By / MOOK Scenic Spots Home Editorial Department Compilation & Report
As the weather gradually turns cooler, a steaming soak in a renowned hot spring is the top choice for soothing body and soul. A booking website has released its list of Japan’s Best Ryokan with Hot Springs in 2016. Focusing on ryokan with hot springs, the ranking was determined based on customer ratings and reputation, revealing the 2016 Hot Spring Ryokan Ranking. Topping the list for the second consecutive year is Fukushima’s “Nozawa Onsen Hotel,” closely followed by the rapidly rising favorite Yamagata Prefecture’s “Zao Onsen Zao International Hotel,” as well as Niigata Prefecture’s “Tsuganomori Onsen Mashu Hotel,” known for its “beauty-enhancing waters.”
Nozawa Onsen Hotel features a simple milky-white cloudy sulfur spring, making it the most beloved hot spring choice. (Image provided by Rakuten Travel)
For Japan’s 2016 Best Hot Spring Ryokan Ranking, please refer to:
|
Ranking |
Prefecture Name |
Ryokan |
|
1st Place |
Fukushima Prefecture |
Nozawa Onsen Hotel |
|
2nd Place |
Yamagata Prefecture |
Zao Onsen Zao International Hotel |
|
3rd Place |
Niigata Prefecture |
Tsuganomori Onsen Mashu |
|
4th Place |
Oita Prefecture |
Yufuin Onsen Sumika |
|
5th Place |
Shizuoka Prefecture |
Independent Natural Hot Spring Ryokan Where You Can Stay with Your Pet – Murphy |
|
6th Place |
Oita Prefecture |
Thatched-Roof Ryokan – Ryuno / Villa Yumuta |
|
7th Place |
Kagoshima Prefecture |
Kirishima Onsen Kirishima Hotel |
|
8th place |
Mie Prefecture |
Nagashima Hotel |
|
9th place |
Gunma Prefecture |
Mansaku Onsen Nisshinkan (formerly Mansaku Onsen Hotel) |
|
10th place |
Kumamoto Prefecture |
Hinagu Onsen Hamasen Ryokan |
|
11th place |
Oita Prefecture |
Yufuin Onsen Yufu no Iro YADOYA Ohashi |
|
12th place |
Shizuoka Prefecture |
Izu 0? Ryokan Kokorone – Gourmet Red Snapper |
|
13th place |
Akita Prefecture |
Japan’s Mountain Hot Spring Resort – Shin-Tamagawa Onsen |
|
14th place |
Iwate Prefecture |
Hanamaki Onsen Kamosen |
|
15th place |
Gunma Prefecture |
Kusatsu Onsen Ryokan Kinohira |
|
16th place |
Tokyo Metropolis |
SPA & HOTEL WA |
|
17th place |
Miyagi Prefecture |
Naruko Onsen – Premium Private Open-Air Bath at Onuma Ryokan |
|
No. 18 |
Gunma Prefecture |
Manza Onsen Manza Hotel Guraku |
|
No. 19 |
Gifu Prefecture |
Nagaragawa Onsen Juhachiro |
|
No. 20 |
Hokkaido |
Noboribetsu Onsen Dai-Ichi Takimotokan |
•A 24-hour hot spring: Fukushima’s Yukyu Onsen tops the list for two years in a row
Nestled at an altitude of 1,200 meters in Fukushima Prefecture, “Yadani Onsen Ryokan” claimed the top spot again in 2016 with its distinctive milky white sulfur spring, having won first place in 2015. This type of spring is highly effective for gynecological conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and neuralgia. Guests can soak in the smooth, white bubbles to relax both body and mind. The inn offers six different types of baths, including the popular 24-hour open-air bath and the hinoki (cypress) bath. With its premium water quality, precise temperature control, diverse bath options, and thoughtful atmosphere, the ryokan wins the hearts of every visitor.
Listen quietly to the sound of hot spring drops, and Zao Onsen makes you forget all worldly concerns. (Image provided by Rakuten Travel)
•Escape the hustle and bustle: Wooden hot spring ryokans where time stands still
Ranked No. 2, “Zao Onsen Zao Kokusai Hotel” is renowned for its 100% natural onsen water sourced directly from the springs. From the bathtub to the ceiling, the entire structure is made of wood. The inn features two spacious stone-built open-air baths at different temperatures, creating a warm and nostalgic ambiance. The air carries a faint scent of hot spring, allowing visitors to escape the noise and fully immerse themselves in the milky white sulfur springs—experiencing what it truly means to “bathe in silky spring waters that cleanse the skin like jade.” It’s the most healing hot spring experience.
Tsukigata’s beauty-enhancing spring has skin-whitening and exfoliating effects. (Image provided by Rakuten Travel)
•Head to Niigata to become more beautiful—don’t miss the emerald beauty spring
Ranked No. 3, “Tsukigata Onsen Mashu” is the kind of hidden hot spring gem only insiders know about. Its highlight is an alkaline sulfur spring known for its skin-beautifying properties—commonly referred to as a “beauty spring”—with water that has a slightly thick, emerald green hue. Guests can enjoy 100% natural onsen water in four different open-air baths with varying scenery and two private baths. After soaking, your skin will feel silky smooth even two days later, leaving visitors amazed at how effective it is—better than applying lotion.