A Guide to Kyoto Ryokan with Private Japanese Onsen Bath

Kyoto is not only Japan’s cultural heart—it represents Japan's ancient tradition and hospitality. And staying at a Kyoto ryokan (旅館 - ryokan - traditional Japanese inns) offers a completely different experience from a standard hotel room.

A private onsen (温泉 - natural hot spring bath) caters to various guests seeking a personalized and intimate bathing experience:​

• Couples: Private onsens offer a secluded setting for couples to relax together, fostering closeness in a serene environment.​
• Families: For families, especially those with young children, private baths provide a safe and comfortable space to enjoy the therapeutic waters together.​
• Individuals with Tattoos: In Japan, tattoos are often associated with certain stigmas, leading some public baths to restrict entry to tattooed individuals. Private onsens eliminate this concern, allowing guests with tattoos to enjoy the bathing experience without hesitation.​
• Privacy Seekers: Guests who prefer solitude or have reservations about communal bathing can find solace in private onsens, ensuring a tranquil and uninterrupted experience.​

By accommodating these diverse preferences, private onsens enhance the traditional Japanese bathing experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.

Immersing oneself in a ryokan (旅館 - traditional Japanese inn) with an onsen is more than just an accommodation choice; it's a journey into the heart of Japanese culture and hospitality.​

Ryokans are an important part of Japanese hospitality, originating as free rest houses established by Buddhist monks to shelter travelers. These inns have evolved over time and continue to represent omotenashi (おもてなし - wholehearted hospitality).

Key Features of a Traditional Ryokan:

• Tatami-Matted Rooms: Guests sleep on futons laid out on tatami mats, fostering a connection to traditional Japanese living spaces.​
• Kaiseki Cuisine: A multi-course dinner that showcases seasonal and regional specialties, emphasizing balance and presentation.​
• Communal Spaces: Areas such as communal baths and lounges encourage interaction among guests, reflecting the communal aspects of Japanese society.​

Staying at a ryokan offers a retreat from the fast-paced modern world, allowing guests to experience the tranquility and simplicity inherent in traditional Japanese life.​

Onsens are natural hot springs rich in minerals, known for their therapeutic properties and also as sacred spaces in Japanese culture.

Cultural Importance of Onsens:

• Spiritual Significance: Historically, onsens were considered sacred, with many hot springs located near temples and shrines, serving as sites for purification rituals. ​en.wikipedia.org
• Social Bonding: The concept of hadaka no tsukiai (裸の付き合い - naked companionship) highlights the egalitarian nature of communal bathing, where social barriers are diminished, fostering open and honest communication. ​en.wikipedia.org
• Health Benefits: The mineral-rich waters are believed to alleviate various ailments, promoting physical and mental well-being.​blog.globalbasecamps.com+1theaustralian.com.au+1

Engaging in an onsen ritual is a meditative practice, encouraging mindfulness and a deep connection with nature.

Staying in a ryokan is a journey into centuries of service tradition and Japanese-style hospitality (called omotenashi – おもてなし). In fact, Japanese people often stay at ryokan with the sole purpose to enjoy onsen and Japanese hospitality.

Enjoying onsen is an important part of Japanese culture! Japanese people have highly value the healing waters of hot spring baths, with over 3,000 onsen spread across the country.

In this article we have chosen 12 ryokan that have been carefully selected for their quality and unique cultural experiences to help your stay in Kyoto even better.

Check out ➡️ our 3-day Kyoto itinerary to help plan your holiday ⛩️

Fufu Kyoto

8.9

fabulous

Booking.com

4-star

Starting from

$

1,385

Located in Kyoto, within 600 metres of Shoren-in Temple and 1 km of Samurai Kembu Kyoto, Fufu Kyoto provides accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive.

Location: Beside Nanzenji Temple, Sakyo-ku

Overview: Opened in April 2021, Fufu Kyoto blends sleek modern design with classic Japanese details. Every one of its 40 rooms features a private hinoki onsen sourced from Arashiyama’s natural springs, ensuring a deeply personal and relaxing experience.

Highlights:

• Private Hinoki Onsen: Unwind in a bath crafted from aromatic cypress wood.
• Elegant Interiors: Thoughtfully arranged tea sets, seasonal floral accents, and soft washi lantern light create a serene ambiance.
• Exclusive Suites: Premium options offer expansive spaces and stunning garden views.
• Cultural Touches: Enjoy curated experiences such as tea ceremonies, ikebana lessons, and tailored concierge recommendations.
  

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel

8.3

very good

Tripadvisor

5-star

Starting from

$

800

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto is located along the ever peaceful Hozu River. From the golden pavilions of Kinkaku-ji and the serene gardens of Ryoan-ji, to the towering Katsura Imperial Villa, there is much to uncover.

Location: Nestled within the grounds of Tenryuji Temple

Overview: Housed in restored early-1900s buildings, Suiran Luxury Collection captures the charm of Meiji-era architecture while providing modern luxury. Seventeen of its 39 rooms offer private onsens that let you soak in the healing waters drawn directly from Arashiyama’s springs.

Highlights:

• Historic Ambiance: Enjoy a stay in buildings dating back to 1899 and 1910.
• Exclusive Bath Options: Choose from private rental baths (Raku and An) available during flexible time slots.
• Modern Comforts: Each room includes thoughtful touches like Nespresso machines and complimentary yukata.
• Wellness Spa: Indulge in signature treatments using local ingredients such as green tea and jade.

Nazuna Kyoto Nijojo

9.4

supurb

Tripadvisor

4-star

Starting from

$

650

Quality time and memorable experience will fulfill your trip. NAZUNA inns are designed to provide our guests with a hands-on experience of the traditional culture of Kyoto and Japan. Each of our inns has its own unique features making them unrivaled machiya (town house) style inns.

Location: Just steps from Nijo Castle

Overview: This tea-themed ryokan transforms a traditional machiya (old Japanese townhouse) into a refined retreat. Each of its five suites draws inspiration from different tea varieties, infusing every detail—from antique furnishings to private semi-open-air baths—with the spirit of the tea ceremony.

Highlights:

• Cultural Immersion: Participate in authentic tea ceremonies that celebrate harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
• Artful Interiors: Handcrafted antiques and classic shoji screens set an elegant backdrop.
• Intimate Bathing: Enjoy private open-air or semi-open-air baths that invite lingering moments of relaxation.
• Gastronomic Delights: Savor traditional kaiseki meals and seasonal treats prepared with local ingredients.