21 Best Ryokan with Private Onsen in Japan 2024 | Private Onsen for Family and Couples

Photo courtesy of Gora Kadan

If you want to experience Japanese culture, the number one essential thing that you must do is enter an onsen.

But most onsen are split between men and women, so couples and families can’t enjoy them together.

On top of that, most people are uncomfortable taking a bath with people that they don’t know.

If you have ever thought about any of these things, you should think about using a private onsen.

Recently, private onsen have become popular among Japanese people, and the number of ryokans with private onsen is on the rise!

There are various types of rooms, including rooms with open-air onsen overlooking the ocean, rooms with open-air onsen surrounded by forests, and rooms with open-air onsen that have picturesque views of Japanese mountain ranges.

This article is updated on February 15, 2024.

In this article, we will introduce 21 ryokans and hotels with private onsen that we recommend throughout Japan.

We will introduce our recommendations by area, so if there’s a place you are interested in, use the table of contents to check it out.

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

1. What is a private onsen?
2. Private onsen in Tokyo
3. Private onsen in Kyoto
4. Private onsen in Osaka
5. Private onsen in Hokkaido
6. Private onsen in Hakone
7. Private onsen near Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko
8. Cheap ryokan with private onsen
9. Conclusion

What is a private onsen?

Japanese onsen are generally large public hot spring baths with a large number of people.

Conversely, private onsen are usually smaller onsen rooms attached to a ryokan or hotel. Private onsen are perfect for couples and families. Even those with tattoos can bathe in private onsen which usually isn’t allowed in public onsen.

Now, we’ll have a quick explanation of the 2 main types of private onsen.

They each have their pros and cons, for example.

• Rental onsen

Pros: Rental onsen are less expensive than in a room with an onsen attached. Most ryokan allow you to reserve them for free or a small fee if you’re staying overnight.

Cons: Often, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. There is usually a time limit and most of them are booked in one-hour increments.

• Rooms with onsen

Pros: You have the onsen to all to yourself! You can use it as much as you want, whenever you want. Best for spending your time comfortably without worrying about anyone else.

Cons: Rates per night for rooms with onsen are often much higher.

If you want to enjoy a private onsen as inexpensively as possible, we recommend that you stay at a ryokan with a private bath. But, if you prefer to enjoy the luxury of onsen slowly, we recommend that you stay at a ryokan that has a guest room with an open-air bath.

Now, below are some of the ryokan and hotels with private onsen that we recommend, organized by area.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3 best ryokan and hotels with private onsen in Tokyo

Because of the cost of space in Tokyo, there are only a small amount of ryokan and hotels with private onsen.

We had a tough time finding them but were able to find a special few where you can experience Japanese culture.

The following 3 are hotels and ryokan that we have picked out which we recommend.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

cyashitsu ryokan asakusa (茶室ryokan asakusa)

Cyashitsu ryokan asakusa is a modern Japanese ryokan in the heart of Tokyo. If you prefer a room with a private onsen attached, book the Ofuro suite. Or if you’d rather, reserve an hour time slot when you check-in for the private onsen. The private rooftop cypress onsen is surrounded by greenery. It’s typical of Japanese architecture to blur the lines between indoors and outside, and this onsen in the city will help you relax with nature and the sky.

The number of details in each room is incredible, and rival the thought and consideration of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Enjoy carefully constructed rock gardens, and amazing craftsmanship and design. The floors are tatami mats and there are no western-style beds. The futons are supposed to be laid out above the tatami when you are ready to sleep. You can relax in Asakusa while enjoying the views of Tokyo Skytree.

Because they are located in one of the oldest areas of Tokyo, the staff at cyashitsu ryokan are committed to sharing local culture with guests. They can introduce you to tea culture, Japanese culture, or just act as a local guide to the historic area. Remove your shoes and wash your feet in warm water in the lobby, a custom that dates back to the Edo period. Enjoy things like their moss garden, walking around Asakusa in a yukata, and other special moments at cyashitsu ryokan asakusa.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

YUEN BETTEI DAITA (由縁別邸 東京代田)

YUEN BETTEI DAITA is a luxury Japanese ryokan located near Setagaya Daita station, located just 10 minutes away from Shinjuku and Shibuya station.  They try to offer a luxury countryside hot springs experience in the city center. Book the deluxe twin room with an outdoor bath to enjoy your time with your family or loved ones at your own pace. Just know that the bath doesn’t have the same rejuvenating waters as the onsen. If you prefer something more private, book their residential annex that can sleep up to 6 people.

