Aesthetic Ryokans in Japan: 5 Beautiful Traditional Inns to Stay
Ryokan is the place where you can experience the true essence of Japan.
Ryokans are much more than just places to stay; they are portals to Japan’s deep history, culture, and unmatched hospitality.
Imagine awakening in a quiet tatami room, sipping green tea gazing at a perfectly manicured garden, or soaking in an outdoor onsen at sunset with a mountain view.
These are the sorts of experiences that make a ryokan stay so memorable.
And in this article, I will guide you through five of the most beautiful and aesthetic ryokans in Japan, merging tradition with luxury for the perfect serene getaway from the rush of your daily life.
1. A Whole New Dimension: Gora Kadan, A Good Mix of Luxury and Tradition
Housed in the scenic town of Hakone, Gora Kadan is a former summer villa of the Imperial Family, which became one of Japan’s most luxurious ryokans.
Here, contemporary comforts coexist with traditional Japanese architecture.
The guest rooms are spacious and tastefully designed, with tatami mats, shoji screens and futons, which are spread out each night.
Gora Kadan is unique in that it has a world-class onsen, featuring indoor and outdoor baths filled and fed with natural hot springs.
Kaiseki-style meals, artfully prepared with seasonal ingredients, are served in the privacy of guests’ rooms.
This is a movie backdrop, especially in falling colors when the leaves turn red and orange illumining the forest.
2. Hiiragiya: A Historical Kyoto Mainstay
Hiiragiya, situated in the heart of Kyoto, is one of the oldest and most revered ryokans in Japan, with more than 200 years of history behind it.
This family-run inn has welcomed numerous well-known figures, such as authors, artists and even some of the Imperial Family.
Each room at Hiiragiya is different from the next; they’re outfitted with antiques and art that evoke Kyoto’s storied cultural heritage.
With koi pond and meticulously pruned bonsai trees, the ryokan’s garden offers a zen escape from the city’s chaos.
Guests are served kaiseki dinners, including Kyoto staples like yudofu (tofu hot pot) and kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables).
A stay at Hiiragiya is about more than luxury, however; this is truly a step back in time, a chance to experience the grace and elegance of old Japan.
3. Hoshinoya Kyoto: A Riverside Escape with Contemporary Touches
Set along the Oi River in Arashiyama, Hoshinoya Kyoto is a modern version of a traditional ryokan experience.
This ryokan can only be accessed by boat and is surrounded by lush forests and stunning views of the river.
The Hoshinoya rooms are sparsely minimalist: wooden furnishings, soft lighting, wood-framed floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding scenery.
Guests can enjoy a quiet cup of tea outside, on their own private terrace, while listening to the gentle sound of the river.
Its restaurant offers a traditional kaiseki cuisine menu and contemporary gastronomy, punctuated by seasonal, local products.
Hoshinoya Kyoto is ideal for travelers who want the serenity of a ryokan with all the modern comforts.
4. Unpeacocked: An Onsen Lover’s Paradise in Arima
At the ryokan Taketoritei Maruyama in Arima Onsen, one of the country’s oldest hot spring towns, guests can savor a true onsen experience in a peaceful environment.
Sekitei features several ryokan that pool and styled Washitsu private bath.
Guests can choose from both indoor and outdoor baths, each fed by the town’s famous gold and silver hot springs, credited with healing properties.
Taketoritei Maruyama rooms combine traditional and modern design elements with tatami floors, sliding doors and cozy beds.
Some suites also have their own private onsen.
The kaiseki meals here shine, showcasing fresh seafood, Kobe beef and seasonal vegetables, and artfully arranged.
And a stay at Taketoritei Maruyama is all about relaxation, rejuvenation, and sample of Japan’s onsen culture.
5. Ryokan Tawaraya: An Embodiment of Japanese Elegance
Located in Kyoto, Tawaraya Ryokan is widely regarded as the best ryokan in Japan.
Having hosted innumerable guests for over 300 years, Tawaraya knows a thing or two about hospitality and the kind of service that is unrivaled.
The rooms are understated but elegant, with simple decor — think tatami mats, paper lanterns and handmade pottery.
The ryokan’s garden, a masterpiece in itself, is carefully manicured to showcase the seasons.
Tawaraya guests are served exquisite kaiseki meals, delivered in-room, where each dish is methodically crafted to reflect seasonal flavors.
What truly sets Tawaraya apart, however, is the exquisite attention to detail (everything feels painstakingly curated) and the extraordinary sense of calm and serenity that comes over you as you step over the threshold.
A stay at Tawaraya isn’t just a night in a ryokan; it’s an experience of simple Japanese elegance.
The Best Aesthetic Ryokans In Japan: Final Words
It is not only about having a place to sleep when you stay in a ryokan; it is about engaging with the culture, traditions and natural beauty of Japan.
Any of these ryokans will provide you a superior experience, whether it’s the traditional elegance of Hiiragiya, the sleek substance of Gora Kadan or the tranquil loveliness of Hoshinoya Kyoto.
Whichever ryokan you select, you’re ensured lasting memories.
So the next time you plan a trip to Japan, I encourage you to step off the beaten path — or at least into it — and into the world of ryokans, where you’ll discover the very essence of Japanese hospitality.
