Japan Michelin Key Onsen Ryokans: My Personal Booking Guide

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF THESE SPECIAL STAYS & HOTELS TOO!

A Memorable Stay for a Celebration, Anniversary

Or simply just because you want too!

Many know of the Michelin Guide for its discerning list of restaurants around the world, where the highest accolade is the three Michelin stars given to a select number of dining establishments. It’s little sibling Bib Gourmand highlights other honourable mentions that are generally more casual (yet still obviously delicious) eateries. During its 126+ year history, the Michelin Guide has also noted exceptional hotels within its listings and in 2024 they launched the Michelin Keys list — denoting amazing stays ranked from One Key properties (special stay), Two Key properties (exceptional stays) to Three Key properties (extraordinary stays).

The list is curated using the 5 guidelines below:

An open door to the destination: The hotel contributes to the local experience and acts as a gateway or significant contribution to its neighborhood or setting.
Excellence in architecture and interior design: High standards in physical design, material choices, and aesthetic execution.
Quality and consistency in service, comfort, and maintenance: Dependable, high-level hospitality, upkeep, and overall guest care.
Individuality and authenticity: A distinct personality and singular character that reflects the identity of the establishment.
Consistency between the experience and the price paid: Fair and clear value relative to the overall cost of the stay.

It’s no surprise that in the second year of Michelin Key listings, Japan has had 145 properties designated as Michelin key, with 7 properties ranked as Three Michelin Keys, 23 listed as Two Michelin Keys and 115 as One Michelin Key.

Read on below for my mini snippets on my stays there (with longer, in-depth reviews for each property to come eventually! )

JUMP TO THE INTERACTIVE MAP TO SEE EVERY PROPERTY

Please Note: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a reservation through one of these links,
I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Every property and destination featured on this website has been personally experienced by the writer, and are their personal thoughts and opinions.

Michelin Key Properties I’ve Personally Stayed.

Somehow in life so far, I’ve been lucky enough to experience personal stays at several properties (before I even knew they were ranked as Michelin Keys) — having realised recently they have been — I fully understand why they were awarded those accolades. So if you’re ever looking for a truly memorable stay to celebrate a special occasion, anniversary during your Japan trip — then one should definitely consider a stay at one of these properties!

TIP: If you’re booking a stay at one of these properties (especially an onsen ryokan) — then I would advise at least 2 nights, or if only 1 night is in your budget - make sure you’re spending most of your time just relaxing and enjoying your stay — rather than going off exploring and coming back only to sleep and eat! Because if you’re like me, you probably had to save up for awhile to afford a stay, so enjoy it to the max!

ONSEN & RYOKAN

HYOGO - TWO MICHELIN KEY
**NISHIMURAYA HONKAN -** **Kinosaki Onsen**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
A stunning 160+years traditional onsen ryokan in tattoo-friendly Kinosaki Onsen town *(accessible from Kyoto & Osaka)* Still owned and run by the same family, for 6 generations — a stay here is perfect for those who want to experience a beautiful traditional onsen ryokan stay with the ultimate omotenashi.
Following Kinosaki Onsen town's rules — ***private baths/open air baths in rooms are not onsen***. Their public baths are onsen. If you’re shy book a reservable private onsen at their sister property Hotel Shogetsutei (for a fee). Only 34 rooms.

ISHIKAWA - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**ARAYA TOTOAN -** **Yamashiro Onsen**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
Over 800 years old. 18 generations. Still owned by the same family. Only 17 rooms. 11 rooms have a private onsen. This is one of the most iconic, historical onsen ryokan to experience in Yamashiro Onsen (direct shinkansen from Tokyo or Kanazawa station).
Stunning traditional Japanese-style rooms restored, renovated and decorated with luxurious modern comforts. The private onsen water is silky smooth to the skin - 100% Gensen Kakenagashi. One of my favourites.
***Read our guide to Yamashiro Onsen here***

MIE - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**OYADO THE EARTH**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
Ultimate modern luxury set on top of a cliff in remote nature overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Only 16 suites - spacious, luxurious and comfortable - this is a splurge for anyone who loves the finer things in life. The food and entire experience is sublime. I only wish I could have stayed longer.
Every room has a private onsen, the waters drawn from the property’s own private onsen source. One room also includes *(along with its private onsen)* its own private infinity pool (*normal heated water)* to do mini laps in!

