The 12 Best Tokyo Ryokan With Private Onsen

Last Updated on July 29, 2026 by Audrey

Need to find the best Tokyo ryokan with a private onsen?

A disclaimer picture that states the following: "Heads up, Get Lost in Japan contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of my links, I may receive compensation from the company, and it doesn’t cost you anything extra! Click here for my disclaimer. ♡"

Dreaming of soaking in a steaming private onsen bath after a long day of walking around Shinjuku? Yeah, I figured! I'm guessing you're on the hunt for a ryokan in Tokyo with a private onsen, but can't seem to find anything within the city.

As a fellow private onsen lover, I resonate with your mission. Just for you, I scoured the internet to find the closest thing to a traditional ryokan with a private bath without having to travel 2+ hours.

I've included my top picks for the best ryokan experience in Tokyo down below. Personally, my favorite is Cyashitsu Ryokan for the stunning Japanese style rooms and amazing reviews.

Top 3 picks: Best Tokyo ryokan with private onsen

Warm, dimly lit traditional Japanese room with a rustic wooden table, floor seating, and a flower arrangement centerpiece at Cyashitsu Ryokan in Tokyo.

Best for Couples
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cyashitsu Ryokan
✔️ Beautiful aesthetic rooms
✔️ Highly rated

Book it!
Private onsen-style bath at Ryokan Kamogawa, a Tokyo ryokan with a traditional wooden soaking tub and bamboo garden view.

Best for Families
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ryokan Kamogawa
✔️ Child amenities
✔️ Free cultural activities

Book it!
Private Japanese-style bath at The Edo Sakura, featuring a cypress-lined soaking tub with a serene garden view through a low window.

On A Budget
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Edo Sakura
✔️ Superb reviews
✔️ Tea ceremony

Book it!

What are the Best Tokyo Ryokan with Private Onsen?

Let me break the bad news first: Tokyo isn’t built on natural hot spring sources, so technically, there are no true onsen in the heart of the city. Some places do bring in hot spring water from nearby areas like Hakone or Izu, but those are usually public baths, if they’re available at all. However, you can come pretty close to an authentic ryokan with excellent kaiseki banquet meals, outstanding service, and an intimate, relaxing bath.

Most ryokan in Tokyo with private onsen-style baths are located around Asakusa or Ueno, two quieter neighborhoods that are still near popular spots like Sensoji Temple and Ueno Park.

It’s a great mix of old Tokyo and city convenience, so it’s perfect for relaxing without being too far from the action. 

1. Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa  ($$$$) (3⭐S)

A graphic indicating a private open-air onsen hot spring. There is one person sitting in a bath, with circles around them indicating stones. There is a mountain in the background, indicating that the person is bathing in nature.
A symbol for hotels offering meals
A graphic showing a person in an in-room onsen. There is a person bathing with a roof over their head. The grayed out color indicates this symbol is not available.
Gray icon of a washing machine labeled "Laundry," indicating laundry facilities are not available.
Gray icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is not available.
  • ⭐ Rating: 9.7/10 (600 reviews)
  • 💎 Known For: Minimalist luxury, in-room outdoor onsen, teahouse inn customs
  • 💦 Onsen Hours: Not listed
  • ☀️ Day Visit Option: No
  • 🖋️ Tattoo Friendly: Yes, private onsen
Warmly lit traditional Japanese room at Cyashitsu Ryokan in Tokyo, featuring tatami floors, low seating, and a cozy futon area behind a sheer curtain.
Photo Credit: Expedia

Cyashitsu Ryokan flawlessly blends traditional Japanese teahouse aesthetics with modern luxury. From the moment you enter, you’re immersed in a calming atmosphere. Stone paths lead you past a moss garden in the lobby, while the rooms feature woven cedar ceilings traditionally used in tea huts.

Two suites offer private open-air onsen baths: the Cyashitsu Suite, which accommodates up to 4 guests, and the Ofuro Suite, which feature incredible views of Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree.

Even if you don't book a room with an attached onsen, there's a private outdoor cypress bath on the 6th floor that's open 24/7.  

Both breakfast and dinner are served onsite, featuring premium dishes like specially sourced Matsusaka beef sukiyaki or shabu-shabu, sea bream, and sushi.

Lastly, the hotel is in a perfect location, being only a 3-minute walk to Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 5-minute walk to Sensoji Temple, so you can enjoy the peaceful area at night when the crowds disperse.

Click here to check rates and availability

2. Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa ($$$) (4⭐S)

A graphic indicating a private open-air onsen hot spring. There is one person sitting in a bath, with circles around them indicating stones. There is a mountain in the background, indicating that the person is bathing in nature.
A graphic of a person in an in-room private onsen bath. There is a person with a roof over their head. The text reads Room Bath.
A symbol for hotels offering meals
Black icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is available.

Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa is a highly booked modern ryokan situated in the heart of Asakusa.

