A truly charming small onsen ryokan run by a local family in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture. The property has perfect access by the famed Kawazu Loop, with easy access to the well-loved seven waterfalls of Nanadaru and its swimsuit friendly public onsen, along with many of the hiking trails. In an area beloved for its cherry blossoms, and a perfect stop over point between Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto.

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