Kyoto is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in Japan.
With shrines, temples, and other cultural activities, it’s one of the most romantic cities for couples.
To make it extra special, stay in a ryokan fitted with a private onsen.
These unique hotels offer guests a place to sleep, as well as communal bathhouses.
We’ll show you the best rooms where you can enjoy a bath while admiring the natural surroundings.
Below, we’ve outlined the best Kyoto ryokans with private onsen for couples.
1. Kyo Yunohana Resort Suisen
Escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto at Kyo Yunohana Resort Suisen.
This 4-star ryokan is surrounded by forest and the breathtaking Hokusetsu Mountains.
There is a mixture of rooms and suites decorated with traditional tatami floors.
Some even come with private onsens right on the balcony so you can enjoy the views.
Breakfast and dinner are included for free.
If you want a dip in bigger hot spring pools, there are indoor and outdoor public bathhouses.
- Guest Rating: 9.8
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe suites with open air bath
- Address: 621-0034 Kyoto, Kameoka, Hiedano-cho Ashinoyama Inoshiri 6-3
2. Kamishichiken Oku
Kamishichiken Oku lies right in the bustling city of Kyoto.
All their rooms are quite cozy, designed for couples.
But if you want the best stay, make sure you book the Deluxe double room.
Inside there’s a large square onsen, and outside, there’s a cute plunge pot that also serves as a bath.
An American or Asian breakfast of your choice is served daily.
There is also a bar on-site if you want to have some Japanese sake at night.
The front desk is open 24 hours.
- Guest Rating: 9.7
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe double room
- Address: 602-8381 Kyoto, Kyoto, Kamigyo-ku Shinseicho 712
3. Momijiya Annex
Momijiya Annex is a scenic hotel that is perfect for any couple visiting Kyoto.
They have public baths for guests, although you’re better off staying in one of the larger rooms.
These will have an open-air bath with views of a small zen garden.
There aren’t many rooms at this hotel so you will have very personalized service.
In the morning, breakfast is included.
Although the highlight is at night with a Maiko performance during your riverside dinner.
- Guest Rating: 9.5
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Japanese style room
- Address: 616-8289 Kyoto, Kyoto, Ukyo-ku Umegahata Nishinohata 2
4. Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is located right next to the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
While rooms are a bit smaller, they still look very luxurious mixing Japanese and modern decor.
Some rooms have large spa baths, but we’d recommend the open-air onsen tubs.
These have lovely small gardens that add to the ambiance.
It’s the best way to experience Japanese culture.
Like their other ryokans, they serve Irori breakfast to all guests in the morning.
- Guest Rating: 9.4
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Luxury room with semi-outdoor bath
- Address: 604-0003 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo ku, Hanatatecho 255-1
5. Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is a tea-themed ryokan in Kyoto.
It is also conveniently located 6 minutes by foot from Nijojomae Station.
All rooms come with private open-air baths, which are perfect for couples.
But if you want the most spacious room, there’s a suite with a semi-open-air bath.
The layout of this large suite will give you much more privacy.
You’ll still have fresh air though while bathing in the onsen.
In the morning, you’ll be served a delicious Irori breakfast with a choice of meats or fish.
- Guest Rating: 9.3
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Suite with semi-open-air bath
- Address: 604-0066 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku Kusuriyacho 580
6. Nissho Besso
Go back to basics at Nissho Besso.
This inn is housed inside a 19th-century wood building.
It boasts traditional Japanese-style rooms with futons and tatami floors.
It also has a tea ceremony room and an onsen with natural hot springs.
Breakfast and Kaiseki meals are served for a small fee.
Couples are sure to love a stay at this romantic ryokan.
- Guest Rating: 9.3*
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Tatami mat rooms
- Address: 604-8083 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku Sanjo-dori Tominokojinishi-iru Nakano-cho 13
7. Rangetsu
This charming ryokan is at a picture-perfect location by Katsura River.
Rangetsu is surrounded by rolling hills, yet is only 11 minutes from the nearest tram stop.
The calming inn features traditional Japanese rooms with tatami floors.
For couples, you’ll have a more intimate time in the Deluxe room with an open-air bath.
The private onsen is right on the balcony so you’ll have epic views of the surroundings.
There are also public indoor and outdoor baths if you’re looking for larger pools.
A semi-open-air dining room is where breakfast and dinner are served to all guests.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Japanese style room with open-air bath
- Address: 616-8385 Kyoto, Kyoto, Sakyo-ku Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba-cho 7
8. Arashiyama Benkei
Arashiyama Benkei lies across the Katsura River surrounded by lush trees.
This traditional inn is only a short walk from Saga-Arashiyama train station.
All rooms are Japanese in style and feature futons and tatami floors.
Spacious rooms can sleep up to 5 people but are also ideal for couples.
There are relaxing bathhouses on the property.
Some rooms come with their own private baths so make sure you book these if you choose this Ryokan.
One room even features a whirlpool tub with geothermal water.
- Guest Rating: 8.9
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Premium residential rooms
- Address: 616-8385 Kyoto, Kyoto, Ukyo-ku Saga Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho 34
9. Genmyoan
With sweeping views of Miyazu Bay, this Kyoto ryokan is nothing short of gorgeous.
Genmyoan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami floors, futons, and seating areas in each room.
Some rooms come with private balconies and open-air baths so you can marvel at the bay.
For the best, make sure you book the Deluxe suite as it has a private onsen on the balcony.
Breakfast, dinner, and parking are all free of charge.
Other amenities include an on-site restaurant, public onsen, a lounge, and a terrace.
Be sure to visit the nearby Amanohashidate sandbar during your stay.
- Guest Rating: 8.8
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Junior suite
- Address: 626-0001 Kyoto, Miyazu, Jimonjyu 32-1
10. Hanaikada
Hanaikada is located right next to Arashiyama Monkey Park.