Night view from a private balcony at Prostyle Ryokan, showcasing Tokyo Skytree illuminated above the Sumida River skyline.
Photo Credit: Expedia

You have lots of rooms with private baths here. All the suite, twin, and king bed rooms offer either open-air baths or half open-air baths in-room. The baths are designed in a modern style, featuring a ceramic bath with moody teal colors.

The best of the best, the corner suite room, sits on the top floor with a full, unobstructed view of Tokyo Skytree and Sumida River.

  • Private granite onsen bath at Prostyle Ryokan, softly lit with warm lighting and steam rising from the hot water.
  • Spacious tatami room at Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa, featuring twin Western-style beds, shoji screens, and low seating near a table.
  • Wooden sauna room with tiered bench seating inside Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa, offering a warm and cozy relaxation space.
  • Traditional Japanese breakfast set at Prostyle Ryokan, featuring rice, grilled fish, tamagoyaki, vegetables, and wagyu beef hot pot.

Both breakfast and dinner are available at the ryokan. The on-site restaurant, Kotakino, showcases specialties like beef tongue shabu and wagyu beef hotpot. You also have the choice between a Western or Japanese breakfast to start your day.

This hotel is conveniently only a 4-minute walk from Asakusa Station for incredibly easy transportation, and a 5-minute walk to Sensoji Temple.

Click here to check rates and availability

3. The Edo Sakura ($$$) (3⭐S)

A graphic of a person in an in-room private onsen bath. There is a person with a roof over their head. The text reads Room Bath.
A symbol for hotels offering meals
Black icon of a washing machine labeled "Laundry," indicating laundry facilities are available.
Gray icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is not available.

A peaceful ryokan tucked away in quiet Ueno, The Edo Sakura was built with Kyoto-style architecture and a love for Japanese tea ceremony culture.

The rooms here are simple but warm, with both Western and Japanese-style options available.

Private Japanese-style bath at The Edo Sakura, featuring a cypress-lined soaking tub with a serene garden view through a low window.
Photo Credit: Expedia

There’s a private Japanese-style bath you can reserve at check-in for free. It's the perfect spot to unwind with a view of the serene inner garden.

Guests can enjoy breakfast here, as well as a traditional tea ceremony here for free.

This is a great budget pick if you want to stay in a ryokan in Tokyo without killing your wallet. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Iriya Station and a 15-minute train ride to Ueno Park.

Click here to check rates and availability

4. Ryokan Kamogawa ($$$) (3⭐S)

A graphic of a person in an in-room private onsen bath. There is a person with a roof over their head. The text reads Room Bath.
A symbol for hotels offering meals
Gray icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is not available.

Located just a 3-minute walk from Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, Ryokan Kamogawa is a gem located in the heart of Asakusa.

This traditional inn offers Japanese-style rooms that can accommodate up to four guests, making it perfect for groups and families.

Private onsen-style bath at Ryokan Kamogawa, a Tokyo ryokan with a traditional wooden soaking tub and bamboo garden view.
Photo Credit: Expedia

One of the standout features is the indoor private bath, which guests can reserve for free. After a day of exploring traditional Japanese neighborhoods and browsing Nakamise-dori Street, taking a hot steaming bath is the bestttt.

Additionally, this ryokan goes above and beyond for families, offering child-friendly amenities like baby baths, booster toilet seats, kids’ toiletries, diaper bags, and even mini yukata.

There’s also a cozy lounge with free drinks, Japanese sweets, and fun cultural activities like calligraphy and origami available for guests.

Click here to check rates and availability

5. Yuen Bettei Daita ($$$) (4⭐S)

A graphic indicating a private open-air onsen hot spring. There is one person sitting in a bath, with circles around them indicating stones. There is a mountain in the background, indicating that the person is bathing in nature.
A graphic indicating a public onsen bath. There are two cartoon people in a square, and heat waves rising indicating that they are bathing in a hot spring.
A graphic indicating that a hotel offers massages. A person is massaging someone on a massage table.
A symbol for hotels offering meals
Gray icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is not available.
Gray icon of a washing machine labeled "Laundry," indicating laundry facilities are not available.

There's only 1 room with a private onsen at Yuen Bettei Daita, which is the Deluxe Twin Room. But man, the room is amazing.

The room features an outdoor private wooden bath on your own private terrace and stone garden for a relaxing experience amidst nature. 

View of the private onsen bath and garden at Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita, seen through shoji doors from the tatami room interior.
Photo Credit: Expedia

I'd say Yuen Bettei is the closest to a high end authentic ryokan that you can get in Tokyo, but it's not technically close to the city center, so it'll take a bit longer to get to top attractions like Sensoji Temple and Shibuya Sky.

  • Interior of a guest room at Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita, with modern tatami seating and a view of the private outdoor onsen and garden through large sliding doors.
  • Outdoor private onsen bath at Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita, featuring a round wooden tub on a serene enclosed deck with traditional bamboo fencing.
  • Elegant guest room at Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita with warm lighting, tatami flooring, a large bed, and a small seating area by the window.
  • Indoor communal onsen bath at Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita, featuring a sleek stone design and a garden view through large floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Traditional Japanese breakfast served at Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita, including grilled salmon, rice, tamagoyaki, pickled vegetables, and miso soup.
Click here to check rates and availability

Hotels in Tokyo with Private Onsen-style Baths

As you can see, there aren’t a ton of authentic ryokan in Tokyo with private baths, but the few that do exist are very beautiful!

