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Get ready for the ultimate Kyoto retreat! 🌸🇯🇵 In this post, I have handpicked the 7 Best Ryokans with Private Onsen in Kyoto, Japan. Ryokan blends tradition and modern comfort, offering a warm hospitality (omotenashi) and an exclusive soak in your private hot spring. Nothing is more beautiful than watching snowfall while soaking in the hot spring. That’s why I pick Kyoto as one of the best places to visit in December. Let’s dive into a journey of relaxation and charm – Kyoto style!f
What is Ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a unique and immersive accommodation experience. It’s known for its hospitality, tranquility, and attention to detail. There is no better way to experience traditional Japanese living than staying in one of the authentic Ryokans in Kyoto, the old capital of Japan.
They typically feature traditional Japanese architecture with tatami mat flooring, sliding paper doors, and low wooden tables. Forget Western-style beds – in ryokans, you’ll find comfy futons laid out on tatami floors for the night. Guests are also often provided with yukata, a casual cotton kimono, to wear during their stay. You will enjoy kaiseki, a multi-course meal that showcases seasonal and regional ingredients. The presentation is elaborate, and the dining experience is considered an integral part of the stay and often included. Many ryokans are located in areas with natural hot springs (onsen), and guests can enjoy either communal or private bathing experience. They are designed to provide a tranquil and serene environment. You may also be interested in my blog post “Where to Stay in Nara, Japan” as Nara offers some ryokan accommodations.
Staying in a ryokan in Kyoto offers a chance to experience the rich cultural traditions of Japan and provides a contrast to more modern hotel accommodations. It’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in the aesthetics, customs, and hospitality deeply rooted in Japanese history. So, here are the 7 Best Ryokans with Private Onsen in Kyoto.
1. Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo
- History; Ryokan Yachiyo in Kyoto traces its history to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (16th century) when it operated a fish market. Established near the Imperial Palace, it gained prestige as a supplier to the palace. The family resiliently protected the market during the Meiji Restoration. Subsequently, in the post-war period, they transitioned into operating a culinary ryokan, thus carrying on their legacy as both a restaurant and an inn. Today, it is one of the most authentic and historical Ryokans in Kyoto.
- Location; Located next to Nanzen-ji which is a significant Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, established in the 13th century, you’ll be able to stroll through many temples and gardens. It’s also a convenient 10-minute walk to Heian Shrine, characterized by a striking red torii gate and expansive gardens. The shrine attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, particularly during cherry blossom season. It’s about a 30-minute subway ride from Kyoto Central Station or a 20-minute taxi ride.
- Rooms & Facilities; There are 19 rooms in total, with 6 featuring a private outside bath. Each room is uniquely designed, with some offering direct access to the garden and others featuring Western-style beds instead of futons. Indulge in the renowned restaurant known for its exquisite tofu dishes. Enjoy Japanese-style breakfast and dinner, but you can also request Western-style or vegetarian options.
2. Seryo
- Garden; One of the main attraction of Seryo is their traditional garden. As is typical with all Japanese gardens, their garden showcases the intertwining of untouched nature with careful planning. All nine rooms face the garden, and some of them feature a private garden and pond with koi fish. The garden was designed so that each season presents its distinctive beauty.
- Location; It is out of town. (45-minute drive from Kyoto St. or 1-hour subway ride) But Seryo is for those who seek a peaceful and quiet environment. The area is called “Ohara” known for its scenic landscapes, traditional architecture, and historic temples. It offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views of mountains and rice fields. The area is particularly charming during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. Seryo Ryokan is only a two minutes walk to Sanzen-in temple which is associated with the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism and is one of the key temples in Kyoto. It’s renowned for its stunning moss garden. There are many cute souvenir stores and tea rooms in this charing little town.
- Rooms & Facilities; Two rooms have their own private outdoor onsen. They also offer two gender-separated communal onsens as well as relaxing room facing the garden. Seryo is known as Ryori Ryokan (cuisine ryokan). They utilize locally sourced vegetables from Kyoto and those harvested from their own garden.
3. Hotel Yuraku Kyoyasaka
- Modern Ryokan; Opened in December 2022, Yuraku Kyoyasaka is a modern boutique ryokan. While all rooms come with beds instead of futons on the floor, they combine the spirit of traditional ryokan hospitality with modern facilities including a spa and cafe lounge.
- Location; Conveniently located in Higashiyama area where you can easily walk to many temples and tourists attractions. Within walking distance, you can explore places such as; Yasaka shrine, established over 1,350 years ago, is the most famous shrine in Japan, featuring the iconic five-story pagoda at its entrance. Maruyama Park is right next to Yasaka shrine and is home to almost 700 cherry trees. Hanami-koji is the main street in Gion where you’re likely to see maiko (apprentice geisha). Kiyomizu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic Buddhist temple in the World. You will find many kimono shops and little boutique stores in the preserved historic streets in the area.
- Rooms & Facilities; All 13 rooms come with a spacious private onsen either outdoors or indoors. You can enjoy Kaiseki breakfast as well as afternoon tea with home-made seasonal sweets in the lounge. While they don’t have a restaurant serving dinner, there are plenty of options in the area. They also have a sister hotel nearby (they can drive you there for free).
