Looking for authentic ryokans near Tokyo? Here are our top recommendations from three nearby cities with gorgeous outdoor views!
Picture credit: Booking.com
It’s no secret that Tokyo is a tourist hotspot, with its bright lights, rich culture, and endless things to see and do.
But when it comes to an authentic ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) stay, Japan’s capital might not be the best place for it.
Instead, nearby hot spring towns like Atami, Minakami, and Nasu-Shiobara offer better traditional ryokans set against scenic backdrops, where you can unwind in mineral-rich onsen waters. Some even provide a kaiseki experience, offering you a delicious and meticulously-crafted multi-course meal made with local ingredients.
Here are 11 ryokans in and around Tokyo that are worth checking out!
Ryokans in Atami (~30mins from Tokyo)
Around 30 to 60 minutes away from Tokyo via Shinkansen is the coastal city of Atami. Its name literally means “hot sea”, a testament to its abundant coastal hot springs heated by volcanic activity.
Besides the onsens, Atami is also home to Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, and offers mountain views across the city!
How to get there: From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station (Google Maps)
Read also: 9 Gorgeous Ryokans Near Mt Fuji — Mountain Views, Private Onsens, and Kaiseki Dining
The Gran Resort Elegante Atami (from ~S$150/night)
Photo credit: The Gran Resort Elegante Atami
Conveniently located near Atami Station and overlooking the Atami Sun Beach, the Gran Resort Elegante Atami offers a comfortable stay with an ocean view — making it feel like an island paradise.
It provides a complete ryokan experience with a sauna and onsen, that also doubles as a shower area.
*Pro-tip: Take a taxi from the train station as the walk up to the resort is quite steep!
Cost: From ~S$150/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 12-13 Momoyamacho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0006, Japan
How to get there: 6min taxi ride from Atami Station (Google Maps)
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Suiyotel (from ~S$242/night)
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Seemingly an unimpressive building from the outside, the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Suiyotel boasts elegant Japanese-style rooms with a view of the open waters.
Enjoy the breathtaking view of Sagami Bay at the indoor and outdoor onsens, which feels as if you’re floating on the sea itself. All the baths are filled with water from “Harshiriyu“, one of Japan’s three oldest springs!
There are also amenities like a manga corner and karaoke for you to chill after your soak at the bath. Enjoy a scrumptious buffet-style breakfast and dinner with add-on items like steamed abalone (¥1078) and snow crab (¥2980)!
Cost: From ~S$242/night (up to 2 pax, incl. breakfast and dinner)
Address: 190-1 Izusan, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0002, Japan
How to get there: From Atami Station, take bus AT53 to Ashikawa bus stop. Then, walk 9mins (Google Maps)
Atami Onsen Sakuraya Ryokan (from ~S$397/night)
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Embraced by gentle greenery, Atami Onsen Sakuraya Ryokan invites guests to slow down and soak in its peaceful charm.
Built like a traditional Japanese house with tiled roofs, the ryokan sits in the middle of a private property where cobblestone pathways lead you to the entrance. A separate garden filled with lush trees and shrubs adds to the tranquil atmosphere.
Photo credit: Booking.com
The rooms have high ceilings and are well-furnished with classic Japanese elements like tatami flooring, sliding doors, and tea tables. All of them have an indoor bath with hot spring water drawn from the source, so technically you have your own private little onsen!
There are two large bathhouses — “Tensei-no-yu” and “Kaisei-no-yu” — with a variety of baths including (but not limited to) an indoor bath, an open-air bath, cold baths, and even a sauna!
Cost: From ~S$397/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 9-11 Higashikaiganchō, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0012, Japan
How to get there: 5min walk from Atami Station (Google Maps)
Ryokans in Nasu-Shiobara (~75mins from Tokyo)
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Thanks to its location near the volcanic Nasu mountain range, Nasu-Shiobara is blessed with over 100 natural hot spring sources, many of which have been cherished since the Edo period.
Mineral-rich waters bubble up from deep underground, making it an ideal place for a ryokan hot spring retreat!
How to get there: From Tokyo, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasu-Shiobara Station (Google Maps)
YU-FURI Naru-Shiobara (from ~S$90/night)
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One of the most affordable options, YU-FURI Nasu Shiobara offers a decent ryokan experience for a good price.
The essential parts of a ryokan are here: (1) sleek and spacious Japanese rooms with tatami flooring, a sliding door & futons, and (2) an onsen with abundant natural hot spring water.
You can even make your own soft-boiled eggs in the onsen! Just purchase an egg from the front desk (¥100) and soak it in for 30 minutes.