NIIGATA - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**SATOYAMA JUJO**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
Built around a 150year old relocated traditional Kominka. 14 guest rooms & villas celebrate Japan’s traditional architecture along with modern Scandinavian design. The property showcases both the rich history of the Minami Uonuma area and the abundant produce found in the surrounding region. 12 of their guest rooms/villas have their own private onsen. The public open air onsen has beautiful scenery views.
If you love health and wellness, architecture, modern design and the quiet beauty of nature - book a stay here.

OITA - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**ANA INTERCONTINENTAL -** **Beppu Onsen**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
A luxury stay atop the hilltop of Beppu Onsen. 89 rooms ranging from 40m2 - 150m2+. Several of the rooms have their own private onsen to soak away in. The public onsen has stunning views of the surrounding area and is especially beautiful at sunrise. The infinity pool (normal heated water) is a great place to relax as well.
If you love more well known, branded, family friendly hotels - then this is a great choice.

YAMAGATA - ONE MICHELIN KEY

**YAMAGATA THE TAKINAMI -** **Akayu Onsen**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
A renovated, restored 300 year old traditional merchant residence. Only 19 guest rooms. Separated into 3 distinct areas: KURA (renovated historic storehouses) - SAKURA (nature views) - YAMAGATA (with local designer furniture). Every room has a private onsen - 100% gensen kakenagashi.
Delicious modern kaiseki — filled with fresh, local, seasonal produce presented with influences of European skill.

YAMAGATA - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**OSTERIA SINCERITA -** **Akayu Onsen**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
An exclusive auberge stay focused on gastronomy & onsen. The sister property to Yamagata the Takinami. Only 3 rooms (135-150m2). All rooms have their own private onsen (100% gensen kakenagashi) and/or private sauna.
Meals are served at Stanza della SINCERITÀ, their intimate counter seating restaurant where Japanese & Italian cooking techniques merge, along with pairings of natural wines. Sublime.

YAMAGUCHI - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**BETTEI OTOZURE -** **Nagato Yumoto Onsen**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
A secluded luxury inn with only 18 rooms. All have a private open air onsen with silky smooth alkaline waters - 100% gensen kakenagashi. The sister property to Otani Sanso. The Otani family have been stewards of Nagato Yumoto for 5 generations.
An intimate stay for those who love cozy luxury. One of my favourite onsen ryokans. I’ve visited twice.

HOTELS & BOUTIQUE STAYS

TOKYO - THREE MICHELIN KEYS
**FOUR SEASONS OTEMACHI**

review | website | **check availability**
If you love modern luxury, first class service and hospitality, plus don’t mind a little splurge - Four Seasons Otemachi is a stunning stay in the heart of the posh business district. It’s also home to the one Michelin star “est” restaurant, along with the gorgeous speakeasy bar VIRTU.
I love it for a splurgy Tokyo staycation!

YOKOHAMA - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**INTERCONTINENTAL YOKOHAMA PIER 8**

**review** | website | **check availability**
Perfect base away from central Tokyo - yet still with easy access and everything within reach, especially for last minute souvenir shopping. All the big Japanese brands can be found in Yokohama. The 173 rooms and guest suites are spacious, modern and welcoming.
I love it for when we want a staycation close to Tokyo (but not be in Tokyo).

KYOTO - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**DUSIT THANI KYOTO**

**review** | website | **check availability**
10min walk from Kyoto station. A luxury modern urban sanctuary focusing on wellness, amazing food (4 delicious dining areas to choose from) and deep cultural immersion. 147 spacious rooms & suites. Well priced too.
Highlight: Every Saturday the free Maiko performance and tea ceremony (for staying guests) at the lobby’s tea room.

KAGOSHIMA - ONE MICHELIN KEY
**SANKARA HOTEL & SPA YAKUSHIMA**

review | website | **check availability**
Yakushima Island should be on everyone’s Japan travel list. It’s breathtaking (been twice!). Treat yourself to a stay at Sankara. Its part of “Small Luxury Hotels of the World.” Only 29 Villa-style rooms and suites. Some with private ocean-view saunas and outdoor baths. Truly the most luxurious stay on the island.
Beautiful sunsets, views and delicious dining at Restaurant OKAS and Restaurant Ayana.

