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

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

Okutama Onsenkyo is a locally run onsen ryokan in Tokyo which is a perfect local respite at the edge of the city’s borders where one can be immersed in stunning nature, forests, clear waters and beautiful surroundings. A wonderful little getaway to escape the concrete jungle of Tokyo city

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.

Imaiso is a lovely onsen ryokan located in the next town over from Kawazu, Shizuoka prefecture featuring traditional Japanese style rooms with glorious views of the ocean. Private onsen are available for reservation. Their outdoor public onsen is very pretty with views of the ocean to enjoy.

A luxurious modern onsen ryokan in Tsuchiyu Onsen town in Fukushima Prefecture, with only 9 rooms. All rooms have private indoor onsen baths with fresh flowing onsen water pouring directly into it. Their premium villa has it’s own private outdoor onsen. All other shared onsens between guest are privately reserved for you at certain times during your stay, so one can enjoy a private onsen experience

A larger style onsen ryokan in Aizu Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, sat on a hill overlooking beautiful scenery with easy access to local sights, and a local sake specialty bar on the premises. A variety of rooms are available, in traditional Japanese style or Japanese/Western style with bathrooms. A semi open air private onsen is available to be reserved for a fee

A picturesque onsen ryokan lit by oil lamps hidden in a valley deep in the mountains of Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture. Four stunning public onsens to soak in and admire the natural beauty surrounding you. No reception in the area, or electricity in the rooms - a perfect place to go off the grid for a couple nights. Especially beautiful to enjoy yukimi-buro (snow viewing bath) in winter, but lovely in all seasons. Day trips are also possible.

A local family-run onsen ryokan in Towada, perfectly situated between Hakkoda Mountains, Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada in Aomori, Japan. Rooms are traditional Japanese tatami rooms, whilst dinners are a delicious traditional Japanese kaiseki feast full of local flavours and specialties. There is also a private onsen available for reservation.

A gorgeous onsen ryokan in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture famed for its early Kawazu zakura cherry blossoms in late February, this charming onsen ryokan features private villas with some featuring an outdoor private onsen in your room and a beautiful koi pond at your feet. A relaxing stay to get away from the concrete jungle of Tokyo along the way to Kyoto. A perfect alternative to an onsen ryokan stay in Hakone with private onsen

Set in the countryside of Shizuoka Prefecture, lying between the travel routes of Tokyo and Kyoto is the luxurious onsen ryokan Seiryuso, with sublime rooms boasting spectacular private onsen for guests to enjoy as well as traditional Japanese kaiseki in the comfort of your own room

an easy onsen ryokan getaway between Tokyo and Kyoto, Villa Garden Ishinoya offers rooms with private onsen set around a traditional Japanese garden. A perfect alternative to a Hakone onsen ryokan stay. Stay two nights to enjoy truly spectacular traditional Japanese kaiseki.