The rooms have tatami mats, Japanese sliding paper doors, and traditional Japanese architecture. The beds are Western-style, great for if you have trouble getting comfortable on the floor. Although small, the rooms are designed to maximize how big they feel. The calm atmosphere will leave you relaxed and even though it’s very close to the train station, it’s very quiet. Some of the rooms have small gardens attached to them, so you can enjoy a surprising amount of greenery.

The public onsen water is sourced from Ashinoko onsen in Hakone and has great effects on your skin. Because YUEN BETTEI DAITA is so close to Shimokitazawa, a popular area near Shibuya, take a stroll there to visit some unique cafes, theatrical performances, and trendy shops. After a long walk and some shopping, get a massage or use the sauna to relax!

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Stay SAKURA HOTEL ASAKUSA YOKOZUNA (Stay SAKURA Tokyo 浅草 横綱 Hotel)

Stay SAKURA HOTEL ASAKUSA YOKOZUNA is located in Asakusa, near Sensoji Temple. If you want to use an onsen, you’ll have to book the room with the private onsen attached, as there are no private onsen for rent or public onsen at this hotel. This hotel is perfect if you plan on visiting various places around Asakusa, like Kaminarimon, Asakusa-Jinja, or Tokyo Skytree.

The deluxe room is the only room in the hotel with a private onsen. That room also comes with a garden, a living room, and 2 large Japanese tatami rooms that can sleep up to 6 people. Relax in peaceful modern Japanese-style rooms while enjoying traditional pieces of art in all rooms, which are large and comfortable. SAKURA HOTEL has one underlying theme throughout the rooms and halls, Japanese Sumo.

SAKURA HOTEL is proud to be a part of the long history of sumo, as it used to be a sumo stable named “kokonoe” until it was repurposed. The building has the same structure as the sumo stable, and when being remodeled the goal was to create a traditional hotel experience where all guests can appreciate sumo wrestling.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3 best ryokan and hotels with private onsen in Kyoto

Kyoto is an old city where many Japanese traditions remain strong. There are so many ryokan that it may be difficult to choose the right one!

This time, we picked up three ryokan and hotels with luxurious private onsen, relatively close to the center of Kyoto.

Enjoy a private onsen while appreciating the history of Japan

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo (京料理とお庭の宿 八千代)

Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo is located next to Nanzenji temple. Many of the rooms come with private onsen baths attached, but there is a small public bath if you prefer. Book a room in the main building (Honkan) if you want to have a private open-air bath to yourself. These rooms were built in 1890, and have been renovated recently to fit these large private onsen.

Yachiyo is a relatively small ryokan, as it only has 16 rooms. The rooms each are different and have their own specially designed themes and views of nature. In the main building, you can enjoy looking at beautiful Japanese flowers and a garden that lights up at night. The garden was created by the master landscaper Ogawa Jihei, and perfectly frames the Higashiyama mountain range.

Yachiyo is located near Nanzenji Temple and is just a short 3-minute walk away, or take a 15-minute taxi ride to visit the more famous Kiyomizu-dera. You will notice Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo very easily from a big paper lantern in front of the Ryokan, surrounded by beautifully taken care of seasonal flowers. If you choose to eat dinner in their garden restaurant, make a reservation at least a few days before. Because they use seasonal ingredients and allow you to pick from large menus, it takes them time to prepare your meals.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Suiran Hotel Kyoto (翠嵐 ラグジュアリーコレクションホテル 京都)

Suiran Hotel Kyoto is a luxury western-style hotel with various Japanese elements. Located on the west side of Kyoto, on the Katsura River, enjoy a relaxing and luxurious stay here. There are no large public baths or rental private baths, but some of the rooms have a private onsen attached if you want to soak in an outdoor onsen while taking in the view of the Arashiyama Mountains.

The rooms at Suiran are second to none. They are large, spacious, have big windows that let in plenty of light, and some even have fun and unique themes. There is no need to go to a restaurant as the room service menu allows you to dine from the comfort of your room. On top of that, they have beds that have been designed specifically for the hotel which promise a great night of sleep away from home.

