You always wanted to experience the famous Japanese  ryokan but you don’t know which one to choose?

Don’t worry anymore, we will help you to make your choice with a list of the 5 most popular in Japan.

This ranking has been made by selected-ryokan.com and all the scores were calculated according to the review of the customers themselves.

Using this ranking system, we believe that the 5 following Ryokan are going to be amazing and according to their pictures, they look absolutely beautiful. But before to start, let’s explain what is really a Ryokan.

What is a ryokan ?
During Edo period, the borders were closed so eventually, people get bored and started to travel a lot. All these travellers needed a place where to sleep on their way to Kyoto or Tokyo for example so people started to build inns to host them. This type of inn, the so called Ryokan, became part of Japanese culture and they are now famous worldwide.

What is so special with this kind of “hotels”? Well, they are not the usual hotels at all as they follow many Japanese traditions. They have tatami-matted rooms so you sleep on a futon on the floor. I personally love this way of sleeping, so comfortable. Of course, you wear no shoes inside the ryokan. Most of the time, you should wear a Yukata, a traditional Japanese Kimono. The other special feature is that most of the Ryokan have their own onsen, the Japanese hot spring.

Ok, so now as you know a bit more about the Ryokan in Japan, let’s see which ones are the best.

 

Kozantei Ubuya
The Kozantei Ubuya is definitely one of the best Ryokan in Japan. It is located in Kawaguchiko and it has probably the best view you can imagine when you are enjoying your onsen. Indeed, the Kozantei Ubuya is on the banks of the lake Kawaguchi and you can see the beautiful Mont Fuji in front of you. Magical!

 

Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso
Very similar to the previous Ryokan, the Konanso Onsen Hotel has again a beautiful location and amazing onsen with a view on Mount Fuji. Difficult to pick my favorite between those two Ryokan, they are both awesome!

 

Arashiyama Benkei
We leave Kawaguchiko to go to Kyoto and Arashiyama. Famous for its bamboo grooves, the Arashiyama Benkei has been built in the middle of Arashiyama nature, surrounded by trees and grass. Ideal for relaxation and meditation.

 

Momijiya Annex
We stay in Kyoto with the cozy Momijiya Annex, again surrounded by a beautiful Nature.

 

Yoshimatsu – Hakone Ryokan
We finish our selection of the best Ryokan in Japan with Yoshimatsu, which is located in Hakone. Hakone is a beautiful mountainous area at 2 hours from Tokyo by train. If you want to spend a peaceful night in Hakone, the Yoshimatsu Ryokan is definitely the answer!

I hope you enjoy this selection of the best Ryokan in Japan. I hope you will have the opportunity to spend time in one of them.

If you are staying in Japan for on a long-term basis and you are looking for an accommodation, please check our website Japan Room Finder. We add new properties regularly so I’m sure you will find your ideal accommodation in Japan. 🙂

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See you soon! 🙂

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