Overview Ryokans in Japan

Kyoto with its 1600 Buddhist temples, 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more than 400 Shinto shrines will give you a deep insight into Japan's history. Combine this with a stay in a traditional ryokan and enjoy the atmosphere.

Kobe is considered one of Japan's most beautiful cities. The location between the Rokko mountain range and the sea is amazing. It is the seventh largest city in the country and the capital of the Hyogo Prefecture. Check out the list of great accommodations there.

Nara, a former capital of Japan (710 - 784), offers 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is with Kyoto one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My highlight was the visit to the Todai-ji Temple (Great Eastern Temple) and one night in a ryokan.

The Ise Shrine (Ise Jingu) in Ise City is the most sacred place in the Shinto Religion in Japan. Millions of visitors come to this place every year. I stayed there for 3 nights in a ryokan and visited also the Meoto-Iwa (Wedded Rocks) and the Toba Aquarium. It is one of the largest in the country.

Nagoya is the 4th largest city in Japan. I stayed one night here on my Shinkansen trip from Tokyo to Osaka. My highlights there were the Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon Temple.

Enjoy this handpicked selection by the japan365days team of the best Ryokans in Japan. Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions.

Stay at a traditional ryokan on Miyajima Island and explore the well-known Itsukushima Shrine with its famous huge torii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan.

Many temples and shrines of Nikko are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site. My highlight was the famous Tosho-gu shrine complex. During my two visits there I stayed in traditional ryokans.

The bustling heart of the Kansai region is Osaka. It is the 3rd largest city in Japan. My highlights were the Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori district, the best food in Japan, and much more. My recommended list of ryokan places can be found in the overview.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is part of the biggest metropolitan area in the world. It is my number one destination in Japan together with Kyoto. Besides all the futuristic and modern architecture ryokans offer you the chance to jump back in time and to enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603 – 1868). Have a look at my handpicked list of ryokans.

Over one million visitors from all over the world come here to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in the center of the city. I stayed for two days here and the atmosphere was more laid-back compared to places like Tokyo or Osaka. Check out the list of great ryokan accommodations in Hiroshima.

Hakone is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Tokyo (100km away). After a long hiking tour around Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park I booked a traditional ryokan, soaked in a hot spring bath, and enjoyed the moment.

This unique place within the Oita Prefecture is very popular for its hot springs, great hiking trails, and beautiful nature. Btw there are approx. 100 waterfalls in the Shiobara Valley. Enjoy a hot spring bath in the valley and deeply relax in one of the famous ryokans there.

Beppu is the second largest city within the Oita Prefecture on the east coast of Kyushu. It is the most popular hot spring resort area in Japan with more than 8 million visitors each year. Enjoy your stay in one of the beautiful ryokans.

Atami is a popular coastal resort town in Shizuoka Prefecture. Tokyo is just 100 kilometers away and you can reach this place via Shinkansen within 40-50 minutes from Tokyo Station. Atami is known for its mild climate, hot springs, and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) with onsen facilities. A very popular spot is the Atami Sun Beach with its sandy shoreline and palm trees.

Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan, it has long been a cultural hub, particularly during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) when it was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan. The town has also the nickname Little Kyoto, because of its well-preserved historical sites, wonderful Japanese gardens, and traditional crafts.