{"id":7498,"date":"2015-02-09T12:51:36","date_gmt":"2015-02-09T12:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/insidejapanblog.com\/?p=7498"},"modified":"2026-02-04T11:50:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:50:34","slug":"our-top-15-favourite-ryokan-inns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/02\/09\/our-top-15-favourite-ryokan-inns\/","title":{"rendered":"Our top 15 favourite ryokan inns"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7498&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7498\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7498&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7498&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7498%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7498\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7498\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/rowe-1047505-15.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-7692\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/rowe-1047505-15.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Ryokan experience\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/rowe-1047505-15.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/rowe-1047505-15-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/rowe-1047505-15-390x293.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Last week I explained <a title=\"Ryokan experience\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/02\/02\/why-you-havent-been-to-japan-until-youve-stayed-in-a-ryokan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">why you haven&#8217;t been to Japan until you&#8217;ve stayed in a <em>ryokan <\/em>inn<\/a>. For those who can&#8217;t quite be bothered to go back and read it, it&#8217;s quite simple: the food, the baths, and a little something the Japanese call <em>omotenashi <\/em>(which is kind of like hospitality, but BETTER).<\/p>\n<p>Now, to celebrate fifteen years of\u00a0InsideJapan, we\u00a0would like to introduce you to our fifteen favourite <em>ryokan <\/em>inns in all of Japan (and let me tell you, we&#8217;ve visited a few in our time). These are the places we&#8217;ve\u00a0revisited time and time again over the past fifteen years &#8211; whether it&#8217;s for the divine baked oysters at dinner,\u00a0stunning\u00a0<em>onsen <\/em>overlooking the sea, the beautifully decorated guest rooms or just for the wonderful welcome we always receive.<\/p>\n<p>Although some of the <em>ryokan <\/em>on this list <strong>are<\/strong> super-deluxe, super-exclusive, and super-out-of-the-price-range-of-your-average-Joe; many of them are not, and here you&#8217;ll find establishments to cater for every price range.<\/p>\n<p>To demystify a bit of travel jargon before we begin &#8211; Japan&#8217;s hotels and inns do not operate using a &#8220;star&#8221; rating system, so we have sorted these <em>ryokan <\/em>into four categories: Budget, Moderate, Superior and Deluxe &#8211; Budget being (obviously) the least pricey, and Deluxe being the most.<\/p>\n<p>And so, without further ado, here are the pick of the bunch &#8211; in no particular order, our top 15 favourite ryokan inns:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Yamaichi Bekkan, Miyajima Island (Moderate)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7501\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7501\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"InsideJapan's Harry and James with Yamaichi Bekkan's perennially lovely proprietress\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yamaichi-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7501\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">InsideJapan&#8217;s Harry and James with Yamaichi Bekkan&#8217;s perennially lovely proprietress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Where better to begin than with one of our best and longest-loved establishments, the Yamaichi Bekkan on Miyajima Island? Located in an unassuming building looking out over the port, the Yamaichi is a small, family-run establishment with simple, comfortable rooms. You may not be paying top dollar for a swanky suite and private <em>onsen<\/em>, but you will be\u00a0treated like royalty by the\u00a0<em>ryokan&#8217;s\u00a0<\/em>eternally lovely proprietress (pictured).\u00a0Not to mention you&#8217;ll get to try some of the most delicious food imaginable. You know those oysters I keep mentioning? The ones I still dream about sometimes? You&#8217;ll find those here.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<strong>Ichinoyu Honkan, Hakone (Moderate)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7503\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7503\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7503\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Exterior of the Ichinoyu Honkan\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hakone-ichinoyu-honkan-01-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7503\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Exterior of the Ichinoyu Honkan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Another great value <em>ryokan<\/em>, the Ichinoyu Honkan is located in the beautiful Hakone National Park &#8211; AKA Mount Fuji&#8217;s back yard &#8211; and has been welcoming guests for nearly 400 years. The original inn was opened in 1630 and essentially pioneered the hot spring industry of Hakone &#8211; now one of the most popular <em>onsen <\/em>getaways in Japan. It even appears in <em>ukiyo-e <\/em>prints by the famous artist Ando Hiroshige! We recommend the Ichinoyu for its bar facilities (unusual for a <em>ryokan<\/em>) and excellent hot spring baths, which can be reserved for private use if you&#8217;re feeling a bit shy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Koemon, Shirakawago (Budget)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7505\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7505\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Exterior of the Koemon\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/shirakawago-koemon-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7505\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Exterior of the Koemon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Koemon in Shirakawago may be a low-cost accommodation option, but that certainly doesn&#8217;t mean that you&#8217;re losing out. In fact, staying at the Koemon\u00a0is such a\u00a0great experience that\u00a0we recommend\u00a0it to many of our top-level customers too. Here\u00a0you have the chance to experience life in\u00a0one of the\u00a0traditional farmhouses &#8211; known as <em>gassho-zukuri <\/em>(&#8220;praying hands&#8221;) for the steep pitch of their thatched roofs &#8211; that have made the alpine village of Shirakawago famous, and earned\u00a0the area\u00a0its World Heritage status.