This onsen ryokan overlooks a small section of the Katsura River and is as scenic as can be.
While it’s a great location for couples, they only have two rooms with private onsens.
One is made of stone while the other is more like a hot tub.
Unfortunately, both have no views of the surroundings but you do have more privacy.
There are also public bathhouses that overlook the river.
Meals and shuttle services are included.
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Japanese-style room with open-air bath
- Address: 616-0004 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nishikyo-ku Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho 57
11. Ryokan Nenrinbo
Bright and airy, this onsen ryokan is one of the most popular in the Kyoto area.
Ryokan Nenrinbo is a relaxing hot spring inn near Genkō-an.
They have recently renovated their rooms so you’ll find some modern elements.
Make sure you book their Deluxe room if you’re after a romantic stay.
You’ll find a private onsen tub with views of the open garden.
In the much larger communal bathhouse, you’ll see beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
They also have an outdoor pool open for summer.
- Guest Rating: 8.3
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Japanese-style deluxe room with open-air bath
- Address: 603-8468 Kyoto, Kyoto, Kita-ku Takagamine Kitatakagamine-cho 40
12. Hotel Kitanoya
Hotel Kitanoya is in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, close to the Asoumi Sea
Compared to other ryokans, the onsen facilities here are at another level.
They have an onsite restaurant serving breakfast and kaiseki dinner.
It’s best to visit between November and March so you can try their seasonal crabs.
For the most romantic stay, check in to a room with a private onsen on their balcony.
They even have massage chairs inside, an extra that most ryokans don’t have.
There are also indoor and outdoor onsens for all to enjoy.
- Guest Rating: 8.2
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Japanese-style room with open-air bath
- Address: 626-0001 Kyoto, Miyazu, Monjyu 100
13. Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo
Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo is one of the most luxurious 5-star ryokans in the city.
It is only a 5-minute walk from a nearby subway station and 6 minutes from Nanzen-ji Temple.
The property dates back to the 19th century and is surrounded by a Japanese garden.
Most of the rooms have a form of private hot tub, some even have saunas.
If you want the most romantic stay, check out the Japanese-style luxury room with patio and private onsen.
It’s by far the most requested so you’ll have to book as early as possible.
Of course, there are also large public baths on site for couples to use.
- Guest Rating: 8.1
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Japanese-Style Luxury Room
- Address: 606-8435 Kyoto, Kyoto, Sakyou Nanzenji Fukuchi 34
14. Shoenso Hozugawatei
If a laid-back hot spring inn is what you’re after, look no further than Shoenso Hozugawatei.
Rooms feature warm, inviting furniture in traditional Japanese style.
Upgraded rooms are equipped with their own open-air soaking tubs.
In addition to the private onsens, there are communal onsens consisting of indoor and outdoor soaking pools.
A dining room and spa are also on-site.
Shoenso Hozugawatei has a karaoke room, a unique bar, and a train station shuttle service.
- Guest Rating: 8.0
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: Japanese-style room with open-air bath
- Address: 621-0034 Kyoto, Kameoka, Hiedanocho Ashinoyama 1-4
15. Ryokan Sanga
Ryokan Sanga is an onsen ryokan set on a river.
It is located a short distance away from Sujiyu Hot Spring and Kujūhana Park.
If you want to be surrounded by nature, this is the place to stay.
The public baths are the biggest draw, which include a mixture of indoor and outdoor baths.
Some of the outdoor baths are set within a beautifully landscaped garden.
All rooms have tatami floors with futons, and upgraded rooms come with soaking tubs.
- Guest Rating: 7.7
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Ho-no-ki
- Address: 604-8074 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku Tominokoji-dori Sanjo sagaru 526
Ultimately, there’s no better place to stay in Kyoto than at an onsen ryokan.
These unique properties allow visitors to experience a traditional Japanese bathhouse in a private setting.
We hope this list has inspired you and your partner on your upcoming trip to Kyoto.
Also read:
- 15 Best Luxury Hotels near Kyoto Station for Families
- 25 Romantic Things to do in Kyoto for Couples
- 39 Best Things to do in Kyoto, Japan
FAQs
Kyo Yunohana Resort Suisen has Superior twin rooms with beautiful views of the forest from the terrace onsen.
Plan ahead if you’re staying for cherry blossom seasons as these rooms will definitely fill quickly.
Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo is also a great choice and is perhaps more luxurious.
Genmyoan is definitely the best ryokan in Kyoto that has rooms near the water.
You’ll have unobstructed water views of Amanohashidate and the clear blue skies from your private terrace onsen.
While most ryokans listed here have delicious kaiseki menus, we’d highly recommend Hotel Kitanoya.
Their chefs prepare the most authentic Japanese cuisines daily from fresh ingredients.
If you visit between November and March, try their delicious crabs.
Summary
| Kyoto Ryokan | Best Rooms |
| Kyo Yunohana Resort Suisen | Deluxe suites with open air bath |
| Kamishichiken Oku | Deluxe double room |
| Momijiya Annex | Japanese style room |
| Nazuna Kyoto Gosho | Luxury room with semi-outdoor bath |
| Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo | Suite with semi-open-air bath |
| Nissho Besso | Tatami mat rooms |
| Rangetsu | Japanese style room with open-air bath |
| Arashiyama Benkei | Premium residential rooms |
| Genmyoan | Junior suite |
| Hanaikada | Japanese-style room with open-air bath |
| Ryokan Nenrinbo | Japanese-style deluxe room |
| Hotel Kitanoya | Japanese-style room with open-air bath |
| Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo | Japanese-Style Luxury Room |
| Shoenso Hozugawatei | Japanese-style room with open-air bath |
| Ryokan Sanga | Ho-no-ki |
