Ryokan reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 159 Reddit reviews across 7 subreddits and 62 posts to rank the best Ryokan brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/JapanTravelTips, r/JapanTravel, r/japanlife, r/TokyoTravel, r/manga. Top-rated brands include Yama No Chaya (4.6/5), Ryokan (4.1/5), Nishimuraya Honkan (5.0/5).
Stats
Reviews159
Subreddits7
Posts62
Brands96
Products16
159 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Yama No Chaya
4.6
(7)
"We stayed at Yama No Chaya and loved it!"
"My husband and I stayed at Yama No Chaya last month and really enjoyed it!"
"I stayed at Yama No Chaya in Hakone during my stay in May."
"When our family went to Hakone earlier this year we stayed at Yama No Chaya."
"Yama no Chaya in Hakone."
"Yama no Chaya had better food but both were great."
"My wife and I stayed at Yama No Chaya and really loved it."
#2
Ryokan
4.1
(7)
"I loved every second."
"Was situated on a little pond and we somehow lucked out and got a room that was basically a little detached hut."
"I think it would be an amazing experience for you to go for, and definitely would encourage you to do at least one night."
"It's not a place to sleep so much as it is a full experience including the gardens, baths, fancy meals, etc."
"I would frankly recommend you check their websites or ryokan booking services to see which of them still have availability."
"I recommend getting a room with an en-suite private bath."
"I recommend possibly checking out a Ryokan with an onsen."
#3
Nishimuraya Honkan
5.0
(5)
"Everything else is matching your request."
"We stayed 2 nights at Nishimuraya Honkan and it was a bliss."
"I decided to stay at Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki Onsen."
"The Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki is absolutely incredible."
"I cannot recommend the Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki enough."
#4
Gora Hanaougi
4.6
(5)
"Absolutely."
"Private onsen on balcony with amazing view."
"Private onsen on balcony with amazing view."
"It was a breeze."
"Food was great. Location and facilities were beautiful."
#5
Japanican
4.3
(4)
"Jalan and Japanican are dedicated ryokan search sites which will show more specific information."
"I recommend japanican.com in particular. They are specialized in ryokan booking."
"I used the filter at japanican.com for Ryokan in Kusatsu with private bath in-room."
"[japanican] ia a great website that lists many ryokans and hotels."
#6
Selected Ryokan
3.8
(4)
"Otherwise look here for options https://selected-ryokan.com/?s=Hakone"
"I used this website to filter through Ryokans that have private in-room onsens because my wife has tattoos as well."
"This would be a good place to start."
"See if these options have available rooms. You might pay more $$ since it is next week. https://selected-ryokan.com/?s=Hakone"
#7
Takefue
5.0
(3)
"Takefue undoubtedly. It’s the best hands down. For a family of 6 we spent ~4-5k for a night but was the best experience."
"Most incredible place I’ve ever been to."
"Genuinely amazing."
#8
Gora Kadan
5.0
(3)
"If you can afford 2 nights, then go!"
"Gora Kadan"
"Gora Kadan is fantastic, but I would do Kinosaki over Hakone if you are looking for onsen-focused experience."
#9
Hoshino Resorts
5.0
(3)
"If cost is no option, I’d consider anything run by Hoshino."
"Great service, great view, private onsen, amaaaaaazing food."
"As far as Ryokan recommendations, nothing beats Hoshino Resort."
#10
Ubuya
5.0
(3)
"Room 501."
"Amazing place."
"Room with a spectacular view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji."
#11
Konansou
4.7
(3)
"Completely worth the experience."
"I can't recommend it enough."
"For a Mt Fuji view I recommend this ryokan."
#12
Kinosaki Onsen
4.7
(3)
"You could check out Kinosaki (highly recommend but for overnight stays as it's further from Tokyo) or do a day trip to Hakone."
"I'd recommend Kinosaki Onsen. It's an Onsen town and features 7 public baths and several ryokan."
"Check Kinosaki onsen, all the public onsen are ok with tattoo."
