A sweet family run onsen ryokan inn on the banks of Kinugawa Onsen in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture

Built in 1946, Hatori Ryokan is named for the former title of the area before the Edo Period and is currently helmed by the Yondaime (fourth generation family head). Found throughout the premises are drawings of a stylised monkey found on kimonos by illustrator Ueda Miyuki which symbolises the playfulness of children and their families, and the hope for the future. A variety of rooms are available from traditional Japanese to modern fusion, with 8 of their rooms featuring open air baths.

Since 1868, Tachibana Shikitei has offered a quiet elegance, with its intimate live piano performances each evening. Recently renovated, their 20 rooms offer a sumptuous, luxurious experience with spacious designs and warm tatami floors, decorated with the beautiful crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture, whilst their upper floor suite rooms are a relaxing blend of both modern and Japanese aesthetics overlooking Kosoyu and Yakuoin Onsenji. Over half their rooms have private open-air onsen.

Turn a path down this onsen ryokan interior and feel like you’ve entered the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away in this original traditional annex dating back to 1884, with private guest rooms each with their own Japanese garden and 6 with private open-air onsen

A perfect local respite whilst still being in central Tokyo, yet immersed in stunning nature, clear waters and beautiful surroundings. A wonderful little getaway to escape the concrete jungle

The stunning Matsumoto Honbako, the onsen book hotel; an advocate of bringing Asama Onsen town into the present, strengthening it for the future by giving new life to what was the former iconic Koyanagi ryokan under the Matsumoto Jujo project

In Asama Onsen town, roughly 30mins drive from Matsumoto City - experience a luxe traditional onsen ryokan experience with Kai Matsumoto from the renown Hoshino Resorts

Located deep in the mountains of Akita, is Nyuto Onsen where the traditional mountain onsen ryokan Tsuru no Yu can be found. Over 300 years old,stay in traditional Tohoku style architecture and relax in the milky blue waters of it;s outdoor onsen baths.

A quaint, boutique onsen ryokan made in the traditional ‘Taisho Roman ‘style; located on the hilltop of Ginzan Onsen Town overlooking Shirogane Falls.

A gorgeous ryokan in Kawazu, Shimoda featuring an outdoor private onsen in your room and a beautiful koi pond at your feet

Located in the sprawling Hanamaki Onsen complex of four hotels, Kashoen is their luxury traditional ryokan accommodation

Yuukaen located in Yamanokami Onsen, in the heart of Hanamaki Minami Onsen Gorge is a beautiful ryokan crafted in the outstanding Japanese craftmanship of kanawatsugi

A luxurious ryokan in Tsuchiyu Onsen town in Fukushima Prefecture, with only 7 rooms and all onsens are privately reserved for you at certain times during your stay.

A larger style Ryokan in Aizu Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, sat on a hill overlooking beautiful scenery with easy access to local sights, and a local sake specialty bar on the premises

A picturesque onsen ryokan lit by oil lamps hidden in a valley deep in the mountains of Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture. Four stunning public onsens to soak in and admire the natural beauty surrounding you. No reception in the area, or electricity in the rooms - a perfect place to go off the grid for a couple nights. Day trips are also possible.

A locally run ryokan in Towada, perfectly situated between Hakkoda Mountains, Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada in Aomori, Japan. Private onsen available for reservation.

A gorgeous ryokan in Kawazu, Shimoda featuring an outdoor private onsen in your room and a beautiful koi pond at your feet

a luxurious ryokan in the countryside of Rendaiji

large spacious villa rooms surrounding a picturesque Japanese garden