
Are you craving a unique and local experience in Japan, away from the usual tourist spots? Look no further! Every year, RYOKO SHIMBUN-SHINSHA surveys more than 15,000 travel agencies across Japan to rank the best ryokans. Here are the top 9 small ryokans of 2021, each offering a serene ambiance and outstanding onsen (hot springs) to rejuvenate your body and soul. Get ready for an unforgettable escape into the heart of Japanese culture!
#1 Okuyama Ryokan : Doroyu Onsen, Akita (奥山旅館 秋田県 泥湯温泉)
#2 Yuzankaku : Oga Onsen, Akita (元湯 雄山閣 秋田県 男鹿温泉)
#3 Shofukan : Itamuro Onsen, Tochigi (勝風館 栃木県 板室温泉)
#4 Hananonya : Chihibu Onsen, Saitama (はなのや 埼玉県 秩父温泉)
#5 Yumoto Ryokan : Shibu Onsen, Nagano (湯本旅館 長野県 渋温泉)
#6 Kamesei Ryokan : Togura Kamiyamada Onsen, Nagano (亀清旅館 長野県 戸倉上山田温泉)
#7 Tamamine Sanso : Kamedake Onsen, Shimane (玉峰山荘 島根県 亀嵩温泉)
#8 Taniya : Dogo Onsen, Ehime (谷屋 愛媛県 道後温泉)
#9 Hozantei : Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto (帆山亭 熊本県 黒川温泉)
NORTH JAPAN
1. Okuyama Ryokan : Doroyu Onsen, Akita (奥山旅館 秋田県 泥湯温泉)
Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Kamimuro mountain range at Okuyama Ryokan in Doroyu Onsen. Soak in the sulfur spring onsen, flowing directly from its source. While the largest outdoor bath may close during winter, a couple of other baths are availabe all seasons, including a mixed bath for all genders. The renovated Japanese-modern style rooms and locally sourced cuisine will make your stay here truly memorable.
Rate: Starting from 17,600JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included.
2. Yuzankaku : Oga Onsen, Akita (元湯 雄山閣 秋田県 男鹿温泉)
Experience breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan from Yuzankaku, perched atop the Oga peninsula. The rich mineral and salt content in their onsen, noticeable by natural sediments, promise a refreshing experience. Onsen water is sprayed directly into the overflowing tub without any additives. It might be too hot for beginners because they do not even add water to lower the temperature. For dinner, try their ishiyaki food, where a bowl full of seafood is heated with steaming rocks.
Rate: Starting from 17,600JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included.
3. Shofukan : Itamuro Onsen, Tochigi (勝風館 栃木県 板室温泉)
Step into history at Shofukan, nestled in the Itamuro Onsen valley with a 900-year heritage. The comfortable and not-too-hot onsen, with an alkaline value of ph 9.6~9.7, is perfect for a long-term stay. Alkaline-simple hot springs are easy on the body compared to acidic or sulfuric onsen. Indulge in delicious “standard” Japanese cuisine, reflecting the locals’ preferences. A great budget-friendly option!
Rate: Starting from 8,800JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included (shared bathroom).
4. Hananonya : Chihibu Onsen, Saitama (はなのや 埼玉県 秩父温泉)
Escape the bustling city and head to Hananonya, just two hours from Tokyo. This charming ryokan boasts private outdoor onsens for each unit, ensuring your tranquility. The modern Japanese-styled rooms are well-equipped for a cozy stay. Enjoy the wonders of rural tourism and indulge in nature’s beauty at its best.
Rate: Starting from 15,400JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included (private outdoor onsen).
5. Yumoto Ryokan : Shibu Onsen, Nagano (湯本旅館 長野県 渋温泉)
Get captivated by the charm of Shibu Onsen, a traditional onsen village. Have you ever seen photos of snow monkeys relaxing in onsens? They were probably taken here at wild snow monkey park near Shibu Onsen. While it may not be as bustling as other onsen towns, its authenticity shines through. Although the communal baths might be too hot for first-time visitors, Yumoto Ryokan provides a more moderate option. Explore the village and don’t miss the renowned Kanaguya ryokan, which inspired Ghibli’s “Spirited Away.”
Rate: Starting from 19,800JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included (shared bathroom).
6. Kamesei Ryokan : Togura Kamiyamada Onsen, Nagano (亀清旅館 長野県 戸倉上山田温泉)
Togura Kamiyamada Onsen’s unique nightlife and history as an “entertainment district” during the bubble economy sets the scene for a memorable getaway. Kamesei Ryokan offers a genuine Japanese ryokan experience, with 100% pure and free-flowing natural onsen. Relax in their variety of indoor/outdoor baths and savor their kaiseki-style dinner made with fresh local ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options available!
Rate: Starting from 12,100JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included.
WEST JAPAN
7. Tamamine Sanso : Kamedake Onsen, Shimane (玉峰山荘 島根県 亀嵩温泉)
Shimane prefecture is the second-least populated prefecture after Tottori. Kamedake area, where the Tamamine Sanso is located, has a population of just over 1,000 people. Soak in the silky-textured onsen water that will leave your skin feeling smooth and revitalized. Don’t miss the unique ceramic sand bath experience! The highly-rated Japanese-style dinner and breakfast feature local delicacies, including famous “nitamai rice” and Shimane wagyu beef.
A must-see attraction nearby is Izumo Taisha, one of the largest shrines in Western Japan; the legend has it that every November, deities from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha to discuss matchmaking and sake brewing.
Rate: Starting from 12,100JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included (shared bathroom).
8. Taniya : Dogo Onsen, Ehime (谷屋 愛媛県 道後温泉)
Relive the nostalgic charm of Japan’s past at Taniya in Dogo Onsen, one of the country’s oldest onsen towns. The ryokan’s close proximity to the famous Dogo Onsen Honkan public bathhouse adds to its allure. Enjoy a private onsen experience in one of their three unique baths. Once you’ve warmed up in the onsen, go for a walk in yukata and geta sandals and stroll around town! The Western-styled rooms with Japanese aesthetics are a treat, and the highly-rated meals featuring freshly harvested sashimi are sure to delight.
Rate: Starting from 24,300JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included (mezzanine).
9. Hozantei : Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto (帆山亭 熊本県 黒川温泉)
Embrace the wilderness at Hozantei, located in the headstream of Kurokawa Onsen. Enjoy the beautiful nature by day and soak in the onsen under the starry night sky. Each guest room boasts a cottage-style design with a private outdoor onsen for a personal touch of luxury. Relish in the famous Higo beef and local freshwater fish during your stay. Don’t forget to visit the on-site bar for a delightful nightcap!
Rate: Starting from 19,300JPY (per person) with dinner & breakfast included (private outdoor onsen).
With this list in hand, you’re ready to embark on a journey to the best small ryokans of Japan. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, nature, or a glimpse of traditional culture, these ryokans have it all. Treat yourself to a remarkable onsen getaway and create unforgettable memories in the Land of the Rising Sun. Enjoy your travels!
tyler
Thank you for providing info on 日本の小宿 in english, and for introducing our inn, kamesei ryokan.