#13
Kinosaki
4.7
(3)
"Kinosaki has several Ryokan at various prices and is a strikingly beautiful place."
"It’s a really charming “onsen town”."
"Try Kinosaki in Toyooka."
#14
Biwako Hanakaido
4.3
(3)
"Just go to their website and book it from there. It's available in English."
"My husband and I had a lovely stay at Biwako Hanakaido this past week."
"My friend and I stayed at Biwako Hanakaido in October of this year."
#15
Kusatsu
5.0
(2)
"Just stayed here is Kusatsu which is amazing."
"The food was also extremely good and overall the service was just out of the world."
#16
Hidatei Hanaougi
5.0
(2)
"Go to Takayama and have a more authentic experience for half the price."
"Best is subjective - this recommendation is likely going to be beyond your budget."
#17
Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku
5.0
(2)
"The atmosphere was."
"Magnificent scenery and only $300 for 2 people a night including breakfast and dinner"
#18
Fufu Kawaguchiko
5.0
(2)
"Beautiful views of Mt. Fuji from every room."
"I stayed at Fufu Kawaguchiko back in 2019 and I had a great experience. Every room is facing Fuji san and it feels like Fuji san is right in front of you."
#19
Hakone Ginyu
5.0
(2)
"It was all just... incredible."
"Quick overview of top recommended are Hakone Ginyu, Gora Kadan and Yama No chaya."
#20
Yoshimatsu
5.0
(2)
"Absolutely fantastic service and staff are so polite."
"Yoshimatsu in Hakone was great! Should fit all of your criteria and I had a view of Mt. Fuji from my room last week when I stayed there."
#21
Kokuya
4.5
(2)
"Highlight was thier Kaiseki dinner."
"We looked into staying at Kokuya."
#22
Ryokan Tanabe
4.5
(2)
"When we were in Takayama last year we stayed at Ryokan Tanabe."
"I stayed at Ryokan Tanabe when I was there and quite enjoyed it."
#23
Fufu
4.5
(2)
"Stayed at Fufu in Kawahuchigo and Zaborin in Niseko during my trip in December. Both had excellent food with half board included. Rooms were very spacious."
"If you want a luxury and a Fuji view why not try FuFu Kawaguchiko."
#24
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
4.5
(2)
"I stayed at hotel green plaza hakone for one night in may 2018 - and it was totally worth it."
"Look like there is more western choices, and is buffet style."
#25
Kijitei Hoeiso
4.5
(2)
"Example: Kijitei Hoeiso."
"I really like Kijitei Hoeiso, stayed there twice now."
#26
Rakuten Travel
4.5
(2)
"I like to use the JP section of Rakuten Travel and then book through the ryokan's website."
"As for ryokans, try Rakuten Travel."
#27
Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
4.5
(2)
"I splurged on Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori."
"I splurged on Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori."
#28
Mount View Hakone
4.0
(2)
"You get a great view of the other mountain ranges next to Fuji."
"We stayed at Mount View Hakone."
#29
Kaga Onsen
4.0
(2)
"Both are pretty good, I think personally would give the nod to Kaga."
"Kaga Onsen would be my choice, do note there are a few others in neaby Kamikochi, such as Shirahone."
#30
Japaneseguesthouses.com
4.0
(2)
"Japaneseguesthouses.com. You kind of have to do the leg work yourself to search out ryokan."
"Try googling Japaneseguesthouses.com. You can search by area, and price point."
#31
Mount View
4.0
(2)
"Saw lots of positive reviews on this sub and we have a similar budget to you OP."
"I recommend it if you're on a budget and don't want to spend too much."
#32
Booking.com
4.0
(2)
"Booking.com and Agoda are the best of the typical non-Japan-specific websites."
"Go to booking.com, search for 2 nights in Hakone & filter on Ryokans for your budget."
#33
Yamadaya
4.0
(2)
"I stayed at Yamadaya. Very nice rooms and onsen."
"I haven't actually been there before."
#34
Kukuna
3.5
(2)
"I stayed in kukuna two nights in June with my partner. It was the highlight of our trip. Unobstructed view of mt fuji from the room and balcony onsen."