Even though they offer first-rate room service, they also offer first-rate dining at their 2 restaurants and coffee house. Their main restaurant, Kyo-Seiran was constructed to be a summer home during the Meiji Restoration. It gives off feelings of an old era and embraces modern Japanese culture at the same time. Book a table at their Cafe Hassui if you want to try Japanese-style afternoon tea. It’s located right on the edge of the river, so you can eat handmade Japanese sodas, sweets, and other traditional snacks while relaxing next to the water.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Momiji-ya (もみぢ家)

Momiji-ya is a large traditional ryokan with 2 different buildings outskirts of Kyoto. There are plenty of rooms that have private onsen attached in the annex (Bekkan), and lots of private rental onsen for 3,000 JPY for 45-minute sessions. If you happen to book a room without an onsen attached, reserve a private onsen when you check in at the front desk. You might also be pleased to hear about their small public onsen, which have a limit of 5 people because of the size. If public onsen are daunting, this might be a good alternative to “test the waters”.

We recommend staying in the annex (Bekkan) for the ultimate relaxing time, as it only has 4 rooms and is very private and secluded from everyone. It’s a secret hideaway surrounded by nature and terrain. Enjoy tatami mats, private open-air baths, and quiet time away from the noise of the city. If you dislike sleeping on tatami mats, they also have rooms with western-style beds that have the same beautiful views of the Kyoto wilderness.

The food is considered traditional Kyoto art, something you can appreciate. If you want to try something new, spend your evening in the riverside restaurant, be seated in an open-air seating arrangement. and have an authentic Kyoto dinner while watching a traditional maiko dance.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3 best ryokan and hotels with private onsen in Osaka

Even though Osaka is the second-largest city after Tokyo, it’s surrounded by forests and mountains, and if you venture a little further out into the suburbs, you will find lots of abundant nature.

You can have fun at USJ during the day and then spend the evening soaking in a relaxing hot spring bath at a ryokan surrounded by greenery. What a fun way to enjoy yourself!

Here are three ryokan and hotels with private onsen that we recommend if you’re going to Osaka.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Fudouguchikan (犬鳴山温泉 不動口館)

Fudouguchikan is 30 minutes away from Kansai International Airport by car. They are a traditional onsen ryokan surrounded by mountains, streams, and nature. You can book a traditional room with a private onsen attached, and don’t worry if you can’t sleep well on tatami, as they have rooms with beds. They also have a private onsen available for rent, starting at 3,500 JPY for 60-minute time slots. If you don’t book a room with a private onsen, be sure to reserve your spot early.

There are 3 types of rooms at Fudouguchikan, and only 11 rooms total. This way they can fully concentrate on each of the guests’ needs. Choose the type of room that suits you best, but we recommend the guest rooms that have private outdoor onsen attached. You’ll get the perfect relaxation for relieving stress or spending time with your loved one. Each room is very luxurious, and you can relax to the sound of the stream from everywhere.

While relaxing to the sounds of the mountain stream, dine on a delicious season meal severed directly to your room. Each menu blends seasonal flavors with local ingredients. Sip on local sake that has been carefully fermented by local farmers. They offer Japanese Kaiseki, so enjoy a wide array of different colors, foods, and courses. They created meals that are pleasing for all of the senses.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Okumizuma Onsen (奥水間温泉)

Okumizuma Onsen is a traditional ryokan onsen located in Osaka. If you want to use a private onsen whenever you please, book the special suite. Just know that the special rejuvenating water is only available in the large public bath. The special suite will let you enjoy kaiseki dinner and breakfast without leaving your room. There is no rental private onsen, so if you don’t want to use the large public bath, we recommend booking a room with a private onsen.

The rooms at Okumizuma are Japanese-style and range from 10 to 15 tatami mats in size. Pick between the side with the mountains and river view, or the side with the garden view. Enjoy activities that are traditional to Japanese onsen ryokan, like ping pong, mahjong, and karaoke. Try to relax in the large public bath, which has moisturizing effects on your skin. Or take a stroll in the huge Japanese garden that will enrich your heart and help you appreciate nature.

They offer a traditional Japanese kaiseki course meal that uses seasonal ingredients. Make sure to reserve a spot more than 3 days before by phone or email, so that they have enough time to prepare all of the fresh ingredients for your meal. Enjoy the best foods and your choice from 5 different types of kaiseki. They try their best to create a memorable time in a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Singulari Hotel (ザ シンギュラリ ホテル ＆ スカイスパ)

Singulari Hotel is great for those who want to wake up and get to Universal Studios Japan early in the morning. The line for rides can get long, so to get a headstart on the crowd, book a hotel that’s less than 5 minutes away from the front gates! Their main goal is to make sure you have a comfortable stay before and after your visit to Universal. From some rooms in this hotel, you can see some of the attractions and roller coasters.

