Stay in the best Japanese ryokan to experience traditional Japanese culture, warm hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail the country has become known for. These are Ker & Downey's favorite luxury ryokans to help you plan your journey to Japan.

For centuries, travelers along the Tokaido road in Japan have been resting their weary bodies in ryokans. Typically located in rural areas around hot spring towns, the traditional Japanese inns were developed for traveling samurai in the 17th century. Today, they serve as an excellent way to experience Japanese heritage and hospitality.

Within the ryokan, you can typically find tatami mat rooms and communal baths. However, the best Japanese ryokans also include some of our favorite Western amenities. This includes private baths, Western beds, and even gyms. And each day a chef prepares meals from fresh, local ingredients.

Best Ryokan in Kyoto

Beniya Mukaya | Located about an hour from Kanazawa, Beniya Mukaya’s 17 rooms have the minimalist feel of a traditional ryokan, but include private open-air baths that overlook a well-manicured Japanese garden. Enjoy tea ceremonies with the luxury ryokan’s owner, yoga sessions, the open-air hot springs, and spa treatments while there.

Hiiragiya | Hiiragiya is one of the best Japanese ryokans. Established in 1818, it has hosted a number of internationally known writers, artists, politicians, and members of the imperial family. Its 28 rooms have been individually designed and feature painted folding screens, wood beams, reed ceilings, traditional Japanese tatami mats, papered shoji windows, and sliding doors.

Tawaraya | Tawaraya is one of the oldest ryokan in Japan. Its Zen-like atmosphere invites you to relax and soak in the Japanese culture. Instead of focusing on interior decoration, the guest room focus on views of the private gardens. Meanwhile, traditional maids serve a 10-course traditional kaiseki dinner on a low table in your room.

Best Ryokan in Hakone Japan

Gora Kadan | Immerse yourself into the ancient Japanese way of life at Gora Kadan. Nestled in the tranquil foothills of Mt. Fuji, Gora Kadan exists within the grounds of the Imperial family’s former summer villa and is strewn with multiple open-air baths fed by the mineral-rich hot springs. A Relais & Châteaux property, it boasts 38 rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, spa services, and kaiseki cuisine for the ultimate luxury ryokan experience.

Best Ryokans in Kaga

Kayotei | Conceived by an architect, a craftsman, and a chef who dreamed of providing exquisite sukiya style and kaiseki cuisine within the serenity of Kaga’s majestic gardens and forested hills, Kayotei remains one of the best Japanese ryokans. Its 10 rooms are arranged in the traditional sukiya style of a tea ceremony pavilion. As such, they feature wood beams, sliding shoji paper doors, tatami mats, and hand painted scrolls in the tokonoma alcove. Plus, the surrounding region proves famous for its artisans and craftsmen. Indeed, the artwork and furniture throughout are pieces most Westerners only experience in museums.