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.
Kyoto Onsen Ryokan For Families
- Kyo Yunohana Resort Suisen – Able to accommodate up to six guests, the suites at Kyo Yunohana Resort Suisen are ideal for families. Each suite has large living areas and spacious balconies with private onsens. Breakfast and dinner are included and larger public hot springs are available.
- Genmyoan – Ideal for a family of five, the family suite at Genmyoan offers sweeping views of Miyaziu Bay. Each suite features spacious interior and outdoor areas complete with a private onsen. Breakfast and dinner are both included, and the area’s main attraction, the Amonahashidate sandbar is nearby.
- Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo – If you’re planning a family trip to Kyoto, the family rooms and suites at Kyoto Nanzenji Royokan Yachiyo are ideal. Each comfortable room or suite features beds, futons, cypress onsens, and even saunas. And with a subway station nearby, Kyoto’s many sights and attractions are easily accessible.
Kyoto Onsen Ryokan For Couples
- Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel – With its riverfront setting and beautiful Japanese garden, Suiran is the ideal spot for couples. Enjoy a private getaway in one of their king suites with its own private onsen. Couples can enjoy intimate French-inspired Kaiseki dinners, relax at the spa, or take a romantic rickshaw ride.
- Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. – As soon as you arrive, Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St’s lantern-lit stone pathways give off a romantic vibe. Cozy deluxe double rooms feature a private open-air bathing area steps from the bed. Breakfast is served every morning and couples can enjoy romantic dinners at the onsite restaurant.
- Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo – Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo is a luxurious 5-star ryokan, ideal for a couple’s retreat. For a private getaway, choose one of the Japanese-style luxury rooms. A private patio offers relaxing views of a bamboo garden, and you’ll love soaking in the hinoki tub.
Where To Stay In Kyoto Prefecture
- Central Kyoto – Central Kyoto is the most popular area for those seeking an authentic Japanese experience. It’s a historic district showcasing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll find traditional wooden houses, delicious local cuisine, beautiful temples, and Japanese gardens. And if you’re looking for private onsens, the rooms at Ryokan Sanga have some of the best.
- Arashiyama – Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama offers an enjoyable escape from the busy city. It’s a picturesque district known for its natural beauty. Here visitors can explore the famous Bamboo Grove or the beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple. After a day of exploring, you can relax in a private onsen at the 5-star Ryokan, Hanaikada.
- Kameoka – Set in a scenic valley, Kameoka is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Hozu River and surrounding mountains. One of the best ways to get there is on the Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Romantic Train. If you’re staying in this area, check in to Shoenso Hozugawatei or Yunohana Resort Suisen.
- Miyazu – Miyazu is a coastal city in Kyoto Prefecture, most famous for its Amanohashidate sandbar. This massive sandbar spans across the mouth of Miyazu Bay. Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck at Kasamatsu Park, or stroll across the bar itself. For the best views of the bay, stay at either Genmyoan or Hotel Kitanoya (photo above).
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 Reviews: I loved my wooden onsen with a beautiful garden below. The Kaiseki and Sukiyaki dinners were of the highest quality.
- 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 and 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 Reviews: The private onsen was lovely. We loved the breakfasts and sake at night.
- 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. On arrival, you’ll cross a lovely suspension bridge over Kiyotaki River to reach the hotel. 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. The highlight is at night with a Maiko performance during your riverside dinner.
- Guest Reviews: Sleeping on mats in a traditional Japanese room was amazing. Our favorite part was the onsen overlooking the creek.
- 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 Reviews: Our suite was exceptional. The outdoor bath was so serene with an amazing view of the garden.
- 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 Reviews: Our open-air bath had incredible views of the night sky. We loved the breakfasts with grilled fish and fresh vegetables.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Suite with semi-open-air bath
- Address: 604-0066 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku Kusuriyacho 580
6. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Suiran is a 5-star Japanese-style ryokan set along the peaceful Hozu River. With its beautiful Japanese garden, Suiran is the ideal spot for a quiet, relaxing getaway. For a unique experience, you’ll want to book the Presidential suite. The dark floors and the custom furnishings were designed to make this suite one-of-a-kind. Guests love the private open-air bath with its magnificent view of the Arashiyama hills. Set in a historic villa, Kyo-Suiran restaurant offers a fusion of traditional kaiseki and French cuisine. During the day, guests can relax at the spa or take a rickshaw ride through the surrounding area.