If you want to enjoy a private onsen after a long day of walking in the sun at Universal Studios, book one of the rooms with a private onsen attached. If you have a large group, book the Singulari Suite, which sleeps up to 4 people and comes with a private open-air onsen. If you’re going to Universal as a couple, book the Singulari King, which also has a private open-air onsen. There is also a large public open-air onsen on the roof, perfect for immersing yourself in a Japanese experience while staying at a Western-style hotel.

The Singulari Hotel is the only USJ official hotel with a rooftop open-air onsen and spa. The men’s spa is equipped with a dry sauna to help promote blood circulation after a long day of walking. The women’s spa has a mist sauna that is supposed to warm you up from within. They allow people with tattoos to enter the public onsen and spa, but they ask that you cover your tattoos with tattoo covers that they provide at the front desk.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3 best ryokan and hotels with private onsen in Hokkaido

Hokkaido has many hot spring resorts. There are many different types of hot springs, such as those with lake views, those surrounded by forests, and those where you can enjoy snowy landscapes.

Here’s a quick introduction to three private onsen that we recommended where you can enjoy nature and the distinct seasons of Hokkaido.

Have a look below.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Zaborin (坐忘林)

Zaborin is a luxury ryokan located in the Niseko wilderness. It is less of a ryokan, and more of a collection of 15 villa suites, each with its own private indoor and outdoor onsen. Each is uniquely designed but they all share some key points, like the large windows that let in beautiful views of the untouched forest. Each of the villas is attached to the natural onsen source that sits beneath the ryokan.

Breath in fresh air from the birch trees that surround the villa suites. They offer the choice between Western-style beds and Japanese futons. Choose a Japanese-style villa if you appreciate beautiful tatami mats and thick modern futons. If you’d rather enjoy waking up in a snowy valley in a bed rather than on the floor, choose a western-style villa suite.

If you stay at Zaborin, the food is something that you should look forward to. Award-winning chef Yoshihiro Seno, who was born in Hokkaido, creates a special kita kaiseki meal, for guests to enjoy. Zaborin’s signature kita kaiseki brings a northern and refined interpretation to Japanese fine dining. The menu changes often based on what’s in season locally. For breakfast, choose between traditional Japanese or Western breakfast.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

The Lake Suite KO no SUMIKA (ザ・レイクスイート湖の栖)

The Lake Suite KO no SUMIKA is located on Lake Toya. Every room has a private open-air onsen with views of the lake and every private onsen is connected to the source water. The open-air baths are designed like infinity pools, so when you take a soak, it will almost seem like you’re floating in the lake. From late April to late October, enjoy a fireworks festival every night over the lake.

The rooms are large and luxurious. Enjoy stunning views from the comfort of large beds. Try a premium spa treatment on the 8th floor, or relax in the sky along with the lake in the large public onsen. Hop in the Jacuzzi for a water massage, or the 5 C chilled onsen to numb your body and get your blood pumping. The dry sauna is kept around 90 to 95 C, and it has a superb view of nature.

At KO no SUMIKA, they concentrate on using local season ingredients. They have a fine dining restaurant that is located near the lake, and blends into the nature of Toya. If you would rather eat at a buffet, choose their other restaurant and fill up on delicious and fresh food before going on a walk around the lake or heading to the 3rd-floor library lounge where you can relax while sipping on coffee or liquor while reading a book.

*Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa heated pool “Water land” will be closed for maintenance during the following period.
Construction period: February 19, 2024 (Monday) – April 21, 2024 (Sunday)

*The hotel will be closed for maintenance during the following period.
Hotel Closed Days: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 after check-out – Thursday, November 14, 2024

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Noboribetsu Onsenkyo Takinoya (登別温泉郷 滝乃家)

Noboribetsu Onsenkyo Takinoya is located in the Noboribetsu Onsen area towards the south of Hokkaido. They are a Japanese ryokan with modern elements and have two types of rooms with private open-air onsen. Takinoya doesn’t have any private onsen available for rent. If you prefer to bathe in private, definitely book one of the rooms that come with private onsen attached. They have a Western-style room and a Japanese-style room, so you can choose what kind of experience you want.

