Top 10 Best Traditional Hotels in Japan 2025 | Travel Video

japan a land where timeless tradition meets breathtaking natural beauty from misty mountains and tranquil gardens to centuries old temples and soothing hot springs Japan is a place that speaks to the soul we found 10 of the best traditional Japanese hotels and riokans where you can experience this magic firsthand if you want to know the prices or see more details we’ve listed every hotel and resort featured in this video in the description below so let’s begin our journey with the first one the first stunning destination on our journey is Gora Kadan nestled in the heart of Hakone’s National Park once the summer retreat of the Canomia Imperial family this Rioan is steeped in noble tradition and you can feel it in every serene step through its polished wooden halls the rooms they’re a dream minimalist elegance meets timeless comfort sliding shoe doors soft tatami mats and large soaking tubs offer total peace with some suites featuring private onsense and mountain views that literally take your breath away but it’s not just a stay it’s a rejuvenation their full service spa offers Dead Sea salt therapy Italian leg treatments and aroma therapy all in the calmst of atmospheres what makes Goracaden truly magical is the balance it’s modern yet traditional royal yet warmly inviting you’ll walk in curious and leave completely enchanted this is more than a place to sleep it’s a moment in history you’ll never forget our second enchanting stop is Hosinoya Kyoto a tranquil hideaway floating above the gentle waters of the Oawa River this luxury riyokan blends ancient Japanese refinement with modern comfort hidden deep in the forested hills of Arashiamyama just a short boat ride from the city but a world away from everyday life the rooms feel like a secret garden retreat with elegant wooden interiors soft lighting and river-facing balconies it’s designed to slow you down and draw you into the rhythm of Kyoto itself you’ll wake to bird song and fall asleep to the sound of the river activities here are magical from moonlight tea ceremonies and incense making to exclusive access to Kyoto’s traditional culture the culinary journey is unforgettable serving multicourse kiiseki meals that reflect the changing seasons what makes Hosinoya Kyoto special it’s the way time seems to pause here every moment feels handcrafted like stepping into a dream only Japan could create our third splendid stop is Benia Mukayu tucked into the sacred hillside of Yakushiyama near Kanazawa from the moment you arrive this Rioan whispers calm the 16 spacious rooms open wide to a forest garden letting nature flow in through floor toseeiling windows imagine soaking in your own private open air hotring bath surrounded by trees morning noon or night the atmosphere here is deeply spiritual inspired by the mountains history of healing once home to a Buddhist temple the grounds still radiate peace you’ll find libraries filled with books two serene communal baths and spa ente where traditional Japanese healing meets modern luxury through herbal therapies and natural spring water what truly sets Bonia Mukayo apart is the stillness every detail from architecture to cuisine invites you to slow down and reconnect it’s not just a getaway it’s a soul deep retreat into Japan’s ancient rhythm of wellness and nature our fourth incredible destination is Nishiyama on Senkan nestled deep in the mountains of Yamanashi and officially the oldest hotel in the world founded in 705 AD this historic gem has welcomed guests for over 1,300 years offering the purest form of Japanese hospitality the rooms wonderfully traditional most feature soft tatami floors warm wood interiors and sweeping views of the Yukawa Ravine or the Kai Mountains the luxury suites are pure elegance exuding calm and refinement from every corner but the star here is the onen there are six baths four open air and two indoor all fed by ancient underground hot springs known for their soothing mineralrich waters after your soak relax on the terrace and breathe in the mountain air for dining the mountain Kaisi banquet is an event in itself every dish beautifully presented timed perfectly and packed with seasonal flavor a timeless retreat Kayunan is not just a stay it’s a journey into the heart of Japan’s soul the fifth gem on our journey is Nishimuraya Honkan nestled in the enchanting onen town of Kinosaki with willowlinined canals and quaint stone bridges this peaceful haven is like stepping into a serene Edetoera painting the rooms are a work of art classic Japanese design with tatami flooring sliding paper doors and open air wooden terraces that overlook a meticulously sculpted garden every corner whispers tranquility guests here can indulge in multiple hot springs each uniquely crafted to soothe your soul after a calming soak the experience continues with a kiaki dinner that showcases the region’s culinary pride think Matsuba crab delicate seasonal vegetables and the famous Tajima beef known as the origin of Kobe beef adding to the charm the property also features a mini museum of antiques art and calligraphy handed down through generations offering a true cultural immersion our sixth delightful destination is Hashi Ryokan in Awazu Onsen a gem so ancient it’s been welcoming guests since 718 AD and continues as one of the world’s oldest operating ins as you approach the lows slung wings unfold around a mossy Japanese garden each wing uniquely themed for one of Japan’s four seasons deeply reflecting the natural beauty outside stepping into your room feels like entering a living poem modernly elegant yet rooted in tradition rooms are designed to echo seasonal change subtle lighting natural wood tones and soft tatami floors invite calm and contemplation it’s more than a stay it’s an atmosphere hosshi’s famed aging springs were first discovered by the monk Tai Choishi and still flow through baths that are believed to soothe body and soul after a soap wander through the garden’s ancient cedars and tranquil koi ponds every step reveals centuries of heritage food here is another highlight multicourse Hakariku region cuisine crafted from local bounty seafood vegetables and heritage flavors served with refined generosity and artistry hosshi Rioin is authenticity history and healing all wrapped into one unforgettable experience our seventh enchanting stop is Ary Rioan nestled in the heart of Shuenjansen on the lush Azu Peninsula this breathtaking retreat is a journey through time its 150year-old buildings flowing rivers and whispering bamboo groves have inspired generations of artists and writers it’s like stepping into a watercolor painting of old Japan the rooms are a masterclass in traditional architecture blending wood tatami and paper sliding doors with serene views of tranquil gardens and gently flowing brooks each space tells its own story and each corner invites quiet reflection you can indulge in the Shuenji hot springs naturally sourced and famed for their beautifying skin softening qualities kobo Daiishi himself is said to have summoned these healing waters 1,200 years ago how magical is that aray Rioan’s cuisine is a seasonal celebration offering the best of IU’s land and sea delicate mountain vegetables and fresh catches from Suga Bay paired with local sake for a deeply satisfying experience our eighth delightful destination is Seka Zenan a timeless treasure tucked deep within Shima Anen Gma Prefecture this historic retreat feels like a portal to Japan’s Showa era with its nostalgic streets and retro charm it’s often called the original scenery of Japan a stay here is like wandering through a living postcard the Rioan itself is one of Japan’s oldest wooden hot spring ins with elegant tatami rooms sliding screens and antique touches that make you feel part of centuries old stories you might even recognize it it’s rumored to have inspired the bath house in spirited away now let’s talk about the healing waters seeken draws from over 40,000 natural springs once believed to cure countless ailments the sodium and calcium richch waters are especially renowned for gastrointestinal health and soaking here is pure bliss beyond the baths there’s adventure in every season from canyoning the Shima River to canoeing on Lake Okushima or hiking to nearby waterfalls and potholes our ninth enchanting stop takes us to Iwaso nestled in the heart of Miaima Island Hiroshima just a short walk from the mystical Itsukushima shrine and its iconic floating Tori gate Iwaso invites travelers into a world of spiritual serenity and natural wonder this Rioan is surrounded by the gorgeous Mumiji Valley which bursts with vibrant maple leaves in autumn and offers tranquil scenes of gentle streams and seasonal wildlife year round whether you’re soaking in the spring bird song or savoring the quiet of a snowy evening the nature here touches your soul the rooms are a blend of history and personality choose from the classic Hanar cottage built in the Taiisho era the charming wooden main building or the new building with spectacular valley views each is a peaceful cocoon of traditional Japanese style culinary magic awaits too the Kyoto trained chef crafts ki meals using only the finest seasonal ingredients and every bite is a feast for all five senses our final rioon in this journey is Shiraasagiu Tawaraya a historic haven located in the soothing embrace of Yamanaka onen Ishiawa with a legacy stretching back over 800 years this family runin offers a deeply authentic Japanese experience refined by centuries of care here time slows you’ll be welcomed into serene tatami matted rooms each thoughtfully appointed for comfort and calm the real star though is the pure mineralrich hot spring water delivered untouched with no added water or heating for a truly therapeutic soak kaisigi cuisine is prepared with delicate precision using seasonal local ingredients each course tells a story of place and season turning your meal into a memorable cultural encounter and that was 10 of the best traditional Japanese hotels and ryokans in Japan of course there are many more hidden gems out there so if you know another amazing hotel or resort let us know in the comments we’d love to hear from you if you enjoyed this video please hit the like button and subscribe to our channel for more travel inspiration and hidden spots around the world thanks for watching and we’ll see you in the next

