If you want to experience Japan at its most atmospheric, staying at a ryokan is probably the best way to do it. And nothing beats sinking into an onsen at the end of the day. But as you probably know, most onsens have shared baths, and even though they're clearly separated by gender, some people still feel too shy to bathe in the open with strangers. So we've rounded up ryokan with private onsen baths for anyone who's shy or simply prefers their own space — soak for as long as you like.
Reference: 20 Recommended Hot Springs in Japan
1. Kukuna
Kukuna is located in the Kawaguchiko area. It offers a mix of styles, including futon-style tatami rooms and rooms with a blend of Japanese and Western decor. If you want beautiful views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, this is a great choice, since every room offers a view of Mount Fuji. Using a private onsen comes with an extra charge of around ¥3,000 for 50 minutes. Another highlight is the rooftop bath area, which offers a full panoramic view. The hotel is also close to many attractions, including Kawaguchiko Music Forest, a rope bridge, and the Kawaguchiko Herb and Fragrance Museum. The food is excellent too, using fresh ingredients with menus that change with the seasons.
Price
Starting from ¥40,000
Access
Take the train to JR Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Line and get off at Kawaguchiko Station. From Kawaguchiko Station, take a taxi (about 5 minutes), or arrange a hotel shuttle by phone.
2. Shuhokaku Kogetsu
Shuhokaku Kogetsu is located in the Kawaguchiko area, right on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi — one of the best locations in the area. The rooms are done in a traditional Japanese style, and each one offers gorgeous views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. There's also a shared bath with an open view of the lake. Every room is air-conditioned, so there's no need to worry about the heat even in summer. Other amenities include an LCD TV, a common lounge area, a sauna, Wi-Fi, a karaoke room, and kaiseki dinners. It's easy to explore other attractions nearby, including Kawaguchiko Music Forest, the Kawaguchiko Konohana Art Museum, the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, and Nagasaki Park.
Price
Starting from ¥45,000
Access
About 10 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station.
3. Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato
Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato is located along the shore of Lake Kawaguchi. The lake and mountain views certainly don't disappoint — on a clear day, you can soak in the onsen while gazing at Mount Fuji. The property blends traditional Japanese style with modern touches, while still offering a full ryokan experience. For those who want extra privacy, rooms with private onsens are available for a relaxing soak. There's also a shared onsen area, which includes a jacuzzi and an open-air bath with great views. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a fridge, a lounge area, a TV, an en-suite bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries, an electric kettle, a green tea set, a safe, and yukata robes. Many attractions are within easy reach, including Yagizaki Park, the Kawaguchiko Muse Museum, the Yamanashi Jewelry Museum, the Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge, Lake Kawaguchi, and Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine.
Price
Starting from ¥26,000
Access
About 6 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station, or arrange a hotel shuttle by phone.
4. Konansou
Konansou is located in the Kawaguchiko area, with a modern Japanese design. The highlight is the private in-room onsen, which offers relaxing views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji. Rooms come in both traditional and modern styles. Besides the private in-room onsen, there are several other onsen spots to try, including a shared bath, an outdoor hot spring, a private bath, and a foot bath on the top floor of the building — every spot offers a great view. It's perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy an onsen while taking in views of Mount Fuji. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a sauna, and a shuttle service. Nearby attractions include Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, the Kawaguchiko Music Box Museum, and the Kawaguchiko Sarumawashi Theater.
Price
Starting from ¥27,000
Access
About a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.
5. Kappo Ryokan Kannawa Bettei
Kappo Ryokan Kannawa Bettei is located in Oita, home to the famous Beppu hot springs, one of the most renowned hot spring areas in the country, and the water quality here is exceptional. If you're after a truly traditional Japanese ryokan, you'll love this place. The standalone rooms each come with their own private hot spring bath. If you're worried about noise from people passing by, there's no need — the rooms are soundproofed, so it's completely quiet. Rooms come in a variety of styles, including traditional tatami mat rooms with futons, or carpeted rooms with Western-style beds. One especially impressive feature is how spacious and open the rooms are, with hot spring baths big enough to stretch out in on your own. Amenities include Wi-Fi, free parking, a multi-course Japanese dinner, 24-hour front desk service, a golf course, and massage services. Nearby attractions include Jigokumushi Kobo, Yama Jigoku, the Beppu Hells, Hyotan Onsen, the Yukemuri Observation Tower, and the Oita Fragrance Museum.
