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.

Located deep in the mountains of Akita Prefecture, 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 with gorgeous snowy views. An indoor private onsen is also available for guests to reserve.

Takimikan is a quaint, boutique traditional onsen ryokan made in the traditional ‘Taisho Roman ‘style; located on the hilltop of Ginzan Onsen Town overlooking Shirogane Falls in Yamagata Prefecture. It has a picturesque public outdoor onsen with impressive snowy winter views in winter. The annex building has a private onsen for annex guests to enjoy.

Imaiso is a lovely onsen ryokan located in the next town over from Kawazu, Shizuoka prefecture featuring traditional Japanese style rooms with glorious views of the ocean. Private onsen are available for reservation. Their outdoor public onsen is very pretty with views of the ocean to enjoy.

Located in the sprawling Hanamaki Onsen complex of four hotels in Iwate Prefecture, Kashoen is their luxury traditional onsen ryokan with private onsen available in several of their rooms. Their other rooms feature hinoki baths to enjoy the revitalising scent.

Yuukaen onsen ryokan is located in Yamanokami Onsen, in the heart of Hanamaki Minami Onsen Gorge in Iwate Prefecture. It is a beautiful onsen ryokan crafted in the outstanding Japanese craftmanship of kanawatsugi. Spacious rooms feature stunning Japanese wooden architecture, whilst guests can enjoy the large public onsen outdoors with gorgeous views of nature.

A larger style onsen 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 variety of rooms are available, in traditional Japanese style or Japanese/Western style with bathrooms. A semi open air private onsen is available to be reserved for a fee

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. Especially beautiful to enjoy yukimi-buro (snow viewing bath) in winter, but lovely in all seasons. Day trips are also possible.