You’ll be getting the same healing effects as in the large baths as in all of the rooms with private onsen as the water flows straight from the same source. Most of the rooms have large private indoor bathtubs, so you can still enjoy the relaxing and rejuvenating powers of the water, but without the breeze and connection with nature. The rooms overlook the mountain trees and the inn’s gardens, and some come with fireplaces to heat the rooms in the cold winters.

The onsen waters at Takinoya are sourced from Hell Valley (地獄谷), a volcanic onsen spring with sulfur and iron qualities. It is said to make your skin moisturized and beautiful. Take a stroll in the garden after a soak to refresh your fatigue levels with fresh Hokkaido air. Enjoy dinner and breakfast in a private dining room in their restaurant, Primitive Forest. Enjoy the fresh taste of local foods with the view of the garden.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3 best ryokan and hotels with private onsen in Hakone

Hakone is a very popular hot spring resort because it is only a day trip from Tokyo, and there are many ryokans and hotels with private onsen. Because there are so many, you might be lost on which one to choose.

Each ryokan has its own unique characteristics and specialties, so it is impossible to decide on the absolute best ryokan. We have selected three famous ryokans that are particularly popular among foreigners.

Take a look below.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Gora Kadan (強羅花壇)

Gora Kadan is a Japanese ryokan that blends traditional along with modernity. They have many different suites and rooms that have private open-air onsen attached to them. Each suite with an open-air onsen has a carefully landscaped garden and view of nature, perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery. If you can’t get a room with an onsen attached, don’t worry, they have a rental private open-air onsen that you can reserve for 40 minutes at a time for free!

Each room has tatami mats and a traditional Japanese feel with some modern elements. If you would like, book a room with futons instead of a bed to get a more traditional Japanese experience. Most rooms come with beds and balconies or large windows, so you can connect with nature and get some fresh air without even leaving your room. If you have a large group, make sure that you pick the right room, as the occupancy depends on the type of room.

We recommend dining at their kaiseki restaurant Kadan to get a traditional Japanese meal. They serve seasonal kaiseki cuisine in a building built in the early 1900s during the Showa period. They use local ingredients at the peak of their freshness.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Hakone Ginyu (箱根吟遊)

Hakone Ginyu is a luxury ryokan, and every room comes with an open-air private onsen. You don’t have to worry about others at all, and there’s even a private rental open-air onsen available for reservation. If you’d like, try out the large public infinity bath. Because each room has its own private onsen, the public onsen may not be crowded. If you only want to go for a day, rent out the Ginyu DaySpa Pavilion for 1,700 JPY.

There are only 4 types of rooms at Hakone Ginyu. The rooms are all fairly similar but have different things and slightly different amenities. Choose between a Japanese room with tatami mast or a Western room with beds. Hakone Ginyu was built on the side of a mountain, over the Hayakawa Ravine, and the views from each room are amazing.

They offer kaiseki meals from menus that change monthly and use seasonal ingredients. Something special about Hakone Ginyu is that they serve meals directly to your room through a door that’s connected to the kitchen. If you are weirded out by staff members entering your room, book a Westerner-style room. In the Western room, the dining room is separated from the bedroom area, so you’ll have complete privacy even if you don’t realize that dinner has been served.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Kinnotake Tonosawa (金乃竹 塔ノ澤)

Kinnotake Tonosawa is a modern luxury ryokan. You might be surprised to see that all of the 23 rooms have private open-air onsen. Choose your room based on what you’d rather have your bath be made out of, wood (mikado) or granite (mikage). Every room has a terrace balcony that has views of the forest, that you can enjoy from your private open-air onsen.

There are 8 types of rooms, ranging from small to large-sized depending on how many people you have. Kinnotake Tonosawa is perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrating events with your loved ones. There is also a large public onsen, with 9.5 pH water, which is said to relieve stress and beautify skin. Make a reservation for the Moon Spa for various relaxing treatments, massages, facials, and aging care. In summer, you might be lucky to see the fireflies dancing in the Hayakawa river from the ryokan.

They serve various types of Kaiseki, such as seasonal, wagyu, vegan, and special wagyu. If you want vegetarian or vegan wagyu, make sure that you place your reservation in advance, at least 3 days before your stay. They serve champagne, locally made sake, and locally made beers for dinner so that guests can drink and compare the various types of alcohol to find which ones they prefer. Head to the bamboo bar before bed to get a cocktail with season ingredients in it.