"Kukuna had beautiful views but we were extremely disappointed that the private onsen was closed due to construction during our stay."
#35
Ryokan Montonago
3.5
(2)
"We loved Ryokan Montonago in Kyoto."
"Not an onsen, but they do allow co-ed/family bathing in their ofuro (japanese bath tub)."
#36
Jalan
5.0
(1)
"Jalan and Japanican are dedicated ryokan search sites which will show more specific information."
#37
Tawaraya
5.0
(1)
"The Tawaraya in Kyoto. There’s none better, hands down."
#38
Yunoshimakan
5.0
(1)
"The best word I can use to describe it is 'magical'."
#39
HANAOUGI BETTEI IIYAMA
5.0
(1)
"It was fantastic."
#40
Hakone Gora Byakudan
5.0
(1)
"Gorgeous views, especially love the lobby area."
#41
Oichiairo
5.0
(1)
"Amazing place, room, and experience overall."
#42
Ryugon
5.0
(1)
"Magic."
#43
Gora Byakudan
5.0
(1)
"The food and treatment was incredible."
#44
biwaki hanakaido
5.0
(1)
"It was one of the best stays of our trip."
#45
Sekizenkan Kashotei
5.0
(1)
"It was pure bliss."
#46
Hotel Shoho
5.0
(1)
"It was lovely."
#47
Wanosato
5.0
(1)
"Matsuba crab kaiseki was amazing."
#48
Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen
5.0
(1)
"It was just perfect."
#49
Yatsusankan
5.0
(1)
"One of the highlights of our trip!"
#50
Yuimakura
5.0
(1)
"The highlight of our honeymoon."
#51
Hotel Konansou
5.0
(1)
"Dinner was served in the room, wonderful open-air bath in room."
#52
Hotel Kasansui
5.0
(1)
"We stay at the Hotel Kasansui in Hakone for 2 nights for less than $200 per night."
#53
Hakone Airu
5.0
(1)
"I was at Hakone Airu last year. Had a room with a private onsen tub on the balcony facing the mountains. The included meals were also top notch."
#54
山久
5.0
(1)
"The best overall experience I had was at 山久 in Takayama."
#55
Ryokan Yuan Bettei
5.0
(1)
"Superb facilities (in room onsen outdoors), awesome breakfast, great massages and quite affordable for the experience."
#56
Hakone Ginyu Ryokan
5.0
(1)
"Elegantly designed rooms with splendid views and private onsen. I highly recommend it."
#57
Fuji Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen
5.0
(1)
"Best views of Fuji that we had."
#58
Notoya Ryokan
5.0
(1)
"Watching the waterfall from the private onsen was magical."
#59
Yamamizuki
5.0
(1)
"Is by far the best, along with the availability of over 30 accessible hot springs around the town."
#60
Yoshi Ima
5.0
(1)
"Its a Government Approved Ryokan in Kyoto near to Sanjo Station. Its well preserved and traditional."
#61
Muni Kyoto
5.0
(1)
"Muni Kyoto was absolutely stunning. We stayed 2 nights and had dinner at their michelan restaurant."
#62
Yuyado Daiichi
5.0
(1)
"Extremely isolated. Outdoor baths run along the river."
#63
Yufuin
5.0
(1)
"It’s a complex of multiple buildings in a beautiful forest area, and each room is its own tiny building with a unique theme."
#64
Ichinoyu Susukinohara
5.0
(1)
"In Hakone we stayed at ichinoyu susukinohara. We had a private onsen in our room and it was amazing."
#65
Gallery Nozawa Inn
4.0
(1)
"I recommend Gallery Nozawa Inn. Its not a classic ryokan, but a Kyomachiya with traditional rooms and lovely service."
#66
OMO5
4.0
(1)
"If you are finding traditional ryokans too expensive, try OMO5 Gion."
#67
Suimeisou
4.0
(1)
"We are going to Japan this summer and staying in this ryokan for two nights in Hakone. We haven't gone yesterday obviously but we are super excited!"