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Do not expect: creature comforts, a place to charge your iPhone, or en suite bathrooms. Do expect: a\u00a0memorable and\u00a0authentic experience, a warm welcome and great home-cooked food.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Iwaso, Miyajima Island (Superior)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Giving the Yamaichi Bekkan a run for its money, the Iwaso is another excellent <em>ryokan <\/em>in one of our favourite Japan destinations &#8211; Miyajima Island. Located in a lovely part of the Momijidani Park &#8211; well off the beaten track for most visitors to Miyajima &#8211; the Iwaso was the first establishment to open its doors on the island back in 1893. When previous guests have included famous authors, artists, and members of the Imperial family &#8211; you know you can expect something pretty special! We especially recommend visiting during autumn, when the surrounding maple trees become a blaze of reds and oranges.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Yumoto\u00a0Kansuiro, Hakone (Superior)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7508\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7508\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7508\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"InsideJapan's Enfys and Matt enjoying tea at the Yumoto Kansuiro on a recent visit\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/motoyu-kansuiro-900x675.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7508\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">InsideJapan&#8217;s Enfys and Matt enjoying tea on a recent visit to the Yumoto Kansuiro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The second of three Hakone <em>ryokan <\/em>to feature on this list, the Yumoto Kansuiro <em>ryokan <\/em>is located in the Motoyu district and is one of the region&#8217;s most historic establishments &#8211; dating all the way back to 1614. Like the Iwaso, the Kansuiro\u00a0has seen\u00a0many illustrious guests pass its threshold &#8211; from artists and politicians to samurai and sumo wrestlers &#8211; and\u00a0manages to convey\u00a0a sense of history and authenticity through its carefully maintained antiques, beautiful painted screens and old, wooden buildings.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We especially love the hot spring baths and the delicious seasonal meals, which are served privately in your guest room by kimono-clad attendants.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Ryokan Kurashiki, Kurashiki (Deluxe)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7509\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7509\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7509\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Breakfast at the Ryokan Kurashiki\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/rk-breakfast-751-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7509\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Breakfast at the Ryokan Kurashiki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In our opinion, the Ryokan Kurashiki is one of\u00a0the very best accommodations\u00a0in Japan. Pay a visit here and you really are in for a treat! Nakamura-san, the <em>ryokan&#8217;s <\/em>proprietress, is the most elegant and lovely of hosts (and speaks impeccable English to boot); the <em>ryokan <\/em>itself is full of character, with each maisonette filled with beautiful antiques; and there is a private indoor hot spring bath that can be booked for private use. In the spring and autumn, there&#8217;s nothing better than sitting at dinner with the restaurant&#8217;s sliding doors thrown open, looking out over the <em>ryokan&#8217;s <\/em>tastefully lit, beautifully\u00a0landscaped garden.<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s more, the <em>ryokan <\/em>is located right in the centre of Kurashiki&#8217;s lovely Bikan canal district; one of my personal favourite places in Japan. We particularly recommend this <em>ryokan <\/em>to those who prefer not to sleep on the floor, as each maisonette contains comfortable Western-style double beds instead of futon bedding.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Yoshimizu Ryokan, Kyoto (Budget)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7511\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7511\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7511\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"A tatami room at the Yoshimizu Ryokan\" width=\"468\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3.jpg 963w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3-900x528.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3-720x422.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3-390x229.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3-780x458.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/yoshimizuryokan-3-510x299.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7511\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A <i>tatami<\/i> room at the Yoshimizu Ryokan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This <em>ryokan <\/em>is an oasis in the heart of the city of Kyoto, and the perfect place for any traveller on a restricted budget who would like a taste of authentic Japanese accommodation. Located in Maruyama Park, surrounded by maple trees and bamboo groves, it&#8217;s just a short walk from this idyllic little inn to the hustle and bustle of the city &#8211; making it the perfect combination of peace, quiet and convenience. To keep costs down, dinner is not served at this <em>ryokan <\/em>&#8211; but you will enjoy a delicious, home-cooked breakfast with real handmade bread (a rarity in Japan!) prepared by the establishment&#8217;s incredibly lovely proprietor.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Gora Kadan, Hakone (Deluxe)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7513\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7513\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7513\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Covered corridor overlooked by mountains at the Gora Kadan\" width=\"468\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-1200x803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-900x602.