*All buildings are closed
February 28 and 29, 2024 and March 1, 2024

*Some guest rooms will be closed (All rooms on the 4th floor club floor)
March 1 – June 30, 2024

*Closure of public baths
The public baths have been closed since August 29, 2023.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3 private onsen near Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko

Viewing Mount Fuji over Lake Kawaguchiko while soaking in a hot spring is something that you can only experience in Japan.

Fuji is especially beautiful in winter and spring when the top of the mountain is covered in silver snow.

Below are three private onsen that we recommend in the Kawaguchiko area.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Ubuya (うぶや)

Ubuya is a modern Japanese ryokan with traditional twists. They have many rooms with private onsen attached available for booking. These private onsen are some of the best in Japan and give the best, picturesque views of Mount Fuji over Lake Kawaguchiko. Relaxing in rejuvenating onsen waters while enjoying Mount Fuji is something that we recommend everyone do before they complete their Japan trip, as it’s something that you can only do in Japan!

The rooms at Ubuya are fairly large and comfortable. They include large windows that allow Mount Fuji to be seen from all times of the day. The scenery is breathtaking, and even the standard rooms have amazing viewing areas. Ubuya does not have a private onsen available for rent, so if you prefer to bathe in private, you should book a room with a private onsen attached.

Ubuya is all about celebrating special occasions. When booking your room, select your meal from 3 different courses, the seasonal tempura course, the homemade shabu-shabu course, or the meat kaiseki course. Each ingredient is quality and chosen one by one. If you have a birthday, anniversary, or just want to celebrate anything, they have a team of event planners that make every special occasion a good time. Kick back in a massage chair or sip Japanese green tea while taking in panoramic views of Mount Fuji at Ubuya.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Kaze no Terrace KUKUNA (風のテラスくくな)

Kaze no Terrace KUKUNA is a Hawaiian-style modern resort and spa hotel. One of the main attractions of KUKUNA is their water terraces, which are balconies with onsen baths built into them. These are only located in the part of the building called “Tenku no Terrace” and are filled with rejuvenating onsen waters. Relax in a high-class private onsen while enjoying views of Mount Fuji.

Even if you don’t book a room with a water terrace, all rooms have balcony terraces attached to them. You can reserve a private onsen by calling ahead or at the front desk. They’ll give you 50 minutes of private time for 3,300 JPY, which is perfect for couples and families who want to spend some quality time together. Some rooms have tatami mats and futons in them, but every room is fairly large and Hawaiian-themed.

The hotel brings together the best part of Hawaiian culture and Japanese hospitality. Enjoy various massages and treatments at their healing room and relaxation salon. The cuisine is a variety of Japanese and Western dishes and will make you feel the season. The atmosphere is unique to KUKUNA, and you can choose between a teppanyaki restaurant, a fine dining restaurant, or a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Wakakusa no Yado Maruei (若草の宿丸栄)

If you’re looking for a traditional inn on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, look no further. Wakakusa no Yado Maruei is a traditional Japanese off the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. Book one of the beautiful tatami mat rooms that come with a private outdoor onsen attached. The water is natural from Mount Fuji which has a beautifying effect. Enjoy relaxing in a private open-air bath with a view of Mount Fuji in a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

If you book a standard room without a private onsen bath, don’t worry. You can still enjoy a private outdoor onsen. They charge 1,650 JPY for 30 minutes for their private rental onsen that has an amazing view of Mount Fuji. It’s perfect for couples and families, and you have to reserve it when you check-in. If you have trouble sleeping on the floor or on futons, make sure to book a room that has beds.

At Maruei, you can have traditional Japanese kaiseki that uses local seasonal ingredients and delicious fresh seafood. You can upgrade your kaiseki for a higher and more expensive grade of sashimi and wagyu. Breakfast is a traditional hearty Japanese breakfast, with rice and miso soup among other delicious meals. Head to the top floor after breakfast to enjoy beautiful panoramic sunrise views of Mount Fuji.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3 cheap ryokan with private onsen

Do you feel that most ryokan and hotels with private onsen are a little expensive? Or have you ever thought that you don’t really need luxurious kaiseki cuisine or a spacious suite?