Price
Starting from ¥57,000
Access
About 15 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station.
6. Yoshiike Ryokan
Yoshiike Ryokan is located in the town of Hakone, known for having some of the best-quality hot springs in Japan. The onsen water here comes straight from the source. For extra privacy, you can book a room with its own private onsen for a relaxing soak. Rooms come in both traditional Japanese and Western styles, so you can choose whichever you prefer. Amenities include Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, a safe, a fridge, yukata robes, an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries, a private outdoor bath (in some rooms), free luggage storage at the front desk, both private and shared onsens, relaxing massage services, a karaoke room, vending machines, and Japanese set meals made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Nearby attractions include Forest Adventure Hakone, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and the Okada Museum of Art. It's also very convenient to get around, since it's close to several train stations.
Price
Starting from ¥27,000
Access
About a 6-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
7. Mount View Hakone
Mount View Hakone is located in the town of Hakone. The hot spring water here is quite rare — the water is milky white and known for its excellent effects on the skin, especially popular among women. Besides its distinct color, the water comes from a rare volcanic hot spring source. You can choose how you want to soak: for total privacy, use the in-room onsen; for a natural, open-air feel, try the outdoor bath; there's also a private bath available for an extra fee. The rooms follow a classic ryokan style, surrounded by lush nature. Amenities and services are plentiful, including Wi-Fi, free private parking, aromatherapy or Japanese-style massage, an LCD TV, a fridge, a safe, yukata robes, green tea, snacks, a private toilet and sink, a shared bathing area, a private hot tub (in some rooms), a ping-pong table, and Japanese breakfast and dinner made with local seasonal ingredients served in the dining room. For light shopping, there's a shop selling local souvenirs and sweets. It's also close to plenty of attractions, including Sengokuhara, the Hakone Lalique Museum, the Little Prince Museum, Joan-ji Temple, the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands, the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, the Pola Museum of Art, Owakudani Valley, and Hakone Gora Park.
Price
Starting from ¥16,000
Access
About 10 minutes by car from Togendai Station.
8. Yawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya
Yawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya is located in the town of Yufuin. It's a ryokan that blends Japanese and modern styles beautifully. If you're looking for a great onsen surrounded by nature, this place delivers. There are as many as six hot spring bath areas, including indoor, outdoor, and private options. Rooms come in both Japanese and Western styles. Many amenities come at no extra charge, including a library, free Wi-Fi in the lobby, parking, and toiletries, along with air conditioning, a TV, a fridge, and an en-suite bathroom. The food here is excellent, especially for meat lovers, as dinner menus feature premium Bungo beef from Oita Prefecture — a must-try. Nearby attractions include Yufuin Floral Village, Yufuin Trick Art Museum, Yufuin Antique Car Museum, Yufuin Showakan Museum, Lake Kinrin, Yufuin Chagall Museum, Yufuin Stained Glass Museum, the Norman Rockwell Museum Yufuin, and Unagihime Shrine.
Price
Starting from ¥26,000
Access
About a 15-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station.
9. Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa
Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa is located in the town of Yufuin. It's a Japanese-style ryokan with every comfort covered. The hot springs here are just as impressive, with both a private outdoor bath and a shared outdoor bath. The rooms have a simple, open Japanese design with a lounge area and Western-style beds. Each room has a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the view of Lake Kinrin at any time. Amenities and services include free Wi-Fi, an LCD TV, a fridge, yukata robes, free private parking, and an en-suite bathroom, along with a Japanese breakfast and a traditional multi-course dinner featuring seasonal dishes and the region's famous Bungo beef. Nearby attractions include Lake Kinrin, Yufuin Floral Village, Yufuin Antique Car Museum, Yufuin Chagall Museum, Yufuin Showakan Museum, Yufuin Trick Art Museum, Kijima Kogen Amusement Park, and Yufuin Stained Glass Museum.
Price
Starting from ¥60,000
Access
About 30 minutes by car from Beppu Station.
