Kyoto is one of the best places to experience Japanese culture and hospitality (omotenashi), and staying in a ryokan allows you to do just that. Kyoto is located in the Kansai region, and it was once the capital of the Japan for over 1000 years. This city has preserved much of its traditional architecture and cultural heritage, making it a living museum of Japan’s history and arts. Ryokans in Kyoto are well-preserved Japanese inns with tatami floors, futon beds and kaiseki cuisine.
Some ryokans come with onsen which are natural Japanese hot springs. Onsen are perfect to soak and relax after a long day exploring everything that stunning Kyoto has to offer. To soak in an onsen, you do need to be completely naked, so if you’re feeling shy or have tattoos, your best bet is to get a ryokan room with a private onsen. These rooms often come with an open air bath and flowing steaming hot water. Traditional ryokans also come with kaiseki cuisine included in the price, allowing you to really experience so much about Japanese culture in one stay.
Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Onsen
Staying in ryokans in Kyoto has been one of my top experiences in Japan. I’ve experienced luxury ryokans with some of the most incredible rotenburo (open air baths) overlooking perfectly landscaped Japanese gardens. I’ve also rented a whole vacation home with private onsen when my family came to visit. Many ryokans have public onsen on site as well, but since I have tattoos, I often prefer ryokans with a private onsen in my room. I also get to enjoy it judgement free and let’s face it, I’m not used to relaxing nude in front of strangers, so having my privacy does help. Besides, public onsen don’t allow couples to bathe together, so having a private onsen in my room allows me to unwind with my husband and enjoy a taste of traditional Japan with my loved ones.
If you are like me, then chances are you also more keen on a ryokan with a private onsen. And since Kyoto is on every visitor’s bucket list, I thought it makes sense to put together a list of traditional and authentic ryokans in Kyoto. These ryokans offer private onsens and open air baths to help you find the perfect stay.
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Suiran is a one of the most stunning luxury ryokan style accommodations in Kyoto. Sure, it comes with a hefty price tag, but as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it’s completely worth it.
Suiran is located along the Hozu River in the scenic Arashiyama Hills, and many of its rooms come with a private onsen. Some are open air baths, while others are semi-open air. What truly makes Suiran stands out is that its baths are fed by actual natural hot spring water, making it the perfect experience in Kyoto. Plus, being in Arashiyama means that you are not far from central Kyoto for day time exploration.
Momiji-ya Annex Kawa-no-Iori
Momijiya Annex “Kawa no Iori” is located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Takao, Kyoto. This stunning ryokan comes with suites that have private open air baths. Momiji-ya Annex Kawa-no-Iori is famous for its private suspension bridge and riverside dining.
The wooden suspension bridge is surrounded by Japanese maple trees which make it look spectacular year around. The dining seats are open with views of the river which is lit up with Japanese lanterns.
Suites come with private open air baths. Some suites have baths overlooking the Japanese garden while others overlook the forest.
Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei
Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto is a modern ryokan in Kyoto overlooking the Kamo River and the Higashiyama Mountains. This stunning ryokan comes with an open air bath on the top floor and a Sky Garden Terrace that looks most incredible during sunsets over Kyoto.
Some rooms have their own open air private baths. While the top floor open air bath is stunning, please note that they do not allow guests with tattoos on the public onsen. However, you can still use the room with private baths without any restrictions.
Japanese Ryokan Seryo
Seryo is a small and intimate ryokan located in the tranquil village of Ohara, Kyoto. Seryo has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for nine consecutive years. The ryokan has a public open air separated by gender, and two of its suites come with private open air baths.
Seryo serves incredible kaiseki dinners and delicious Japanese breakfast to start the day. Ohara is just under an hour away from Kyoto train station, making it the perfect place to retreat to after an intense day exploring the city with all its beauty.
Ryotei Rangetsu
Rangetsu Ryokan is a traditional luxury ryokan located along the scenic Oi River in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Ryotei Rangetsu has just been renovated and now features rooms with private open air onsen. The onsen uses natural deep sea water from Arashiyama which is rich in minerals.
The ryokan is exceptional when it comes to its kaiseki cuisine and artful presentation of its food. Rooms at Ryotei Rangetsu are decorated with tatami floor and many overlook the stunning river and the Arashiyama mountains.
Hanaikada
Hanaikada is a charming traditional ryokan located just 25 minutes walk from Arashiyama bamboo forest. There is even a shuttle bus to take you from the Arashiyama station so you don’t have to worry about carrying your luggage through some of the most popular attractions.
The highlights here are the natural hot spring baths. There are public onsen but also special rooms with private onsen for your comfort. The kaiseki cuisine here is incredible, all curated by the head chef with seasonal ingredients. Try tofu-based dishes like Hanaikada’s original yudofu, as well as kaiseki meals that showcase the essence of Kyoto’s culinary traditions.
Yunohana Resort Suisen
Kyoto Yunohana Onsen Suisen is a stunning onsen ryokan in the mountains of Kameoka just 40 minutes from Kyoto. Suisen is a fairly small ryokan with only 13 rooms on site. Some come with private open air baths for your comfort and privacy. This onsen ryokan sources its natural hot spring water from the Yunohana onsen.
