Overview Ryokans in Japan

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. During the Edo period (1603–1868) Japanese Inns or Ryokans were established to offer sleeping places to travellers along the old trading routes. The simplicity and beauty of such places is unmatched and very popular among tourists and locals. The house is usually a wooden construction with tatami-matted flooring, dining areas and communal or private baths. A one night stay there should be on your must-do list. It was one of the best experiences I had during my trips in Japan.

Best Ryokans in Kyoto

Kyoto with its 1600 Buddhist temples, 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 400 Shinto shrines will give you a deep insight of Japan's history. Combine this with a stay in a traditional ryokan and enjoy the atmosphere.

Best Ryokans in Kyoto

Best Ryokans in Kobe

Kobe is considered as one of Japan's most beautiful cities. The location between the Rokko mountain range and the sea is amazing. It is the seventh largest city of the country and the capital of the Hyogo Prefecture. Check out the list of great accommodations there.

Best Ryokans in Kobe

Best Ryokans in Nara

Nara, a former capital of Japan (710 - 784), offers 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is with Kyoto one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My personal highlight was the visit of the Todai-ji Temple (Great Eastern Temple) and one night in a ryokan.

Best Ryokans in Nara

Best Ryokans in Ise and Toba

The Ise Shrine (Ise Jingu) in Ise city is the most sacred place in the Shinto Religion in Japan. Millions of visitors coming to this place every year. I stayed there for 3 nights in a ryokan and visited also the Meoto-iwa (Wedded Rocks) and the Toba Aquarium. It is one of the largest in the country.

Best Ryokans in Ise and Toba

Best Ryokans in Nagoya

Nagoya is the 4th largest city in Japan. I stayed one night here on my Shinkansen trip from Tokyo to Osaka. My personal highlights there were the Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon Temple.

Best Ryokans in Nagoya

Best Ryokans in Japan Top 10

Enjoy this handpicked selection by the japan365days team of the best Ryokans in Japan. Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions.

Best Ryokans in Japan

Best Ryokans in Miyajima

Stay at a traditional ryokan on Miyajima Island and explore the well-known Itsukushima Shrine with its famous huge torii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered as one of the three most scenic spots of Japan.

Best Ryokans in Miyajima

Best Ryokans in Nikko

Many temples and shrines of Nikko are a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. My personal highlight was the famous Tosho-gu shrine complex. During my two visits there I stayed in traditional ryokans.

Best Ryokans in Nikko

Best Ryokans in Osaka

The bustling heart of the Kansai region is Osaka. It is the 3rd largest city in Japan. My personal highlights were the Osaka Castle, Dotonbori district, best food in Japan and much more. My recommended list of ryokan places can be found in the overview.

Best Ryokans in Osaka

Best Ryokans in Toyko

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is part of the biggest metropolitan area in the world. It is my number one destination in Japan together with Kyoto. Besides all the futuristic and modern architecture ryokans offer you the chance to jump back in time and to enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603 – 1868). Have a look at my handpicked list of ryokans.

Best Ryokans in Toyko

Best Ryokans in Hiroshima

Over one million visitors from all over the world come here to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in the center of the city. I stayed for two days here and the atmosphere was more laid-back compared to places like Tokyo or Osaka. Check out the list of great ryokan accommodations in Hiroshima.

Best Ryokans in Hiroshima

Best Ryokans in Hakone

Hakone is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Tokyo (100km away). After a long hiking tour around Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park I booked a traditional ryokan, soaked in a hot spring bath and enjoyed the moment.

Best Ryokans in Hakone

Best Ryokans in Shiobara

This unique place within the Oita Prefecture is very popular for hot springs, great hiking trails and beautiful nature. Btw there are approx. 100 waterfalls in the Shiobara Valley. Enjoy an hot spring bath in the valley and deeply relax in one the famous ryokans there.

Best Ryokans in Shiobara

Best Ryokans in Beppu (Oita Prefecture)

Beppu is the second largest city within the Oita Prefecture at the east coast of Kyushu. It is the most popular hot spring resort area in Japan with more than 8 million visitors each year. Enjoy your stay in one of the beautiful ryokans.

Best Ryokans in Beppu

More Ryokan and Hotels offers in Japan