A sweet family run onsen ryokan inn on the banks of Kinugawa Onsen in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. Perfect for those looking for a weekend getaway, staycation that’s easily accessible from Tokyo

A truly charming small onsen ryokan run by a local family in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture. The property has perfect access by the famed Kawazu Loop, with easy access to the well-loved seven waterfalls of Nanadaru and its swimsuit friendly public onsen, along with many of the hiking trails.

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 onsen ryokan 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 in Yamashiro Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture 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 open-air private 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 open-air private onsen. Make sure to make time to visit in your travels Haiya Ryokan in Awara Onsen in Fukui Prefecture

Okutama Onsenkyo is a locally run onsen ryokan in Tokyo which is a perfect local respite at the edge of the city’s borders where one can be immersed in stunning nature, forests, clear waters and beautiful surroundings. A wonderful little getaway to escape the concrete jungle of Tokyo city

A local family-run onsen ryokan in Towada, perfectly situated between Hakkoda Mountains, Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada in Aomori, Japan. Rooms are traditional Japanese tatami rooms, whilst dinners are a delicious traditional Japanese kaiseki feast full of local flavours and specialties. There is also a private onsen available for reservation.

A gorgeous onsen ryokan in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture famed for its early Kawazu zakura cherry blossoms in late February, this charming onsen ryokan features private villas with some featuring an outdoor private onsen in your room and a beautiful koi pond at your feet. A relaxing stay to get away from the concrete jungle of Tokyo along the way to Kyoto. A perfect alternative to an onsen ryokan stay in Hakone with private onsen

Set in the countryside of Shizuoka Prefecture, lying between the travel routes of Tokyo and Kyoto is the luxurious onsen ryokan Seiryuso, with sublime rooms boasting spectacular private onsen for guests to enjoy as well as traditional Japanese kaiseki in the comfort of your own room

an easy onsen ryokan getaway between Tokyo and Kyoto, Villa Garden Ishinoya offers rooms with private onsen set around a traditional Japanese garden. A perfect alternative to a Hakone onsen ryokan stay. Stay two nights to enjoy truly spectacular traditional Japanese kaiseki.

Aura Tachibana - a modern-style Japanese onsen ryokan within walking distance to the heart of Hakone town. Rooms are available with private onsen to enjoy, with views of the Hakone townscape. A sweet weekend getaway after exploring busy Tokyo and traditional Kyoto.

a beautiful Hakone onsen ryokan with private onsen in the rooms available; set in the mountains with glorious views. Perfect for a trip from Tokyo and Kyoto to enjoy private onsen and nature.