10. Wakakusa no Yado Maruei
Wakakusa no Yado Maruei is located in the Kawaguchiko area — a must for anyone who loves Mount Fuji. It offers a peaceful atmosphere by Lake Kawaguchi, lush nature, wide open skies, and fresh air, with views of Mount Fuji from almost everywhere. Rooms with private onsens let you soak for as long as you like. On top of that, the top floor has an open-air onsen with an incredible view of Mount Fuji. Even if you don't book a room with its own onsen, you can still reserve a private bath. When you have time, take a relaxing walk along the lake right in front of the ryokan. Nearby attractions include Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, the Kawaguchiko Sarumawashi Theater, and the Kawaguchiko Music Box Museum.
Price
Starting from ¥31,000
Access
From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Retro Bus toward Saiko (about 10 minutes).
11. Oyado Koto No Yume
Oyado Koto no Yume is located in the town of Takayama. It stands out for its Japanese architecture and decor, blending tradition with modern touches. From the moment you walk in, you'll feel a warm, welcoming atmosphere, from the staff's hospitality to the interior design. It's also recommended by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. If you love sleeping on futons on tatami mats, this is the place for you. There are several onsen spots to enjoy, including a semi-outdoor private bath and shared indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Amenities and services include Wi-Fi, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, a fridge, a coffee maker, a green tea set, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, a bathtub, toiletries, relaxing massage treatments, Japanese-style yukata robes, and Western or Japanese breakfast. It's also within easy walking distance of attractions such as Hida Kokubunji Temple and Takayama Morning Market, while Shirakawa-go is less than an hour away by car.
Price
Starting from ¥22,000
Access
About a 4-minute walk from Takayama Station.
12. Kozantei Ubuya
Kozantei Ubuya is located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi. It's an elegantly decorated ryokan and one of the best spots to view Mount Fuji. The spacious rooms follow a ryokan style, and every room offers views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji. Some rooms have their own private in-room onsen for total privacy, while shared indoor and outdoor baths are also available for those who want a more traditional Japanese experience. Dinner options are flexible, with premium Japanese cuisine served by a chef who shares insights about the dishes right at your table — impressively attentive service throughout. Amenities and services include a train station shuttle (reservation required), massage chairs, free coffee and drinks in the lounge, breakfast and dinner, free Wi-Fi, free parking, a hot tub, a sauna, and the property is 100% non-smoking. Nearby attractions include Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, the Kawaguchiko Sarumawashi Theater, and the Kawaguchiko Music Box Museum.
Price
Starting from ¥41,000
Access
From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Bus or Chuo Express Bus toward Kofu (about 11 minutes) and get off at the stop in front of the hotel, or arrange a hotel shuttle in advance.
13. Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama
Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama is located in the town of Takayama. Its central location makes it easy to reach and convenient for exploring the surrounding area. Although the property isn't huge, it's beautifully and elegantly decorated with a strong Japanese character throughout. The moment you step in, you'll be impressed by the architecture. Despite being close to the town center, it still feels surrounded by nature and countryside charm. Rooms feature futons on tatami mats, but don't let the small size fool you — the comforts here are just as good as anywhere else, including a private natural hot spring bath, an outdoor bathtub, free bicycle use, Wi-Fi, a TV, a fridge, an air purifier, a computer, a DVD player, relaxing massage services, and a free shuttle service. Another highlight is the dinner, which features the famous Hida beef in a variety of dishes, along with seasonal ingredients that are fresh and, in some cases, only available in this region. It's also close to popular attractions such as Takayama Morning Market, Hida Kokubunji Temple, the Hida Takayama Museum of Art, and Shirakawa-go.
Price
Starting from ¥44,000
Access
About 7 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station, or arrange a hotel shuttle (advance booking required).
14. Aburaya Tousen
Aburaya Tousen is located in Nagano Prefecture. The ryokan has a stylish design that blends Japanese and modern elements. The rooftop even has a relaxing lounge area where you can enjoy the view, beautiful both day and night. This place is truly serious about its onsen, offering as many as 11 different hot spring baths, including private in-room baths, private baths, outdoor baths, and indoor baths — each one offering a relaxing soak with a mountain view. It's also very convenient to reach, just a short walk from Yudanaka Station. Amenities and services include Wi-Fi, a spa, a sauna, relaxing massage services, a karaoke room, and local cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. Nearby attractions include Jigokudani Monkey Park, Ryuo Ski Park, Hasuike Pond, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, Yakebitaiyama, Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort, and the Takahashi Mayumi Doll Art Museum.
Price
Starting from ¥20,000
Access
About a 9-minute walk from Yudanaka Station.