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-1440x964.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/gorakadan_c3b5c3b1c3bbc3bec2aac2a6-510x341.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7513\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Covered corridor overlooked by mountains at the Gora Kadan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The third of our three Hakone <em>ryokan <\/em>favourites, the\u00a0Gora Kadan is one of the\u00a0finest deluxe <em>ryokan<\/em> in Japan &#8211;\u00a0and perhaps one of the most exclusive accommodations in the world. The main building was once the summer residence of the Kaninnomiya Imperial Family (which says it all, really), while the newer wing boasts beautiful <em>tatami <\/em>rooms with cypress baths, a heated indoor swimming pool, a luxury spa, a Jacuzzi and a restaurant serving food prepared by one of Japan&#8217;s top chefs.<\/p>\n<p>No mere words can do it justice really &#8211; you just have to go there and experience it for yourself!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Minshuku Daikichi, Tsumago (Moderate)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7514\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7514\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/minshuku-daikichi.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7514\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/minshuku-daikichi.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Minshuku Daikichi\" width=\"468\" height=\"328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/minshuku-daikichi.jpg 767w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/minshuku-daikichi-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/minshuku-daikichi-720x505.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/minshuku-daikichi-390x274.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/minshuku-daikichi-510x358.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7514\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Minshuku Daikichi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A <em>minshuku <\/em>is a small, family-run, traditional-style bed and breakfast &#8211; and they don&#8217;t come much better than the Daikichi. Located in the small, former post town of Tsumago in the Kiso Valley &#8211; where the streets are packed with preserved wooden buildings and there&#8217;s not a concrete slab or electricity pylon in sight &#8211; here you can be sure of a warm welcome, a comfortable room and a delicious meal of local cuisine. Keep an eye out for the friend grasshoppers!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Hanafubuki, Izu Peninsula (Superior)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7515\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7515\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7515\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Ornate hot spring baths at the Hanafubuki\" width=\"468\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hanafubuki-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7515\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ornate hot spring baths at the Hanafubuki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Set among the trees of a woodland grove on the Izu Peninsula, the Hanafubuki is a luxurious <em>ryokan <\/em>that is especially noted for its impressive selection of seven different hot spring baths (of varying shapes and sizes)\u00a0and its lovely location in the Japanese countryside. Here you&#8217;ll feel light years away from the manic buzz of Tokyo, even though it&#8217;s really just a short journey away! Dinner is served in your choice of three different dining rooms, each beautifully decorated and looking out over the lantern-lit trees and pathways surrounding the <em>ryokan<\/em>. We highly recommend joining the <em>ryokan <\/em>manager in the morning for a complimentary guided walk along the lovely nearby coastal path!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Lamp no Yado, Noto Peninsula (Superior)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7517\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7517\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7517\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"A hot spring bath overlooking the ocean at Lamp no Yado\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-1200x798.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-900x598.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-1440x957.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lamp-no-yado-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7517\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A hot spring bath overlooking the ocean at Lamp no Yado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Lamp no Yado is a very special, luxury<em> ryokan <\/em>located on the isolated Noto Peninsula, about 150km by car from the city of Kanazawa. The <em>ryokan <\/em>is located right on the coast, with an amazing\u00a0infinity pool looking out across the ocean and private open-air <em>onsen <\/em>baths attached to each luxurious guest room. As you&#8217;d expect, you&#8217;ll also find delicious <em>kaiseki <\/em>cuisine, polished-wood hallways and lovely <em>tatami <\/em>rooms &#8211; with friendly, helpful service.\u00a0This is the perfect place to relax and get away from it all in a beautiful, traditional setting.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<strong>Jiji no Ie, Boso Peninsula (Superior)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7519\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7519\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7519\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"A beautiful sunlit room at Jiji no Ie\" width=\"468\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jiji-no-ie-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7519\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A beautiful sunlit room at Jiji no Ie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Jiji no Ie is a very unusual <em>ryokan<\/em>. Run by the well-known essayist and macrobiotic cooking teacher Deco Nakajima and her husband, writer and photographer Everett Kennedy Brown (with whom InsideJapan has the pleasure of working on specialist photography tours); Jiji no Ie gives both domestic and international guests the chance to unplug, slow down and reconnect with the simple life.