If you want to enjoy a traditional ryokan experience not far from Kyoto city, with kaiseki dinner, special outdoor onsen and personalized hospitality, Suisen is the place for you.
While at Suisen, explore the nearby sights of Kameoka, including Arashiyama, Hozugawa River cruises, and historical temples such as Tenryu-ji and Anaoji.
Note that tattoos are not allowed in the public pool and onsen at Suisen. However, you can still rent a room with an open air bath or book a private time in one of the onsen.
Biwako Hanakaido
Biwako Hanakaido is a peaceful ryokan near Lake Biwa, just 40 minutes away from Kyoto. It features natural hot springs and lovely rooms with tatami floors. Some rooms come with their own private open air onsen.
On a budget? You can stay in a traditional tatami room, get access to the public onsen and book the use of a private onsen during your stay. This is a great compromise if you still want to experience an onsen in privacy, but perhaps don’t want to splurge on a room with an open air bath.
The ryokan is wonderful and traditional, with Japanese gardens and views of Lake Biwa. Included in your stay is breakfast and kaiseki dinner.
Kyoto Arashiyama-Onsen Kadensho
Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho is a lovely ryokan located in the heart of Arashiyama, Kyoto, directly across from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. This traditional ryokan offers special rooms with tatami floors and open air baths.
What makes Kadensho special is that it comes with one public onsen but also five different private onsen on site. You don’t need to pay extra or reserve to make use of them. Simply check if they are in use, and if not, just head in and enjoy. These are perfect if you have tattoos and want to experience a natural hot spring in peace and quiet. The hot spring is natural alkaline from Arashiyama.
Besides, it’s just a short train ride away from central Kyoto, making it convenient too.
Togetsutei
Togetsutei is a traditional ryokan located in the scenic Arashiyama district of Kyoto, right by the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. But it’s not just the perfection location, but also the fact that Togetsutei was founded in 1897. You’ll be staying in a perfect piece of history with tatami floors.
Togetsutei looks incredible all year round with sakura in the spring and stunning snow in the winter. Of course, Togetsutei is especially loved during koyo, in the autumn when the mountains in the background are all colorful and beautiful.
Some rooms at Togetsutei come with private open air baths for your comfort, making it easier for guests with tattoos to book as well. There are rooms with no onsen, but a public onsen is available onsite. Expect perfect and artful kaiseki in the evening and a delicious Japanese spread for breakfast.
Sumiya Kiho-an, Kameoka Yunohana
Sumiya Kihoan is a ryokan located in the Yunohana Onsen just 20 minutes from Kyoto. This peaceful place is surrounded by mountains and has a mix of traditional Japanese hospitality, modern design, and contemporary amenities.
The best part? Every single room at Sumiya Kihoan comes with an indoor or outdoor open air bath. The water is natural hot spring water sourced from Yunohana Onsen. To ensure that you have the best time here, the ryokan provides shuttles to and from Kyoto, so you can explore what the ancient capital has to offer. Then return back to enjoy stunning kaiseki and utmost relaxation in your private onsen.
The kaiseki here is special, too, as meals are paired with Austrian wines.
Yumotokan
Yumotokan is a traditional ryokan located in the Ogoto Onsen area near Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Yumotokan is just 20 minutes from Kyoto by train. What makes this ryokan special is its outdoor onsen that overlooks Lake Biwa.
Some rooms come with private onsen for utmost relaxation. Yumotokan specializes in kaiseki cuisine, using seasonal ingredients sourced from the Omi region. The highlight here is the Omi beef.
If you don’t have the chance to book a room with a private onsen, you can still rent a private open-air bath (Ki-no-Ka and Ishi-no-Ne) during your stay. This allows couples and guests with tattoos to enjoy the onsen in peace.
Kyoto Keburikawa
Kyoto Kemurikawa is located in the Yunohana Onsen area of Kyoto, perfect for those who want to experience the Japanese countryside.
Even though the ryokan is located outside of Kyoto centre, Kyoto Keburikawa is luxurious and focuses on its natural surroundings of Satoyama.
Kyoto Keburikawa has a lot of rooms style to pick from, including the most popular Suite Hozuyama with an open-air hot spring bath (private natural radium hot spring water) and the Superior Room with an open-air bath and private sauna.
When coming back from your excursions around Kyoto, stop at the Satoyama Garden and rest your feet in the foot onsen. Dining at Kyoto Keburikawa features farm-to-table Satoyama cuisine, made with fresh vegetables from the ryokan’s own farm.
Momijiya Honkan Takao Sansou Mountain Villa Ryokan
Kyoto Takao Momijiya is a peaceful ryokan in the scenic Takao area. As the name suggests, this traditional ryokan is especially beautiful in the autumn.
The main building features two open-air observation baths, “Star” and “Moon,” available by reservation. For those seeking an indoor option, small private baths are also available.