#68
Agoda
4.0
(1)
"Booking.com and Agoda are the best of the typical non-Japan-specific websites."
#69
Hoshinoya
4.0
(1)
"Look into Hoshinoya Kyoto"
#70
Usemono Yado
4.0
(1)
"The other 2 are just set in a more traditional Japanese era."
#71
Deaimon
4.0
(1)
"Traditional Japanese culture."
#72
Indigo Hotel
4.0
(1)
"Hakone is expensive but really lovely. We stayed in the Indigo hotel in Gora which was very expensive but we had a private Onsen and there was a big common one on the ground floor."
#73
Yumekuri
4.0
(1)
"First one is set in an inn in the afterlife."
#74
Tokinoyu
4.0
(1)
"I had a good time."
#75
Sanada Onsen
4.0
(1)
"I like Sanada onsen near Ikea around Toyota university."
#76
Kadensho
4.0
(1)
"Kadensho in Arashiyama is nice (I think it's $200) and is very close to tougestukyo and Hankyu Arashiyama, so it's convenient and you can take a relaxing walk at night."
#77
Takaragawa Onsen
4.0
(1)
"Takaragawa Onsen (Minakami) - No private baths, as far as I remember, but the giant mixed gender baths by the river were amazing."
#78
Asaba Ryokan
4.0
(1)
"Check Asaba Ryokan (Izu), Beniya mukayu (Kanazawa), Rakudo an (Toyama), Gora Kadan (Izu)"
#79
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei
4.0
(1)
"Stayed here and it was lovely, though expensive."
#80
Ryokan Mugen
4.0
(1)
"The hosts are very friendly and give you free drinks in their speakeasy and are incredibly friendly."
#81
Kyoto Higashiyamaso
4.0
(1)
"I stayed at Kyoto Higashiyamaso. Would recommend."
#82
Jozankei Onsen
4.0
(1)
"Take a look at Jozankei Onsen maybe? It's about an hour by bus from Sapporo."
#83
Himakajima Ryokan
4.0
(1)
"There’re a few hotels and ryokans there that should suit."
#84
伴久 Ryokan
4.0
(1)
"For a more traditional experience, probably 伴久 in 湯西川温泉."
#85
Kai Sengokuhara
4.0
(1)
"Was able to book one at Kai Sengokuhara in Hakone last week. Our stay is in last week in October, and I feel like we were pretty lucky snagging this one a month out."
#86
Sundance Resort
4.0
(1)
"$225 per night (I’m travelling solo) includes breakfast and dinner. It’s more modern, so won’t have the traditional feel (I don’t think) but it does fit your budget."
#87
Hakone Yutowa
4.0
(1)
"I stayed at the Hakone Yutowa hotel, which I enjoyed but may not be the right fit for you."
#88
Yuwaku Onsen
4.0
(1)
"Have you looked into Yuwaku onsen that's outside of Kanazawa?"
#89
Irori Guesthouse Tenmaku
4.0
(1)
"I stayed in a sweet little guest house called irori guesthouse tenmaku."
#90
Tsurunoyu
4.0
(1)
"There's definitely mixed onsen out there!"
#91
Hakone Ryokan
4.0
(1)
"If mine did not have a shuttle to and from the nearest station I probably would have gone with one either in Gora station or Hakone Yumoto station area."
#92
Kinugawa
4.0
(1)
"Kinugawa might fit the bill. Many of the onsen there have either baths in rooms or 貸切露天風呂."
#93
Senshinkan
4.0
(1)
"Looks very promising from the correspondence and images."
#94
Ikyu
4.0
(1)
"I, Japanese native, mostly use Ikyu for high-end hotels/ryokans and restaurants."
#95
Suisen Hakone Hotel
3.0
(1)
"The Suisen Hakone hotel isn't quite a traditional ryokan but in many ways it is."
#96
Kinmata
3.0
(1)
"There’s a small ryokan called Kinmata near Nishiki Market in Kyoto. They’re not accepting overnight guests at the moment, but you can enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal while looking out over their beautiful garden."
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