A sweet family run onsen ryokan inn on the banks of Kinugawa Onsen in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. Perfect for those looking for a weekend getaway, staycation that’s easily accessible from Tokyo

Built in 1946, Hatori Ryokan is named for the former title of the area before the Edo Period and is currently helmed by the Yondaime (fourth generation family head). Found throughout the onsen ryokan are drawings of a stylised monkey found on kimonos by illustrator Ueda Miyuki which symbolises the playfulness of children and their families, and the hope for the future. A variety of rooms are available from traditional Japanese to modern fusion, with 8 of their rooms featuring open air baths.

Since 1868, Tachibana Shikitei in Yamashiro Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture has offered a quiet elegance, with its intimate live piano performances each evening. Recently renovated, their 20 rooms offer a sumptuous, luxurious experience with spacious designs and warm tatami floors, decorated with the beautiful crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture, whilst their upper floor suite rooms are a relaxing blend of both modern and Japanese aesthetics overlooking Kosoyu and Yakuoin Onsenji. Over half their rooms have open-air private onsen.

Turn a path down this onsen ryokan interior and feel like you’ve entered the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away in this original traditional annex dating back to 1884, with private guest rooms each with their own Japanese garden and 6 with open-air private onsen. Make sure to make time to visit in your travels Haiya Ryokan in Awara Onsen in Fukui Prefecture

Located in Nagano Prefecture is the stunning luxury Matsumoto Honbako, the onsen book hotel - a modern onsen ryokan where every room has it’s own private onsen. The ryokan is an advocate of bringing Asama Onsen town into the present, strengthening it for the future by giving new life to what was the former iconic Koyanagi ryokan under the Matsumoto Jujo project.

In Asama Onsen town in Nagano Prefecture, roughly 30mins drive from Matsumoto City - enjoy a luxe traditional onsen ryokan experience with Kai Matsumoto from the renown Hoshino Resorts portfolio. The onsen ryokan features traditional Japanese rooms with modern touches and several rooms have their own private onsen.

Located deep in the mountains of Akita Prefecture, is Nyuto Onsen where the traditional mountain onsen ryokan Tsuru no Yu can be found. Over 300 years old,stay in traditional Tohoku style architecture and relax in the milky blue waters of it’s outdoor onsen baths with gorgeous snowy views. An indoor private onsen is also available for guests to reserve.

Takimikan is a quaint, boutique traditional onsen ryokan made in the traditional ‘Taisho Roman ‘style; located on the hilltop of Ginzan Onsen Town overlooking Shirogane Falls in Yamagata Prefecture. It has a picturesque public outdoor onsen with impressive snowy winter views in winter. The annex building has a private onsen for annex guests to enjoy.