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Head down to the Shiobara Onsen Town for a meal, or purchase a lunchbox from the front desk (¥850/box).
Cost: From ~S$90/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Tochigi, Nasu-Shiobara, Shiobara, 2441, Japan
How to get there: From Nasushiobara Station, take the Utsunomiya Line to Nishi-Nasuno Station. Then, walk to the Nishi-Nasuno Station West Exit (西那須野駅西口 ) bus stop. Take the bus going to Shiobara Onsen BT (塩原温泉BT). Finally, walk 5mins (Google Maps)
Akasawa Onsen Ryokan (from ~$151/night)
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Akasawa Onsen Ryokan is a cosy inn set amidst nature at the banks of the Hoki River. They even have friendly stray cats and dogs in the area that they lovingly call their staff!
Their spacious rooms have windows overlooking forests and mountains, letting in plenty of natural light. There are numerous activities you can do (with an extra charge) like canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding.
Photo credit: Booking.com
An onsen soak will surely rejuvenate you after a day of exploring, and its lukewarm temperature (38-40°C) is especially welcoming for those who might find hotter baths a bit too intense. They also avoid using kerosene to heat up the onsen and rely on the hot spring’s natural water temperature instead.
To top it off, the ryokan offers meals with various cuisines for dinner, like Japanese, Chinese, and even vegan.
Cost: From ~S$151/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 1149 Shiobara, Nasushiobara, Tochigi 329-2921, Japan
How to get there: Arrange pick-up service with the ryokan from Shiobara Onsen BT (塩原温泉BT) (Google Maps)
Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya (from ~S$471/night)
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Over 500 years old, Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya is rich in both the ryokan experience, and the arts.
Three south-facing buildings make up the ryokan — allowing plenty of sunlight in and offering gorgeous views of the river. Rooms are classy and elegant, with traditional Japanese and modern Western elements for maximum comfort and familiarity.
Breakfast and dinner are served kaiseki-style in your rooms.
Photo credit: Booking.com
Relax at the onsen with hot springs that date back to 1059! The water here is famous for its medicating effects, earning it the “National Health Spa” title by the Japanese government.
Choose to soak in the open-air bath, stone bath, or wooden bath — with temperatures ranging between 38ºC and 45ºC.
The ryokan also houses special events, art displays, and even the Kishio Suga Souko Museum, which is dedicated to the Japanese visual artist Kishio Suga.
Cost: From ~S$471/night (up to 2 pax, incl. breakfast and dinner)
Address: 856 Itamuro, Nasushiobara, Tochigi 325-0111, Japan
How to get there: From Nasushiobara Station, walk to the Nasushiobara Station West Exist bus stop. Take the bus that says it’s going to Itamuro Onsen (板室温泉) Then walk 2mins (Google Maps)
Minakami (~1.5hrs from Tokyo)
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With 18 hot spring sources, Minakami is known for its clear spring waters. It takes about 90 minutes to reach Minakami from Tokyo by taking the Shinkansen, and then a bus.
How to get there: From Tokyo, take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station. Then, take a bus to Minakami Station (Google Maps)
Tanigawa Valley Lodge & Coffee Roastery (~S$147/night)
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Tanigawa Valley Lodge & Coffee Roastery is where you want to be for a homey stay with plenty of adventure, warm hospitality, and good coffee.
Reviews online praise the Lodge’s exceptional service, which includes picking up and dropping off guests, offering travel tips, and sharing more about the area. The rooms are also spacious, with a lovely view of lush forests.
There’s more here than just the onsen: activities include cycling, skiing, rafting, canyoning, and multiple walking trails that bring you into the heart of nature’s peace. Not to mention the delicious breakfast that comes with in-house brewed coffee!
Cost: From ~S$147/night (up to 2 pax, incl. breakfast)
Address: 202 Tanigawa, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1619, Japan
How to get there: Pick-up services can be arranged (Google Maps)
Super Hydrogen Rich Spa Yado Kanzan (from ~S$358/night)
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With views of the majestic Mount Tanigawa, Super Hydrogen Rich Spa Yado Kanzan is a boutique ryokan that combines modern comfort with a deeply relaxing atmosphere. There are only six rooms, promising an intimate and peaceful stay.
Guests can unwind at any time in the soothing Hinoki-style hot spring bath, available 24 hours a day. For a truly special experience, there’s also a private open-air bath with an unobstructed view of Mount Tanigawa, and hydrogen-infused waters that enhance relaxation.
Photo credit: Booking.com
For breakfast, opt for the buffet, or a traditional Japanese breakfast with rice, miso soup, fish, and others. Meanwhile, dinner is served grand kaiseiki-style, with a seasonal menu showcasing the freshest local produce and locally-sourced ingredients.