- Guest Reviews: Wow, it feels like you’re staying at a temple with zen gardens. The lunch and breakfast at the garden restaurant also make Suiran the most lavish onsen in Japan.
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Suiran (Presidential suite)
- Address: 616-8385 Kyoto, Kyoto, Ukyo-ku Saga-Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho 12 , Japan
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 Reviews: Our private onsen was one of a kind, with day and night mountain views. Our full course kaiseki dinner was top notch.
- 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. Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St is a 4-star ryokan Kyoto near Shijo Omiya station. Twenty-three historic townhouses have been reborn as guest rooms with semi-open-air baths. As night falls, paper lanterns light up the stone-paved walkways for a glamorous look. For the best stay, we recommend one of the luxury rooms. These two-story rooms feature a living room on the first floor with a bedroom on the second. Just off the living room, is a square private onsen and traditional bathing area. A unique Japanese breakfast is served each morning, and the onsite beef restaurant is open for dinner.
- Guest Reviews: The staff was so helpful and nice. The rooms were beautiful and spacious as well! We loved the outdoor tub.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Luxury rooms
- Address: 600-8388 Kyoto, Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku Bomoncho 838, Japan
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 Reviews: The postcard views, the meals and the onsen were all very good. The staff was very nice and helpful.
- 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 Reviews: Our room with the private hot spring was quiet and relaxing. The 7-course Japanese dinner was so extravagant.
- 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 Reviews: This authentic experience was exactly what we wanted. We loved the futons, the bathhouse and the beautiful gardens.
- 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 Reviews: We enjoyed the traditional Japanese room with private onsen. The dinner was delicious and included lots of dishes.
- 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 Reviews: Our Japanese room was really luxurious and the open air bath was so relaxing. The breakfasts were delicious.
- 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 Reviews: Our room was huge, with a private bath next to a beautiful Japanese garden. We loved the traditional kaiseki dinner.
- 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 includes 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 Reviews: We had a traditional Japanese room that was well-kept and clean. The staff and the facilities were wonderful.
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Family rooms
- Address: 604-8074 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku Tominokoji-dori Sanjo sagaru 526
How To Get Around Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture has an extensive transportation network, including trains, subways, and buses. Japan Railway (JR) lines are a convenient way to travel within, or outside the prefecture. To get around the city, two subway lines cover most of the city’s popular destinations. You can also reach most Kyoto attractions by bus. But for first-time visitors, the subways and trains are faster and easier. Taxis are more expensive, but can be useful for short trips, or if you’re traveling in a group. Alternatively, take your time and enjoy the scenery on bicycles. It’s one of the best ways to take in the culture of Kyoto.
Things To Consider
- Kaiseki – Many of Kyoto’s Ryokans are famous for their delicious Kaiseki menus. Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese meal using local, seasonal ingredients. Two of the most popular Kaiseki menus are at Suiran and Hotel Kitanoya. Suiran’s kaiseki is a fusion of Japanese and French, while Hotel Kitanoya’s features fresh, seasonal crabs.
- Views – Kyoto Prefectures Ryokans offer guests a variety of scenic views to choose from. Some of Genmyoan’s rooms offer panoramic views of Miyazu Bay right from your private onsen. Other Ryokans like Rangetsu offer forest and river views. From their balcony, guests can relax in a private onsen overlooking the river and surrounding hills.
- Location – Whether you prefer to stay in the bustling city center or a quiet rural setting, there’s a ryokan in Kyoto for you. Kamishichiken Oku is right in busy Kyoto close to temples and other attractions. Or you can escape the busy city for a more relaxing rural setting. For instance, Kyo Yunohana Resort is surrounded by mountains and forests with amazing views right from the onsens.
- Number of Days – We recommend at least two nights at a ryokan to enjoy all its facilities. You can then appreciate sleeping on tatami floors, kaiseki meals, and of course, soaking in hot onsen baths. Ideally, you spend at least a week exploring Kyoto’s attractions. This will give you an opportunity to experience different ryokans as well. Some visitors plan a few days in Kyoto, then venture out to scenic areas like Kameoka or Arashiyama.
Kyoto Ryokan Map
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
Best Kyoto Onsen Rooms
| 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 |
| Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Suiran (Presidential suite) |
| Rangetsu | Japanese style room with open-air bath |
| Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. | Luxury 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 | Family rooms |