4. Ryotei Rangetsu
- Togetsu Bridge; The main attraction of Ryotei Rangetsu is the view of Togetsu Bridge (Moon-crossing bridge). The origin of the name comes from a poem read by an emperor in the 13th century, who saw the moon appear to be crossing the bridge.
- Location; The ryokan is located a block away from the Togetsu Bridge in a picturesque district of Arashiyama. Within the walking distance, you can visit the iconic Bamboo Grove. The dense bamboo creates a unique interplay of light and shadow, offering a captivating atmosphere, especially during different times of the day. Tenryu-ji Temple is also only 4 minutes walk from the ryokan. The temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site, features a stunning rock garden and offers visitors beautiful views of the Arashiyama mountains. A must visit in Kyoto. You can also enjoy boat rides along the Hozugawa river.
- Rooms & Facilities; Three rooms have a private onsen bath outdoors overlooking the river. The natural spring in the area contains carbonated soda which is supposed to make your skin smooth and silky. They also provide two separate communal onsen for men and women. Both breakfast and dinner are served in your room.
5. Syoenso Hozugawatei
- Authentic Onsen; Syoenso offers a variety of onsen experiences, including an open-air rock bath, cypress bath, and medicinal bath. Additionally, there’s the option of a private in-room onsen. If you prefer privacy, you can also reserve a communal bath for yourself with a fee. Sauna and jacuzzi are also available. It’s one of the best ryokans in Kyoto if you’d like to fully enjoy Japanese onsen culture.
- Location; Syoenso is located in Yunohana Hot Spring district. It’s a bit out of the way. From the Kyoto Central Station, take Sagano line to Kameoka (20 minutes), then take a shuttle service provided by the ryokan (15 minutes). (make sure to call to confirm your arrival). The location is perfect for those planning to join Hozugawa river cruise. It’s a 2-hour sightseeing boat rides down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama. You will board traditional boats guided by boatmen using bamboo poles. It’s very popular during the fall foliage season. The ryokan is also conveniently located for those who are planning to board a “Sagano Romantic Train” which also runs along the Hozugawa river to Arashiyama.
- Rooms & Facilities; There are six different types of rooms including western-style and full Japanese style. Some come with a private onsen bath outdoors. Note, some rooms are smoking rooms, so make sure to ask for non-smoking if you don’t smoke. Fresh fish, sourced daily from the Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market, is prepared with locally grown, seasonal vegetables. Additionally, their beef and boar meats come from local farms. Note, meals are not served in your room.
6. Nazuna Kyoto Nijojo
- Machiya; Nazuna offers a unique experience, allowing the guests to stay in one of their renovated “machiya” (traditional Japanese wooden townhouse). Machiya houses often include a small courtyard or garden, and they are designed to maximize space in a limited area. Nazuna has a few ryokans in Kyoto, but my recommendation is the one in Nijojo area. Nazuna Nijojo successfully renovated a machiya and combined with modern style, making this one of the unique ryokan in Kyoto.
- Location; It’s located in one of the historical district in Kyoto, right next to Nijo Castle. Built in the early 17th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a prominent cultural and historical landmark. The castle is known for its “nightingale floors” that chirp when walked upon serving as a security measure to detect intruders. The castle includes the elegant Ninomaru Palace with intricate Kano school paintings, beautiful gardens, and historical significance as the former residence of Tokugawa shoguns. The site offers a glimpse into Japanese history, architecture, and traditional gardens. You can also walk to Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former ruling palace of the Imperial family, as well as Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, once part of the Imperial Palace grounds. Nishiki Market with its array of food stalls and shops, is also less than a 30-minutes walk away.
- Rooms & Facilities; All five rooms have their own private outdoor bath. The lounge serves kaiseki breakfast and dinner (requires reservation).
7. Momijiya Bekkan Kawanoiori
- Suspension bridge; To access Momijiya Bekkan, you’ll need to cross the private suspension bridge. It’s like entering into another world. The place is surrounded by Japanese maples and Kitayama cedars. In the summer you’ll enjoy the fireflies in the Kiyotaki river, while the Japanese maples (Momiji) will brighten the area during the fall foliage season.
- Location; It’s about 30 minute drive from the Kyoto Central Station. The nearest train station is Hanazono St. (10 minutes from Kyoto Station). From there, a taxi ride to the ryokan is about 10 minutes. They also offer a shuttle service from Hanazono St. (call to confirm). The ryokan is located at the foot of Takao mountain known for its maples trees. There are many hiking routes along the river. You can walk to Jingo-ji temple. The main hall, a three-story pagoda, and the Taho-to Pagoda are notable features. Accessible by hiking trails, Jingo-ji is especially popular during autumn, offering a serene retreat with vibrant foliage.
- Rooms & Facilities; There are eight rooms in Bekkan (Annex), some of which do not have a bath. So, make sure to ask for a room with a private bath when booking. Note, there is a separate main building which you will have access to. You can enjoy your dinner at Kawadoko, a traditional Japanese dining platform built over a river, allowing you to experience the sights and sounds of the flowing water while enjoying your meal!
Finally
I have listed the 7 best ryokans with private onsen in Kyoto Japan. I hope the list will help you decide which ryokan to stay in Kyoto. These ultimate ryokans with private onsen offer not just a place to stay, but a journey into tranquility and luxury. But there are many ryokans inside and outside Kyoto, so wherever you decide to stay, enjoy the Japanese hospitality and the soothing waters of private onsens. Let me know your experience.