Forget about conventional hotels. The next time you’re in the Land of the Rising Sun, opt to stay at a ryokan instead. Travel site TripAdvisor has revealed Japan’s best ryokan or traditional Japanese-style inns. The list is compiled according to reviews from its global travel community.
Unique to Japan, ryokan are known for their distinctive cultural hospitality experience, featuring tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style hot spring baths and exquisite local cuisine.
“A stay at a ryokan can provide a window into age old traditions that the Japanese take a huge amount of pride in,” said TripAdvisor communication director (Asia Pacific) Janice Lee Fang.
Below are the best ryokan in Japan:
- Shiraume, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality at Shiraume. Photo: TripAdvisor
Shiraume is located in one of Kyoto City’s most historic areas, Gion. Tomoko, the okami (a female manager for a ryokan) here pampers her guests with personalised services to glowing reviews. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “From speaking with Tomoko via email to make our booking through to the day we left every single thing about Shiraume is outstanding. It’s everything a westerner could ever hope for in experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality.”
Nearby attractions: Tofukuji Temple and Komyoin
- Ryokan Fujioto, Nagiso-machi, Nagano Prefecture
Ryokan Fujioto is popular among travellers for its friendly staff and local cuisine. Photo: TripAdvisor
The Nakasendo, part of a network of ancient highways connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, is known as being a popular hiking route that passes several small villages with historical structures and waterfalls. Ryokan Fujioto is located in Tsumago, a town on the Nakasendo route and is popular amongst travellers for its friendly staff and local cuisine.
A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The hosts were welcoming, helpful and spoke excellent English. The room had amazing views of their beautiful gardens. The highlight was the outstanding meals, both dinner and breakfast which were prepared lovingly using local ingredients and beautifully presented. Memorable stay.”
Nearby attractions: Nagisomachi Museum and Tsumagojuku - Gero Onsen Fugaku, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
Gero Onsen Fugaku is a well-known hot spring resort in Japan. – TripAdvisor
Surrounded by rich nature, the Gero Onsen is a well-known hot spring resort in Japan and has been since the 10th century. Gero Onsen Fugaku is a popular ryokan and has a reputation for its great views and food.
A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “We stayed there for 1 night and it was definitely one of the best ryokan experiences I’ve ever had. The room was spacious and perfectly clean with good modern amenities. The kaiseki dinner was high quality. The onsen at the top floor overlook the river which is a great view even at night. We all managed to get some good sleep with the very comfy tatami bed.”
Nearby attraction: Gerohatsu Onsen Museum and Shirasagi no Yu - Ryokan Sawanoya, Taito, Tokyo Prefecture
Ryokan Sawanoya is a traditional family-run inn. Photo: TripAdvisor
Located near Ueno Park, Ryokan Sawanoya is a traditional family-run inn. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “This was our first experience with Japanese style rooms and it did not disappoint. A lovely authentic experience in a quiet but convenient location.”
Nearby attractions: Nezu Shrine and Yanaka
- Ohanabo, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Ohanabo is tops when it comes to convenience. Photo: TripAdvisor
Ohanabo is located in a convenient area of Kyoto which is a five-minute walk from the main Kyoto Station. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Ohanabo was a wonderful experience for us. It was my first time in a ryokan, and I have to say it was nothing short of superb, among the best hotels and inns I have stayed in.”
Nearby attractions: Kyoto Tower and Nishi Honganji - Mutsumikan, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
Mutsumikan has views facing the mountains. Photo: TripAdvisor
Mutsumikan is also located near Gero Onsen, a hot spring resort. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Great location just beside train station with views facing the mountains, caring service and superb onsen meals. Definitely would return to this inn if I visit Gero again. Very helpful staff who made sure we were comfortable throughout our stay there.”
Nearby attractions: Gero Onsen Gasshomura - Hidatei Hanougi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
Hidatei Hanougis guests are able to take in the famous seasonal views of Japan. Photo: TripAdvisor
Hidatei Hanaougi is situated amongst a quiet rich and natural environment where guests are able to take in the famous seasonal views of Japan. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “From the moment you arrive you are greeted with traditional warm Japanese hospitality. Very beautiful setting with beautiful old woodwork and amazing hot springs.”
Nearby attractions: Hikaru Museum and Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Market - Family Inn Saiko, Toshima, Tokyo Prefecture
Modern facilities are aplenty at Family Inn Saiko. Photo: TripAdvisor
Family Inn Saiko is a traditional inn with modern facilities – it is located in Tokyo. A TripAdvisor review commented, “I don’t think I have ever received such a lovely welcome to a hotel or inn. The family who run this place are so friendly and helpful. They could not have done more. They will have a chat with you over breakfast and make you feel at home.”
Nearby attractions: Mejiro Garden and Rikkyo University Ikebukuro Campus - Yokikan, Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture
Yokikan is situated in a resort area popular for its hot springs. Photo: TripAdvisor
This ryokan is about 100km southwest of Tokyo in the Izu Peninsula, a resort area popular for its hot springs, beautiful coastlines, beaches, mild climate and scenic mountainous interior.
A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “This ryokan is absolutely fantastic. It was the perfect place to relax after hiking Mt Fuji. The staff speaks great English and were extremely welcoming to us. The facilities were clean and full of convenient accommodations such as tea, water, massage chairs, and of course the onsen (public bath). The onsen is outdoors and the water comes from actual hot springs. All in all the room, onsen, and facilities were perfect.”
Nearby attractions: Tokaikan and Park Nagisa - Hakuba Onsen Ryokan Shiroumaso, Hakuba-mura, Nagano Prefecture
Hakuba Onsen Ryokan Shiroumaso boasts flawless service. Photo: TripAdvisor
This ryokan is in Hakuba, which is known to be the Japanese version of the Alps, with its multitudinous ski resorts. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Recommended by a friend, this ryokan was a great experience! We got everything we expected from good ryokan plus genuine great local food and unbelievable landscapes of Hakuba. Service was flawless too.”
Nearby attractions: Hakuba Jump Arena and Hakuba Happoone Ski ResortSources: https://www.star2.com/travel/hotels/2016/02/05/tripadvisor-names-japans-best-ryokan/#page-content