One of the most appealing experiences here is the kaiseki dinner, served on the riverside Dining Terrace. You will enjoy seasonal meals on the terrace overlooking the Kiyotaki River. Much like its sister annex featured above, when staying in the main building, you still have access to the private suspension bridge surrounded by Japanese maple trees.
Biwako Ryokusuitei
Biwako Ryokusuitei is a lakeside ryokan located in the Ogoto Onsen, offering stunning views of Lake Biwa and the nearby Mt. Hiei. It’s a train ride away from Kyoto and this peaceful resort is designed with the concept of utmost relaxation, with rooms that feature open-air baths filled with natural hot spring water.
For dinner, you will enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine. The highlight is Omi beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu varieties, served as shabu-shabu or steak.
Biwako Ryokusuitei features large indoor and outdoor baths fed by the natural hot springs of Ogoto Onsen. The ryokan also offers a barrel sauna, providing a unique Scandinavian-style sauna experience.
Dantoukan Kikunoya
Dantoukan Kikunoya is oen of the most unconventional ryokans I have come across so far. Dantoukan Kikunoya is a lovely ryokan on the shores of Lake Biwa. What makes Dantoukan Kikunoya special is that it comes with dog-friendly rooms that have special onsen. The water that runs in the private rooms is natural hot spring water, and the dog-friendly rooms even come with a special mini onsen for your fur friend.
There are human-only rooms available with private open air onsen. There are four public onsen on-site separated by gender as well as one large private onsen which guests can book for 60 minutes at a time for a small additional fee.
The ryokan makes it clear that you usually get welcomed by two dogs with signboards, and all the furniture around the ryokan is dog-friendly.
Syoenso Hozukawatei
Syoenso Hozukawatei is a traditional ryokan located in the scenic Yunohana Onsen in Kyoto. While there are some fantastic public onsen on site (like the outdoor “Stone Bath” with a waterfall view), this ryokan also features roomes which come with open air baths for your privacy and comfort.
At Syoenso Hozukawatei, meals are crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, including fresh seafood from the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market, premium Tamba beef, and vegetables from Yunohana.
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is a MICHELIN Guide-listed ryokan in a traditional Kyoto townhouse, featuring five tea-inspired suites. Each suite is a blend of traditional and modern design, with private open-air or semi-open-air baths. Rooms are decorated with local antiques and art. If you have tattoos, you can stay in this ryokan as it comes with private baths. At this ryokan you can participate in special activities, including tea ceremony and kimono wearing.
Kamishichiken Oku
Kamishichiken Oku is a 3-star affordable ryokan located in Kyoto, near the historic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Some rooms come with tatami floors and western style bed as well as private open air onsen in your room. The open air onsen overlook the peaceful Japanese garden. You will be in one of Kyoto’s oldest geisha districts. With its close proximity to key cultural sites like Kinkaku-ji Temple and the vibrant atmosphere of Kamishichiken, it is an ideal choice for when you’re seeking an authentic Kyoto experience.
Kyo no Yado Gekkoan
Kyo no Yado Gekkoan is a stunning machiya right in the heart of Nijo, Kyoto. That’s right, you can rent a whole machiya for your travel group. The luxury suite on the west wing comes with an interior garden and a semi-open bath for private soaking. The east wing, also called the garden suite is a gentle retreat for the soul, perfect after a whole day exploring Kyoto.
The whole machiya is yours for the whole duration of the trip. If you want access to the private onsen for soaking, make sure to book the luxury west wing.
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. is a ryokan in Shijo Omiya, Kyoto. It has 23 townhouses that are over 110 years old. These townhouses, lining an L-shaped alley, have been transformed into luxurious guest rooms featuring semi-open-air baths.
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. offers five types of rooms inspired by the natural beauty of Kyoto: Take, Mizu, Iwa, Hana, and Ha. Each guest room has a semi-open-air bath that you can use in a relaxing and calming environment. Since there is no public onsen here, everyone with tattoos is welcome to enjoy the baths with no restrictions.
Kyoto Machiya Fukune Opens
Kyoto Machiya Fukune is luxurious accommodation located in the historic heart of Kyoto. Fukune comes with four different suites, each named after music instruments. Each is modern and luxurious but with traditional Japanese design elements. What makes this special is that every suite comes with its own open air bath, overlooking a charming garden. There is even an indoor hinoki bath so you can have both experiences when staying at Fukune. Some of the suites can accommodate 4 guests while others come accommodate 5 guests as they have 2 beds and 3 futons. It’s the perfect accommodation for a family who wants to enjoy a traditional Japanese experience with their own private open air bath and utmost privacy.
Tabitabi Stay Moonlight
TABITABI Moonlight is the perfect home away from home. This is a private renovated townhouse in the heart of Kyoto that can accommodate up to five people. It features shoji screens and a semi open air private bath where you can soak while overlooking the Japanese garden.
It’s worth noting that this is not quite your traditional and conventional ryokan experience. Since you rent the whole holiday home, you will have privacy, which means there is no staff to serve you breakfast or dinner. It’s a great option if you want to enjoy traditional accommodation with your family or friends.
