Japanese Onsen is a curated collection showcasing Japan’s premier ryokans and onsen, designed for a global audience eager to explore the authentic luxury and heritage of Japanese relaxation.
Japanese Onsen began life in 2023 with our founders, two ryokan and hot spring lovers who moved to Tokyo from the UK and fell in love with Japanese culture, hospitality, and food.
Our carefully curated collection includes ryokans with open air baths, ryokans with private onsen, ryokans with outstanding views and even ryokans for people with tattoos.
Our collection is truly exceptional, as each ryokan featured on our site has undergone and passed a stringent selection process.
For a ryokan to be part of our collection, it must deliver an experience that is both deeply authentic and utterly unforgettable. The welcome should be heartfelt and sincere; the rooms must evoke a sense of calm and intimacy, thoughtfully appointed. Dining should be a culinary journey, with each meal crafted with local, seasonal ingredients. Above all, the ryokan must offer a haven of relaxation. This will make the experience not just memorable, but truly worth it.
Our mission
Our mission is to be the largest and most comprehensive collection of ryokans and onsens in Japan.
The idea behind the site was to share the love for Japanese ryokans and onsens, and to connect with those who feel the same way. The founders quickly learned from experience how difficult it can be for international visitors to uncover Japanese hidden treasures, especially when many ryokans only have websites in Japanese.
This language barrier often means that truly special places remain just out of reach.
Japanese Onsen is here to change that. This site is designed to be a gateway, offering English-speaking travelers an easy way to discover ryokans by location or the type of onsen experience they’re seeking.
Come explore Japan’s natural beauty, one ryokan at a time.