Best Ryokans in Japan for an Unforgettable Stay

The Allure of Staying in a Traditional Ryokan

If you’re the type of traveller looking to connect with centuries-old traditions, check into a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Often located near sites of historic significance or natural beauty, they are enduringly loyal to traditional Japanese aesthetics and hospitality. Wrap yourself in a casual kimono in your tatami-matted room and sleep on a futon.

Framed by fragrant cedar forests or sitting beside bubbling streams, ryokans are sanctuaries of stillness. Whether you're chasing the first snowfall in Hokkaido or soaking in the peaceful rhythm of Kyoto, a ryokan stay envelopes you in a sense of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Here’s our guide to five gorgeous ryokans.

Tranquil Elegance at Gora Kadan near Tokyo

Once an imperial family retreat, Gora Kadan in Hakone feels like stepping into a timeless realm. Although it’s just a short trip from Tokyo, this ryokan offers the kind of restorative peace that urban life can never quite match. Soak under the stars in private open-air onsens (hot springs), before savouring a seasonal kaiseki meal served with a sense of graceful theatre. Every suite is a masterclass in quiet luxury, with modern comforts ensconced in traditional Japanese design.

Now that we’ve experienced Gora Kadan’s imperial tranquillity, it’s time to journey west for a taste of Kyoto’s poetic past.

Timeless Charm at Nishiyama Ryokan in Kyoto

Tucked away in a serene Kyoto neighbourhood, Nishiyama Ryokan offers a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comforts. Established in 1953, this family-run inn welcomes guests with warm smiles and an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The rooms, adorned with tatami mats and shoji screens, provide a tranquil retreat after a day exploring the city's historic temples and gardens. Guests can indulge in authentic kaiseki meals, thoughtfully prepared with seasonal ingredients, and unwind in the communal bath, embracing the timeless rituals of Japanese culture.

Now that the spirit of Kyoto has soothed your soul, let’s head north to where snow blankets the landscape and comfort meets wilderness.

Mountain Serenity at Zaborin near Niseko

Niseko is a famous resort area and ski destination on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Hidden in a forest near Niseko’s powdery slopes, the Zaborin ryokan redefines what it means to escape. Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between inside and out, with snowy pines standing sentinel as you unwind in your private onsen. Though rooted in Japanese tradition, Zaborin speaks a modern language of minimalist elegance. It’s a place where skiers swap boots for yukatas (casual kimonos), where dinner is a meditative sequence of Hokkaido’s finest flavours, and where the quiet feels like a gift.

Now that we’ve explored the alpine beauty of Niseko, let’s journey to a town known for its art, its canal-lined streets, and its understated refinement.

Scenic Bliss at Ryokan Kurashiki in Okayama

Okayama, a city and prefecture on the Seto Inland Sea, is famous for its castle and the Korakeun Garden. Twenty minutes by train in Kurashiki city, Ryokan Kurashiki is as much a work of art as the galleries nearby. Once a merchant’s home, it now offers a rare blend of cultural depth and comfort. Sliding doors open onto inner courtyards, while meals showcase the region’s rich flavours in stunning simplicity. Staying here means stepping into a slower rhythm with the sound of water lapping against stone bridges as background music.

Having experienced Kurashiki’s quiet elegance, it’s time for a coastal escape that will leave you completely renewed.

Seaside Retreat at Hagi no Yado Tomoe in Yamaguchi

Nestled in the historic castle town of Hagi, Hagi no Yado Tomoe offers a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comforts. Established in 1934, this ryokan welcomes guests with warm smiles and an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The rooms, adorned with tatami mats and shoji screens, provide a tranquil retreat after a day exploring the nearby historic sites and natural beauty. Guests can indulge in authentic kaiseki meals, thoughtfully prepared with seasonal ingredients, and unwind in the communal bath, embracing the timeless rituals of Japanese culture.

Now that you’ve seen the diversity of Japan’s most beautiful ryokans, there’s only one thing left to do, book your next stay and let the stillness begin.

Let Tradition Shape Your Journey

A stay at a ryokan is a love letter to Japan—its rituals, its landscapes, its sense of harmony. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of emperors in Kyoto, soaking in volcanic waters near Tokyo, or watching snow fall from a Hokkaido hot spring, each inn offers more than just rest. It offers renewal. These ryokans invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the ordinary turn extraordinary. For experience-led travellers seeking meaning in every moment, a ryokan stay is one of the most profound ways to connect with Japan. Wanderwell recommends planning early—these treasures are in high demand and worth every moment of anticipation.

Want to read more? The Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Japan: Top Resorts, Powder and Culture. 5 Must Do's in Kyoto: Unmissable Cultural Experiences in Japan's Ancient Capital.