If you ever felt these feelings, you are not alone. Luckily, it’s actually possible to stay at less than 10,000 JPY per night.

Below are 3 inexpensive hotels and ryokan that offer private onsen near Tokyo and Osaka.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Ichinoyu Honkan (塔ノ沢一の湯本館)

Ichinoyu Honkan was established over 390 years ago in 1630. The history and traditional atmosphere will take you back in time. Because the private rental onsen is free for guests, you can stay here and use a private onsen for only 8,000 JPY. Many rooms have private onsen attached. Booking one of these rooms will make your stay more expensive, but the outdoor baths that are attached to the rooms have an amazing traditional Japanese onsen.

The private onsen for rent is a traditional bath made from marble tiles imported from Italy in 1917. It is a unique roman experience left from the old Taisho Era. You can reserve a time from when you check-in, until midnight. It’s closed at night for cleaning, but you can use the rental onsen anytime the next morning as long as it’s unoccupied

Ichinoyu Honkan has a restaurant that was renovated in the Taisho Era. Enjoy your meals on the fourth floor in a traditional Japanese atmosphere. Some of the basic rooms do not have bathrooms attached, and there are a few bathrooms in the hallway that are shared among multiple rooms. All rooms are old-fashion, quaint, and face the Hayakawa River. If you’re looking for an affordable and traditional ryokan, consider Ichinoyu Honkan.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Seikanso (市川別館 晴観荘)

Seikanso is a traditional Japanese Ryokan in Gunma, a mountainous area located in the center of Japan. Seikanso has amazing views of nature and the mountainous forests of Mount Akagi, Mount Tanigawa, and the Nikko Mountain Range. There are no rooms with private onsen attached at Seikanso, which is one of the reasons why Seikanso is so luxurious for its price range. Rooms start around 10,000 JPY per person per night.

Just because there are no private onsen attached to any rooms doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a private onsen with your family or loved one! There is 3 different private onsen that are free to use. There is no reservation system, so you can use them whenever you like as long as they’re unoccupied. They ask that you try to use each bath for about 30 minutes at a time so that everyone can use the baths.

The food is all handmade, and you can enjoy local Joshu seasonal ingredients and flavors. After kaiseki dinner, go back to your room to relax among panoramic views of greenery from your room. Or if you prefer, put on a yukata and take a stroll around the surrounding nature and the onsen town. Seikanso is the perfect budget ryokan where you can enjoy a private onsen and traditional Japanese culture.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

HOTEL HANAKOYADO (有馬温泉 ホテル花小宿)

HOTEL HANAKOYADO is a Western-style hotel with many traditional Japanese elements in Kyoto. The rooms each give off old, traditional Showa-era atmospheres. Guests staying at the hotel can choose between two private onsen, both available for rent for free. Those who are not staying at the hotel for the night are required to pay 1,650 JPY.

The price starts from around 9,500 JPY per person per night. You can have a nice date evening with your loved one with a private onsen for under 20,000 JPY, which is fairly cheap for Japan. It may not be a luxury hotel, but its age has its charm and will keep you appreciating the beauty of another time.

HANAKOYADO serves guests cuisine that is not bound by the age of the hotel. Enjoy delicious and quality cuisine, made with home grown-rice and vegetables. They also have exclusive access to their own fishing port in Akashiura, which is said to be the best fishing area in Japan. The ingredients are high-quality, fresh, and seasonal. Stay at HANAKOYADO for an old-fashion hotel experience.

Scroll right for more →→

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Conclusion

Did you find the perfect hotel or ryokan with a private onsen? There are plenty of kashikiri onsen, rental onsen, and private onsen attached to rooms available that are good for couples and families.

It depends on the hot spring, but most waters are good for rejuvenating skin and relieving fatigue.

Most open-air public baths don’t allow tattoos, so we recommend those with tattoos to book a room with a private open-air onsen attached, or make sure that there is a rental one available at the ryokan or hotel before arriving.

We hope we could help you on your search for a private onsen, no matter where you’re headed in Japan!

Have you booked your SIM card or pocket WiFi for your trip to Japan yet?

In Japan, you’ll want to be connected without missing out on high speed data and internet!

By reserving online before departing, you can

• Lower your rental fees
• Avoid stock shortages at the airport

To learn more about data and WiFi options for your trip, check out our products below.

CUSTOMER’S VOICE

↑ Go back to the table of contents