Michelin “Hotel Selections” I’ve Personally Stayed

Just like their Bib Gourmand list, Michelin have also highlighted a list of accommodations across the country under their “Hotel Selection” category which celebrate various properties across a range of prices and styles that provide wonderful experiences that are also above the norm.

To be clear - these properties have not been awarded “keys” (yet).

ONSEN & RYOKAN

KYOTO
**SHIJO BETTEI KYOTO**

**review** | website | private onsen | **check availability**
This luxurious modern onsen hotel is the sister property to the more casual Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto. Here, every room has a private open air onsen, yet you can still enjoy the public onsen baths, the rooftop terrace bar with onsen footbath along with the guests of the sister property. If you want to be in the heart of Kyoto and enjoy your own private onsen - this is perfect.

NAGANO
**MATSUMOTO JUJO HONBAKO -** **Asama Onsen**

**review** | website | private onsen | **check availability**
Book and architect lovers need to stay here. A historic onsen ryokan inn once known as Koyanagi (nearly 350years old!) given new life as a book sanctuary onsen inn. There are now two distinct areas “Hotel Koyanagi” which pays homage to the original traditional Japanese inn & “Matsumoto Jujo” which saw the public onsen baths turn into a large library bookstore for both the locals and staying guests. Only 24 rooms in Matsumoto Jujo. Hotel Koyanagi has 14 rooms. All with private onsen - 100% gensen kakenagashi. Sister property to Satoyama Jujo.

HOKKAIDO
**WE HOTEL TOYA**

review | website | **check availability**
Designed by Kengo Kuma, architect fans will love this design onsen hotel. The rooms are spacious with clean lines, beautiful wooden touches and wide expansive windows with views of Lake Toya. Important to note, the open air baths in the room are not onsen water. It uses regular heated tap water. Onsen can only be found in the public indoor and open air onsen baths.

HYOGO
**ARIMASANSOH GOSHOBESSHO -** **Arima Onsen**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
Renowned for its Golden & Silver onsen waters — Goshobessho’s 10 rooms have private Golden (Kinsen) onsen baths. The most stunning being the outdoor Corvo de Ouro (the treehouse villa), built as a crow’s nest to honour Arima Onsen’s founding legend. Originally a temple, it was converted into “Kiyomizu Hotel”. One of the first hotels to welcome visiting foreigners. Today it is the sister property of Tocen Goshoboh, managed by the 15th generation of the family.

SAGA
**URESHINO YADOYA 88 -** **Ureshino Onsen**

review | website | private onsen | **check availability**
36 rooms only. All with their own private onsen - 100% gensen kakenagashi. Spacious rooms & suites available, some are also pet friendly.
Modern, luxurious spaces with Japanese interior design aesthetics. Perfect blend of modern and traditional. Their meals celebrate fresh seasonal produce found within an 88km radius, with an additional emphasis placed on the region’s famous tea.

HOTELS & BOUTIQUE STAYS

TOKYO
**PARK HOTEL TOKYO “Art Hotel”**

**review** | website | **check availability**
Creatives need to book a stay at this hotel. You’ll be inspired! Select rooms from the 26th - 34th floor have been decorated by individual independent artists showcasing a range of scenery, textile media and Japanese culture. The hotel’s corridors, lobby and other areas are also mini art galleries. Located in the quieter Higashi Shinsaibashi, it’s a short 10min walk to the famous Hamarikyuu Gardens.

KYOTO
**CANDEO HOTELS KYOTO KARASUMA**

**review** | website | **check availability**
Located in one of my favourite areas of Kyoto. Candeo Hotels has revived and restored a historic Meiji-era machiya into the hotel’s main entrance, lobby, restaurant and resting area. Modern hotel rooms are located in the adjoining building with the familiar Candeo layout and design.
The Skyspa rooms have relaxing semi open air baths whilst their public Skyspa baths invoke the Sento bathing culture. Baths all use regular heated tap water. It is not an onsen!

