Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that offer a unique and authentic experience of Japan’s rich culture. While typically found in rural areas, you can enjoy the luxurious privacy of a private onsen right in bustling Tokyo.
I live in Tokyo, and I’m amazed that I don’t have to go far to enjoy the privacy and luxury of a private onsen. If you’ve never experienced a ryokan with private onsen in Tokyo, this guide will highlight the top places to stay for a memorable trip.
Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa
Located in Asakusa, the traditional heart of Tokyo, Cyashitsu Ryokan offers a true Japanese experience with its authentic rooms.
Imagine relaxing in a room with tatami mats and futons, and some even have their own private open-air bath!
This is perfect for cooling down after a busy day exploring the city. If those special rooms are all booked, no worries, you can still enjoy some private time in the rooftop onsen. It’s a great way to see the city from above and relax at the same time.
Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa
Right in the center of Tokyo, Prostyle Ryokan blends modern amenities with the charm of a traditional inn.
The rooms are sleek and contemporary, and some come with their own open-air onsen overlooking the famous Tokyo Skytree.
If you’re watching your budget, there are also more affordable rooms with semi-private onsens. Plus, this ryokan welcomes everyone, including guests with tattoos, so everyone can enjoy the private onsen experience without any hassles.
Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa
Ryokan Kamogawa offers a serene retreat right in the heart of Asakusa, only a three-minute walk from the iconic Sensoji Temple. It has a private hot bath on site which can be reserved in advance by all guests.
The private baths that can be used without water restrictions from 16:00 to 23:00. Ryokan Kamogawa is perfect for those looking for budget friendly traditional accommodation right in Tokyo.
The rooms here have tatami floors and every room has its own private toilet. It’s perfect for families looking for relaxation. The ryokan features a cafe onsite and while you can reserve breakfast, dinners are not included in your stay.
Stay Sakura Yokozuna
Stay Sakura Yokozuna was once upon a time a sumo stable not turned hotel. This traditional accommodation is located in Asakusa, walking distance from main attractions like the Sensoji Temple, Hanayashiki, and Hoppy Street.
The main highlight is its deluxe rooms, which come with a private onsen. The hotel’s sumo heritage and proximity to traditional crafts and experiences make it a great place to stay for people looking for Japanese culture in Tokyo.
Prices here start from as little as $70 per night, but the deluxe room with private onsen is a bit on the pricer side, starting from $300 per night, although it does accommodate a family of 6.
Manyo no Yu Machida
For those looking to enjoy a full Japanese onsen experience without leaving Tokyo, Manyo no Yu Machida is the spot.
Open 24/7, this onsen complex offers a variety of baths set in picturesque natural surroundings and the option to stay overnight in rooms equipped with a private open-air onsen.
Ideal for couples or families, it also provides a range of amenities including spa services and traditional Japanese attire for a truly immersive experience.
Stunning ryokan with private onsen near Tokyo
It’s common practice to visit ryokans with onsen just outside of Tokyo. Many people, myself included, reserve a nice wellness weekend somewhere not further than 2-3 hours outside of the capital. Given that Japan has excellent infrastructure, it’s so easy and fun to visit what feels like a remote authentic ryokan, with proper hot spring baths and dinner and breakfast included as per proper Japanese hospitality.
Here are my absolute favorite ryokans which come with private onsen and are located near Tokyo so you can also have a relaxing weekend away.
Gora Kadan
Gora Kadan is an incredible ryokan located in Gora, Hakone. It’s very easy to access from Tokyo and it’s considered one of the top ryokans in Japan. And yes, it has traditional rooms that come with open air onsen. In fact, this is one of the few ryokans which offer rock bed onsen that come with a private room, which is pretty rare and unbelievable.
Before you ask, yes, it’s bliss to be here, but it does come with a higher price tag. Do you get what you pay for? Oh, for sure! The food here is out of this world, and the service is probably some of the best I’ve ever experienced in my years in Japan.
Bessho Sasa
Bessho Sasa might feel like the perfect ryokan from your dreams because some of the rooms here come with private onsen that have views of Mount Fuji.
Now, the best month to see Mount Fuji is usually December, which happens to also be one of the best months for relaxing in an onsen. Cold weather, perfect blue skies, views of Mount Fuji straight from your private onsen, this has got to be a dream come true for when you visit Japan.
Bessha Sasa is super easy to access from Tokyo, by public transport, or if you prefer, by car (90 min drive).
Kawaguchiko Fufu
Kawaguchiko Fufu is a stunning resort that offers luxurious suites, each with unique features and spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Some of the rooms here have their own fireplace and yes, most rooms do come with private onsen.
Foodies should take advantage of the Restaurant Yamanoha, offering private dining with Mount Fuji views. The in-house natural hot spring bath is lined with volcanic stone from Mount Fuji which is pretty impressive.
Myojinkan
Myojinkan is a luxury ryokan located in Nagano which happens to be one of my favorite mountain areas near Tokyo. While there is a stunning public onsen onsite, most rooms at Myojinkan come with their own private onsite with stunning forest views.
Tobira Onsen Myojinkan offers several rooms, each uniquely named after local flowers and birds, a tradition that dates back to the inn’s founding. Notable rooms include the Zen-Shirakaba and Zen-Toji.
Fugaku Gunjo
Imagine having your own room with private open air onsen, that overlooks the sea. Pretty perfect for an epic sunset, don’t you think? That’s what you can expect from Fugaku Gunjo, a luxury ryokan located just 3 hours by public transport from downtown Tokyo.
Did you know that you can see Mount Fuji all the way from this ryokan? Fugaku Gunjo boasts eight exclusive rooms, each equipped with a deck terrace and their own luxurious open-air bath. All rooms offer panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay.
Atami Sekaie
Atami Sekaie is a favorite ryokan with private onsen among Tokyoites because it’s just 45 minutes from the main Tokyo station.
All rooms offer a view of the Pacific Ocean, complete with open-air baths that allow guests to enjoy various sea views that change with the seasons, weather, and time of day. The onsen (hot spring) baths use water from the historic Izu-Yama hot springs, known for their healing properties and longevity benefit.
Kaze no Terrace Kukuna Hotel
I know that everyone looks a private onsen with views of Mount Fuji, which is why Kaze no Terrace Kukuna Hotel should be on your list. The Kukuna, is a luxurious hotel in the Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen area, and blends natural beauty with comfort and luxury.
If you want to explore more of the hotel, go to the Grand Spa on the top floor. It looks like it’s floating in the sky and matches the lake perfectly.
Even if you can’t reserve the room with private onsen, the private onsen (Lani Lanai) can be booked for 50 minutes at a time.