Cost: From ~S$358/night (up to 2 pax, incl. breakfast and dinner)
Address: 430 Tanigawa, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1619, Japan
How to get there: Pick-up services can be arranged (Google Maps)
Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku (from ~S277/night)
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Set beside the stunning Takaragawa River, the gorgeous Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku boasts five hot springs and immerses you in Japan’s natural beauty.
Rooms come with a river view and features a calming Japanese design, complete with tatami flooring and shoji sliding door. Every day starts with a fresh Japanese breakfast, and ends with a delightful kaiseki multi-course meal served in the dining room.
Photo credit: Booking.com
The highlight here is undoubtedly the four tattoo-friendly outdoor onsen baths, all with lovely views of the river and varying in temperature. One is women-only, while the remaining three are open to both genders — something you don’t really see in Japan!
For those going into the mixed-gender onsen, the hotel provides swimwear which are comfortable and easy to wear.
*Pro-tip: Come during the winter for beautiful snow-capped views of the river in your room, and in the onsen!
The hotel also offers a free shuttle to JR Minakami Station and Jomo-Kogen Station.
Cost: From ~S$277/night (up to 2 pax, incl. breakfast and dinner)
Address: 1899 Fujiwara, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1721, Japan
How to get there: From Minakami Station, take the Minakami Line and ride 31 stops to Takaragawa Iriguchi Station. Then, walk about 25min (Google Maps)
Bonus: Ryokans in Tokyo
In case you can’t make the trip to the cities, here are two ryokans in Tokyo that you can consider.
Dormy Inn Premium Kodenmacho (from ~S$151/night)
Photo credit: Booking.com
The first is Dormy Inn Premium Kodenmacho, just one station away from Akihabara Electric Town.
Photo credit: Booking.com
While it doesn’t have the classic futons you’d find in a traditional ryokan, the cosy beds ensure a restful night. There’s a sauna and onsen for you to unwind, and a massages are available for an additional charge.
Then enjoy free ice cream and drinks after your soak, or indulge in some free late-night ramen. We also heard that their breakfast is amazing — there’s fresh local seafood sashimi available!
Cost: From ~S$151/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 2-3 Nihonbashikodenmacho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0001, Japan
How to get there: Walk one minute 1min from Kodenmacho Station (Google Maps)
Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring (from ~S$265/night)
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Located in the city centre, Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring is highly accessible to various locations, like the famous Sensoji Temple.
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The rooms are spacious and minimalistic with tatami flooring and comfortable beds. There are indoor and open-air onsens for men and women.
Fun fact: the onsen water comes from a natural hot spring and appears black because of its minerals! The water feels smooth to touch, and is scentless.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet where you can create your own seafood bowl!
Cost: From ~S$265/night (up to 2 pax, incl. breakfast)
Address: 2 Chome-7-20 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
How to get there: 3min walk from Asakusa Station (Google Maps)
Tips for your Tokyo trip
Besides getting yourself a ryokan experience, here are some tips to make your Tokyo trip better:
1) Which airport to book
Tokyo has two airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT).
For convenience, pick Haneda as it’s closer to central Tokyo (20 to 30 minutes away by train). For more international flight options and cheaper fares, pick Narita (1 hour away from the city).
2) Beating the crowds
Tokyo gets especially packed during peak seasons. To beat the crowd, avoid visiting during these periods:
– Golden Week (late Apr to early May)
– Sakura Season (see Sakura forecasts)
– Autumn foliage season (Nov)
– New Year Holidays (late Dec to early Jan)
When you’re in the city, explore popular spots on weekdays and head out early to stay ahead of the rush!
Read also: 13 Tips to Travel in Japan Over Peak Seasons — Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Foliage, Golden Week
3) Getting around Japan
Japan’s railway system is highly efficient, but can also be very confusing. And since the 30% price increase in 2023, it’s good to think carefully about what JR passes you need (or if you even need one at all). To help with your planning, we wrote a JR Pass Guide and also explored budget alternatives!
Psst… if you need more Tokyo travel inspo, check out some of our other articles below!
– 5D4N Solo Tokyo Itinerary — Ghibli-esque Attractions and an Escape to Karuizawa
– N Non-Touristy Tokyo Itinerary — Charming Places, Amazing Views, and More
– 7D Japan Itinerary for S$1.3k — A Tokyo and Mount Fuji Adventure
– 8-Day Tokyo to Osaka Japan Itinerary For First Timers Under S$690
Which ryokans near Tokyo are you staying in on your next trip to Japan? Let us know in the comments!
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Nice topic, well done…