KYOTO
**TUNE STAY KYOTO**

review | website | **check availability**
A stay for booklovers. A modern, design, lifestyle focused hotel located a short walk from Kyoto station. There’s a multi story lobby library with floor to ceiling shelves and secondhand books available to purchase ( I picked up a few out of print gems!). Hosts regular short-film movie screenings every night and has a Kyoto craft gin and coffee bar cafe.
Splurge on a stay in their annex Hideout Suites *(feature upscale apartment living hotel stays with an all inclusive drinks and snacks lounge).*

KYOTO
**HOTEL CHOURAKUKAN**

review | website | **check availability**
One of the most sublime stays I’ve ever had in Kyoto. Once the private residence of Japan’s King of Tobacco (who was enamoured with European architecture). There are only 6 rooms. Designated a **National Important Cultural Property** (2024). It is also part of “Small Luxury Hotels of the World.”
If you love historic, iconic, boutique stays — Chourakukan should be on your bucketlist.

NARA
**NARA HOTEL**

review | website | **check availability**
A truly historic stay. 117 years old. Built in the architectural style of a Momoyama Japanese Palace. One of 9 “Japan Classic Hotels.” The first hotels in Japan with Western-style elements, constructed pre-World War II where visiting foreign dignitaries stayed. The interiors are a gorgeous mix of traditional Japanese and the romantic Taisho-Roman era.
Albert Einstein, Audrey Hepburn, Helen Keller to name a few have stayed at the Nara Hotel. Definitely a historic stay to add to the bucketlist. I loved my stay here.

FUKUI
**AUBERGE HOMACHI MIKUNI MINATO**

review | website | **check availability**
The hotel treats the entire old town as a single hotel, inviting guests to live within and explore the preserved surroundings. Known as a dispersed hotel stay which is becoming popular in quieter Japan cities to revitalize country town areas.
Historic machiya scattered around the town have been converted into boutique accommodation - all slightly different for guests to enjoy and one is their acclaimed restaurant Tateru Yoshino Mikuni Minato.

ISHIKAWA
**KORINKYO**

**review** | website | **check availability**
Artists, creatives, designers, architect lovers need to book a stay here. This 10 story former gallery has only 18 rooms designed with minimalism and natural light filtering through. The building's iconic 1970s exposed concrete structure and distinctive floor-to-ceiling arched windows, blend industrial-chic brutalism with Japanese wabi-sabi and Zen simplicity. Located centrally in the heart of the historic Korinbo district.

ISHIKAWA
**HYATT CENTRIC KANAZAWA**

**review** | website | **check availability**
Close to Kanazawa Station. Hyatt Group’s first entry into the Hokuriku region was modelled after the concept of a “living museum” to showcase Kanazawa rich cultural, traditional crafts and kogei like kaga yuzen kimonos, kutani porcelain and gold leaf.
Rooms are spacious, modern and exactly what you would expect from the Hyatt Group. The rooftop terrace bar has nice views of the city (seasonally open).

NAGASAKI
**NAGASAKI MARRIOTT HOTEL**

review | website | **check availability**
A wonderful modern, luxurious stay next to JR Nagasaki Station, celebrating the city’s rich international history and mix of cultural influences as one of Japan’s largest trading ports.
207 spacious rooms and suites, some with wide wrapping balconies, deep sinking bathtubs and Nagasaki city views. Restaurants available are also delicious and if you have use of the M Club executive lounge — it is always a plus.

TOYAMA
**BED & CRAFT (Mitu)**

**review** | website | **check availability**
One of the earlier adopters of the “dispersed” hotel concept. Bed & Craft restored and renovated several abandoned properties in Nanto City as boutique accommodation to transform the town into a living hotel and help support local livelihoods.
Each property is distinct and was decorated, curated by a local master artisan so guests feel like they’re staying in a unique gallery space. I loved the secret door in mine - MITU.

Other Stays I Think Should Be Considered

Though I am in no way a representative of the Michelin Guide, there’s also several other places which I personally feel also evoke the same values as honestly there are so many exceptional stays in Japan, especially if you take the time to travel further and wider. So here are some that I believe deserve a special mention as well — because the stays I had at each of them were truly memorable, once in a lifetime experiences.