Coming to Japan means soaking in hot springs — Top 7 Best Onsen Ryokan

▲ Japan is known as the paradise of hot springs. (Photo / courtesy ofRakuten Travel, the same below)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

When it comes to soaking in hot springs, Japan—the so-called paradise of hot springs—immediately comes to mind. There are countless onsen ryokan across the country.Rakuten Travel has publisheda ranking of ryokan with the best accommodation experiences,based on a questionnaire survey. The list features seven renowned inns from various hot spring resorts.If you have the chance to visit Japan, why not stay at one of these places, enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs, and treat yourself to a truly memorable experience?

Top 1. Kagaonsen, Ishikawa Prefecture — Kagaya
Even in a small town, no detail is overlooked, and the attentive hospitality at Kagaya, located in Wakura Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, earned it the top spot. Kagaya is committed to providing in-room dining services and has received high praise for its classic and heartwarming traditional Japanese "omotenashi" (hospitality). The inn’s traditional service, combined with seasonal mountain and sea delicacies, is especially commendable.

Address: 80 Yobe, Wakura-machi, Nanao-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Phone: 0767-62-1111

▲ Kagaya.

Top 2. Yumoto Onsen, Kinosaki, Hyogo Prefecture — Nishimuraya Honkan
With 150 years of tradition carried forward to this day, Nishimuraya in Kinosaki Onsen, Yumoto Town, Hyogo Prefecture, is the only authentic Japanese ryokan to rank near the top. Many say, “The reason to go to Kinosaki is to stay at Nishimuraya.” It’s an inn that inspires people to spend a tranquil journey there.

Address: 469 Yu岛, Yumoto-cho, Kinosaki-onsen, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo Prefecture
Phone: 0796-32-2211

▲ Nishimuraya.

Top 3. Gero Onsen, Gifu Prefecture — Suimeikan
Ranking third is Suimeikan in Gero Onsen, known for being the largest in scale. Located in one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs, Gero Onsen, the charm of this well-known hot spring ryokan lies in the ability to enjoy a hot spring pilgrimage within the inn, across three uniquely themed large baths—all without leaving the property.

Address: 1268 Koda, Gero-shi, Gifu Prefecture
Phone: 0576-25-2800

▲ Suimeikan.

Top 4. Ohya Sanso, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture — Yamaguchi Prefecture
Ranking fourth is Ohya Sanso in Yumoto Onsen, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which enjoys immense popularity in the Kansai region. The secret to its fame is its perfect balance of facilities, service, and cuisine. The ryokan offers two large baths where you can listen to the gentle sound of clear streams, along with diverse hot spring experiences such as granite and hinoki open-air baths, and herbal baths.

Address: 759-4103, Yumoto Onsen, Nagato-shi, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Phone: 0837-25-3221

▲Ogaya Villa.

Top 5. Shirahama, Wakayama – Calligraphy Hotel
Ranked 5th is Kaisei, located on a cape in Shirahama, Nanki, Wakayama. The inn offers sweeping ocean and sky views from every corner of the property, and its scattered cottages at the tip of the cape are especially popular among guests.

Address: 1698-1, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama
Phone: 0739-82-2220

▲Calligraphy Hotel.

Top 6. Aomori – Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya
Highly popular Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya ranks 6th. Here, guests can experience firsthand the four major Aomori festivals, including the Nebuta Festival, as well as enjoy traditional cultural performances such as Tsugaru shamisen music and folk songs. Many visitors specifically come to enjoy the high-caliber performances.

Address: 56, Komagike-yama, Misawa, Aomori Prefecture
Phone: 050-3786-0022

▲Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya.

Top 7. Kobe, Hyogo – Hotel Arima Onsen
Ranked 7th, Hotel Arima Onsen sits atop a small hill, offering stunning views of the Arima Onsen hot spring district. The observation bath “Unkai” on the top floor provides a splendid experience with views of the famed Arima “golden spring” and the majestic Tanba mountain range.

Address: 1304-1, Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe
Phone: 078-904-0181

▲Hotel Arima Onsen.