Best Ryokans in Japan Top 10

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Gora Kadan in Hakone, 1300, Gora, Hakone, Kanagawa-ken, 250-0408

The luxurious ryokan Gora Kadan with its indoor and outdoor hot springs (onsen) is the most famous in Hakone. It was the former summer villa of the Kanin-no-miya imperial family. In 1952 it was turned into a ryokan. Guests gave the property the rating - Exceptional. All 39 rooms are individually furnished. Enjoy premium bedding, free WiFi, air conditioning, bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries and much more.

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Syukubo Ekoin in Koyasan, 497 Koyasan, Koya, Wakayama-ken, 6480211

Ekoin with its 35 Japanese styled guest rooms is located within an 1000 year old Buddhist temple. Each room offers great views over the inner garden. Guests are allowed to participate on Buddhist morning ceremonies. Which in itself is a unique experience. Guests gave the property the rating - Exceptional.

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Iwaso on Miyajima, Momijidani Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima-ken, 739-0522

Iwaso Inn was founded in 1854 by Iwakuniya Sobei. It is a more luxurious ryokan and is located near the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 42 traditional Japanese rooms, the great outdoor and indoor onsen and the surrounding landscape will make your stay unforgettable. Iwaso Inn offers free shuttle service from Miyajima Ferry Terminal. Guests gave the property the rating - Exceptional.

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Sumiyoshi Ryokan in Takayama, 4-21 Honmachi, Takayama, Gifu-ken, 506-0011

Sumiyoshi Ryokan with its 38 rooms was built during the Taisho period in 1912. It gets always very high guest satisfaction scores. Located in the center of Takayama along the Miyagawa River. A perfect and beautiful place to relax in an indoor mineral hot spring (onsen).

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Sawaya Honten in Kyoto, 25 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8397

This beautiful ryokan has 13 individually decorated rooms. Enjoy the indoor public bath, Japanese garden and the rooms offer free WiFi, air conditioning, free bottled water, bathrooms with toilets, flat-screen TV, fridges and much more. Many attractions like the Kyoto Imperial Palace can be found nearby.

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Nikko Hoshinoyado, 1115 Kamihatsuishi-machi, Nikko, Tochigi-ken, 321-1401

Nikko Hoshinoyado offers 21 guestrooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, safes, 32-inch HDTVs, toilets with electronic bidets, showers and much more. Enjoy also the fantastic indoor mineral hot spring (onsen). Guests gave this ryokan the rating - Exceptional.

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Wakakusa no Yado Maruei Ryokan, 498 Kodachi, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, 401-0302

This fantastic ryokan is located near Lake Kawaguchi. It offers 50 rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, safes, bathrooms with bidets and shower/tub combinations and much more. Enjoy also the outdoor public bath (no minerals). Guests gave this ryokan the rating - Exceptional.

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Asukasou in Nara, 1113-3 Takabatake-cho, Nara, Nara-ken, 630 8301

Asukasou is a modern 3 star ryokan near Kintetsu Nara St. and offers 27 Japanese-style rooms and 4 Western-style rooms. Every room has their own private bath, free WiFi, air conditioning and much more. It offers great Japanese cuisine. The multilingual staff will give you an comfortable stay. Guests gave this ryokan the rating - Exceptional.

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Gion Ryokan Karaku in Kyoto, 499 Minamigawa Gionmachi,Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0074

All 19 rooms feature free WiFi, air conditioning, safes, bathrooms with bidets, fridges, daily housekeeping and much more. Many attractions like the Kiyomizu-dera Temple are nearby. The guest ratings for this property have only one word: Exceptional.

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Nikko Senhime Monogatari, Yasukawa-cho 6-48, Nikko, Tochigi, 321-1432

The 4 star accommodation offers a hot spring, sauna and a free shuttle service. Guest gave this place the rating Exceptional. Each of the large 44 rooms has air conditioning, safe, flat-screen TV and much more. The beautiful Rinnoji Temple is just 250m away.

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