What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Welcome to Tajimaya. This Minshuku is located in Magome along the Nakasendo road which was used extensively by travelers during the Edo Period. All the rooms at Tajimaya are Japanese-style, and all bathing and toilet facilities are shared among the guests. The Japanese "irori" (hearth) is over 100 years old and it is still in use. The owners of Tajimaya serve fresh, local cuisine in the ryokan's d
Welcome to Tawaraya. This gorgeous, first-class, historical Traditional Ryokan first opened for business almost 300 years ago in 1705. This ryokan has hosted such guests as the Rothschilds, the Rockefellers, European royalty, Leonard Bernstein, and Marlon Brando. Tawaraya has 18 Japanese-style rooms and each room has its own private bath and toilet. A traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast are
Welcome to Shimosagaya. Located in the mountain village of Tsumago, this Minshuku (Family Run Inn) provides relaxation and comfort amid the beautiful surroundings of the Kiso Valley. Guests are served home-style cuisine, fresh seasonal vegetables and river fish in Shimosagaya's dining area. There are only 4 guest's rooms at Shimosagaya. Good to know: At Shimosagaya, the TV is coins activated (100
Welcome to Arai Ryokan. This Luxurious Ryokan was built in 1872, and it embodies traditional Japanese style with its Japanese gardens, tatami mat rooms, and fine woodwork. There are 25 Japanese style guest rooms located in various private cottages at Arai Ryokan. A wooden bridge leads to the guest rooms, and the rooms themselves overlook either the Katsura River or the courtyard with its large pon
Welcome to Yagyunosho. This is a high-class, traditional Luxurious Ryokan located in the famous hot spring area of Shuzenji. The main building is made of Japanese "hinoki" (cypress) in the traditional Japanese "sukiya" architectural style. There are 16 Japanese-style rooms at Yagyunosho, including 2 rooms in a private guest residence. Each guest room has its own private bath and toilet. In the del
Welcome to Gosho Onsen Kanko Hotel. This Ryokan Hotel has 20 Japanese-style rooms and 4 Western-style rooms. There are indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for both women and men (same gender only). Fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables are served at Gosho Onsen Kanko Hotel throughout the year. Check-in time is after 15:00 and check-out time is before 10:00 am. Parking is available.
Welcome to Kanja. Located in the middle of Shirakawa-go, Kanja is a Gassho-Zukuri located on a hill with a very nice view of the surrounding area. From the entrance, guests can see Myozenji Temple. The owners of Kanja recently renovated the building and remade the traditional thatched roof typical of the gassho-zukuri in this part of Japan. There is a traditional Japanese-style hearth in the dinin
Welcome to the Fukuchi-in. This is a "shukubo" or Buddhist Temple (see definition of ryokan styles below) for guests who wish to stay on Mount Koya. This large, beautiful temple has 70 Japanese-style rooms and both indoor and outdoor baths for the guests. Fukuchi-in serves "shojin" cuisine which is traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Check in time is after 3:00pm, and check out time is befor
Welcome to Togetsutei. This beautiful Traditional Ryokan is located in the heart of Arashiyama. Togetsutei has 25 traditional Japanese-style rooms, and all of the rooms have their own private bath and toilet. There are shared indoor baths for both women and men at Togetsutei (same gender bathing only), and a sauna is also available. Japanese style meals are served in the privacy of the guest rooms
Welcome to Korakukan Jigokudani. This rustic mountain Minshuku is the nearest ryokan (only 100 meters) to the beautiful Jigokudani Yaen National Park in the mountains of the Yudanaka Onsen in Nagano. It is also known as the birthplace of "Go" (a Japanese strategy board game). Korakukan Jigokudani has 12 traditional Japanese-style rooms. There are indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for both women