Top 10 Best Traditional Hotels in Japan 2025 | Travel Video

In this video, we explore 10 of the best traditional hotels in Japan, showcasing the timeless beauty, hospitality, and cultural richness that make these stays truly unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a peaceful retreat in the mountains, a stay in a historic ryokan, or a journey through Japan’s most scenic hot spring towns, this guide covers it all.

From the serene riverside elegance of Kyoto to the ancient onsens of Yamanashi and Ishikawa, these traditional hotels offer more than just accommodation — they provide an immersive experience of Japanese heritage and comfort. If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to discover the most authentic places to stay, this video will guide you to the perfect ryokan or inn for a truly unique and memorable journey.

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Here’s The List of The 10 Traditional Hotels in Japan ↴

Gōra Kadan (Hakone) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/hakone-hotels-gora-kadan.Wxws3kq
Hoshinoya Kyoto – https://expedia.com/affiliates/tokyo-hotels-hoshinoya-tokyo.lLUhZ7q
Beniya Mukayu (Kanazawa) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/nagahama-hotels-ryokan-beniayu.HGaR5xb
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (Yamanashi) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/hayakawa-hotels-nishiyama-onsen-keiunkan.nYI1XB6
Nishimuraya Honkan (Kinosaki Onsen) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/toyooka-hotels-nishimuraya-honkan.SR6UZS3
Hōshi Ryokan (Awazu Onsen, Ishikawa) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/komatsu-hotels-houshi.TbdH5XM
Arai Ryokan (Shuzenji Onsen, Izu Peninsula) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/izu-hotels-arai-ryokan.IeawOAv
Sekizenkan (Shima Onsen, Gunma) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/nakanojo-hotels-sekizenkan.c0xT79s
Iwaso (Miyajima Island, Hiroshima) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/hiroshima-hotels-iwaso.w9cMkQz
Shirasagiyu Tawaraya (Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa) – https://expedia.com/affiliates/kaga-hotels-yamanaka-onsen-shirasagiyu-tawaraya.ai4RK6T

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