Akita

Meaning “Escape from society”, and with no other houses or hotels in the vicinity, this ryokan is an ideal place in which to relax and rejuvenate amid luxury. Miyakowasure takes its name from the small deep purple tea flowers that grow in the garden.  Overlooking a tranquil lake, the majority of the guestrooms feature a private onsen (hot spring bath). Sample a flight of local nihonshu (sake) complemented by a multi-course dinner made using Akita’s fresh local ingredients, and enjoy Miyakowasure’s hearty breakfast, served in multiple courses. The welcoming deep silence here allows one to hear the trickling water from the stream, the life of the woods, the birds singing, even the sound of soft snow falling.

Set in the mountains covered with trees along the Sendatsu River, this unique onsen (hot spring) features five separate bath locations. Every evening they are switched in order to allow men and women to experience them all. The open-air bath, which is gender mixed, feels like an infinity pool, and overlooks a giant waterfall at the edge of the space. One indoor bath has a rock-lined edge filled with orange-golden colour water, and is almost an open-air bath itself, providing views of the forest outside its wooden overhang. 
Another indoor bath is filled with stones and clear water, allowing one to experience a foot massage when you press your feet against the bottom of the bath. Enjoy leisurely breakfasts and afternoon tea served in the dining area amid mountain views. Savour multi-course dinners complemented by Akita’s local sake, or nihonshu, produced from Akita-grown rice and pure spring water.

With its spectacular location amidst the beautiful nature of Hokkaiko and the healing waters of Noboribetsu onsen, Takinoya is an elegant and friendly place to ease both body and mind.

A former “herring estate” built on 1873, Ginrinsou, with its superb service, breathtaking views and fine architecture, is one of Hokkaido’s finest ryokan.

Showcasing the finest in art, culture and nature, combined with exquisite arts and crafts by local Yamanaka craftsmen, this is a splendid traditional ryokan.

Beautiful traditional buildings and delightful mountain produce make this a memorable ryokan.

Offering a blend of Kyoto interspersed with art and onsen (hot spring), this Japanese style hotel is set around a 910-metre deep natural hot spring in the centre of Kyoto. Guestrooms are adorned with Japanese tatami (woven straw mats) and the semi-open air onsen on the top (8^th) floor offers wonderful views of Higashiyama, and Kyoto Gozan, which is famous for its incredible ceremonial bonfire.

Featuring a total of eight guestrooms, this small community-based luxury hotel was especially designed to showcase an enticing “amenities that enliven the five senses” concept. The guestrooms have a traditional Japanese with modern flair concept, and were modelled akin to historic Kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto-style wooden townhouses). Each guestroom is at least 50sqm is size, and features authentic elegant Japanese style spaces with myriad facilities to allow guests to relax and unwind.

Offering a fascinating traditional setting and a maiko dinner plan, this tranquil ryokan guarantees a relaxing stay.

Featuring Taisho Period style and interior design, combined with modern comforts, this ryokan offers a unique taste of two worlds.

This ryokan’s spacious 18 rooms located in a new building next to the century old Otani Sanso ryokan carries on the traditions of omotenashi in a breathtaking setting.

Guests here can experience attentive service and exquisite cuisine amid lovingly preserved, centuries old kura buildings in the heart of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

Located near the city of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Arima has been a popular weekend getaway for residents of Kobe, Kyoto and Osaka for well over a thousand years. At Nakanobo, everywhere you look there are beautiful touches of tradition and refined taste, as well as premium hospitality – all designed to help its guests relax and ease them into the calm, tranquil onsen lifestyle.

Takefue’s location,nestled in a bamboo grove, gives it a unique otherworldly air, this and its exquisite food, beautiful outdoor baths, rustic authenticity and premium service make this an outstanding ryokan.

Built in 1931 by John Kanaya, this is Japan’s oldest Western-style hotel. Located in the heart of the renowned Kinugawa Onsen resort, it faces the mountains and the Kinugawa River. Besides a private onsen in most guestrooms, there are also two large communal onsen, complemented by kaiseki cuisine showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, and an art deco cigar lounge.

A friendly atmosphere and fine cuisine complement glorious bathing and lovely surroundings to make Yama no Chaya a restful escape, close to Tokyo. The wooden building stand quietly on a hillside, next to a suspension bridge above the Hayakawa Gorge.

Situated a mere 90 minutes from Tokyo on the Shinkansen bullet train in Bandai Atami, this intimate 9-guestroom ryokan is set around three distinctive and unique attractions: Goshikinuma (5-coloured lakes), Lake Inawashiro and Aizuwakamatsu Castle.

The mixed Japanese and Balinese interior design, magnificent views of the Mountains of Hakone and a full range of pampering spa services. along with the marvelous hot spring baths, make Hakone-Ginyu a perfect place to seek inspiration.

Located on the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, Seiryuso is a convenient escape from Tokyo. The breezes and palm trees give it a tropical ambience, and the 50-meter pool with natural onsen hot spring water is a rare delight.

Hakuunsou’s homey yet elegant atmosphere and beautiful open-air baths by the Chitose River make this ryokan a fine choice for a deeply relaxing stay.

Surrounded by bamboo forest, Yagyu-No-Sho embodies the essential simplicity of traditional Japan, with exquisite kaiseki cuisine and Kendo and Mai practices on the premises.

Only 40 minutes from Tokyo on the Shinkansen (bullet train), this luxurious and relaxing ryokan offers serenity, onsen (hot spring) pampering, fine dining, and innovative personalised service in a quiet and discreet setting.