<\/p>\n<p>Along with a team of craftsmen, architects and gardeners, Deco and Everett built this <em>ryokan\u00a0<\/em>from scratch\u00a0using local timber, earth, bamboo and straw, with a beautiful <em>onsen <\/em>bath made from Aomori <em>hiba <\/em>wood and a garden designed by award-winning classical gardener Yosuke Yamaguchi. Breakfast and dinner are also a real treat, featuring Deco&#8217;s fantastic macrobiotic cooking &#8211; using only seasonal ingredients and local seafood.<\/p>\n<p>We recommend staying at Jiji no Ie as an alternative to Tokyo at the beginning or the end of your trip, as a beautiful and peaceful introduction (or farewell) to Japan.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Nishimuraya Ryokan, Kinosaki Onsen (Deluxe)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7520\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7520\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Traditional room at the Nishimuraya Ryokan\" width=\"468\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-1200x803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-900x602.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-1440x964.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/nishimuraya-510x341.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7520\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Traditional room at the Nishimuraya Ryokan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This stunning, deluxe <em>ryokan <\/em>located at the heart of the Kinosaki Onsen hot spring area first opened its doors to visitors more than\u00a0100 years ago and is guaranteed to be a real treat. The wooden buildings here were partially designed by the famous architect Masaya Hirata, each room\u00a0with its own personal flourish, set in the middle of a beautiful landscape garden. There are (of course) a range of wonderful <em>onsen <\/em>hot spring baths in which to relax and enjoy your peaceful surroundings, and a delicious <em>kaiseki <\/em>meal promises to provide the piece de resistance\u00a0to a wonderful experience.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Kifu no Sato, Yunogo Onsen (Superior)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7521\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7521\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7521\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Ikebana flower arrangement at the Kifu no Sato\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-1200x798.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/kifu-no-sato-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7521\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><i>Ikebana<\/i> flower arrangement at the Kifu no Sato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Located in a modern building in the small town of Yunogo in rural Okayama Prefecture, Kifu no Sato is a lovely Japanese-style <em>ryokan<\/em>, boasting a wonderful landscaped garden at its centre and <em>tatami<\/em> matting throughout. Kifu no Sato is particularly\u00a0noted for its <em>ikebana<\/em> flower arrangements (of which there are a staggering 65 throughout the hotel) and its <em>onsen<\/em> baths, which are truly superb and comprise several different types of bath (including some private <em>rotenburo<\/em> outdoor baths) and a \u201chot stone\u201d sauna. The <em>ryokan<\/em> also has an exceptional commitment to reinvigorating the local environment and businesses, to which end almost all its furniture and decorative displays represent the work of local craftspeople. Finally, to complete this list of accomplishments, the elaborate seasonal <em>kaiseki<\/em> menus served in the restaurants are nothing short of outstanding &#8211; as I can personally attest!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Jinpyokaku, Yudanaka Onsen (Superior)<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7523\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7523\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7523\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Guest suite at the Jinpyokaku\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2-1200x798.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/jinpyokaku_101116_f186_2-900x599.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7523\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Guest suite at the Jinpyokaku<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The final <em>ryokan <\/em>on our list is the wonderful Jinpyokaku, located in the small hot spring town of Yudanaka in Nagano Prefecture (best-known for its simian residents, the <em>onsen<\/em>-bathing snow monkeys). With luxurious, spacious rooms; heated <em>kotatsu <\/em>tables to keep your feet warm as you sip your green tea; and (very unusually) a large open-air hot spring bath that is not segregated by sex (don&#8217;t worry, there are separate baths for men and women for those who want them!) &#8211; this <em>ryokan <\/em>is so nice that you&#8217;ll never want to leave.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This is merely a selection of our favourite traditional ryokan covering various grades. The one thing that links these ryokan together is great food and wonderful service. If you are thinking of heading to Japan, we would certainly recommend staying at any of the above to experience a slice of Japanese culture and hospitality at its best&#8230;.and if there isn&#8217;t any room for you at the inn, we know many other fantastic places (better than Trip Advisor!). <\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! Last week I explained why you haven&#8217;t been to Japan until you&#8217;ve stayed in a ryokan inn. For those who can&#8217;t quite be bothered to go back and read it, it&#8217;s quite simple: the food, the baths, and a little something the Japanese call omotenashi (which is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2362],"tags":[1196,1755,2039,2486,2512],"class_list":["post-7498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-places-and-where-to-stay-in-japan","tag-green-travel","tag-japanese-wildlife","tag-ryokan","tag-ryokan-inns","tag-traditional-japan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7498"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7498\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36076,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7498\/revisions\/36076"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}