These next options are hotels, but they have outstanding private baths that give the same relaxing onsen-style experience, despite not being traditional ryokan.

6. TSUKI Tokyo ($$$) (3⭐S)

A graphic of a person in an in-room private onsen bath. There is a person with a roof over their head. The text reads Room Bath.
A graphic indicating that a person is renting a private onsen space. There is a single person bathing in front of a mountain, with a key showing that it is rented.
A symbol for hotels offering meals
Gray icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is not available.
Gray icon of a washing machine labeled "Laundry," indicating laundry facilities are not available.

TSUKI Tokyo blends understated design with refined comfort, giving off a warm, minimal energy. The rooms are modern with subtle pops of color, and if you book a Premier or Deluxe room, you’ll get your own private hinoki wood bath to enjoy a peaceful soak at the end of the day. 

A serene private onsen bath in a tranquil setting with soft lighting and clean architectural lines.
Photo Credit: Expedia

If your room doesn’t come with a bath, don’t worry! The hotel has two stunning private cypress baths guests can rent for 45 minutes, named Oboro and Kasumi. The soft aroma of the Aomori Hiba wood makes it feel like you’re bathing deep in a forest.

For even more pampering, complimentary pastries and a delicious bento breakfast from Hakejouyu Noriben Yamanobori are offered here, a shop so popular that people wait in line for 2 hours to buy!

  • A sleek and modern bathroom featuring a hinoki wood private onsen tub, perfect for relaxing in Tokyo.
  • A cozy guest room at TSUKI Tokyo with a modern-meets-minimalist design and spacious beds.
  • A beautifully plated Japanese kaiseki meal with seasonal ingredients, paired with sake, at TSUKI Tokyo.
  • A peaceful reading lounge at TSUKI Tokyo featuring rattan daybeds, bright cushions, and curated bookshelves.

This hotel is also highly praised for its perfect location, being only a block from the subway. You’ll be right next to the Tsukiji Fish Market and a short walk to the luxury shops of Ginza.

Click here to check rates and availability

7. Stay SAKURA Yokozuna ($$) (3⭐S)

A graphic indicating a private open-air onsen hot spring. There is one person sitting in a bath, with circles around them indicating stones. There is a mountain in the background, indicating that the person is bathing in nature.
Black icon of a washing machine labeled "Laundry," indicating laundry facilities are available.
Gray icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is not available.
A graphic showing a person in an in-room onsen. There is a person bathing with a roof over their head. The grayed out color indicates this symbol is not available.
A cozy tatami room in Stay SAKURA Tokyo Asakusa Yokozuna with futon bedding, decorative pillows, shoji screens, and a wall featuring bold Japanese calligraphy artwork.
Photo Credit: Expedia

Stay SAKURA Yokozuna might just be the most unique place you stay in Tokyo.

Once an actual sumo training room called ‘Kokonoe-beya’, the hotel has kept the original room structure and proudly showcases sumo culture throughout the building.

Modern Japanese-style room at Stay SAKURA Tokyo Shinjuku – A bright and spacious guestroom featuring a low platform bed with navy accents, minimalist gray sofas, soft lighting, and traditional shoji screen windows for a serene blend of modern comfort and Japanese aesthetics.

Want to stay in Shinjuku? Stay SAKURA’s Shinjuku location has a queen suite with a private open-air bath!

The Deluxe Suites here come with private open-air baths surrounded by bright bamboo. These spacious suites can sleep up to 6 guests and is a perfect space for families or groups.

Rooms can be as low as ¥12,000 ($87 USD) per night, making this a great pick for travelers on a budget who still want a unique cultural experience. Plus, you’ll be just a 5-minute walk from Sensoji Temple and 9 minutes to Asakusa Station.

  • Spacious guestroom at Stay SAKURA Yokozuna Hotel – A modern, open-plan room with two large beds, a sofa lounge, geometric accent wall, and dining table, illuminated by warm lighting.
  • Sumo-themed hallway at Stay SAKURA – A hallway featuring a bold sumo wrestler illustration next to traditional-style guestroom doors with wooden signage labeled “Chiyo” and “Kagami.”
  • Private onsen-style bath at Stay SAKURA – A deep round tub on a wooden terrace surrounded by bamboo screens and soft ambient lighting, perfect for a relaxing soak.
  • Modern Japanese bathroom at Stay SAKURA – A stylish bathroom with a wood-paneled bathtub area, handheld shower, and a green-tiled vanity with a square sink and large mirror.
  • Private balcony with Tokyo Skytree view – An outdoor seating area with rattan furniture on a rooftop balcony, offering a distant view of the iconic Tokyo Skytree.
Click check rates and availability

8. Centurion Hotel Ueno ($$$) (3⭐S)

A graphic indicating a private open-air onsen hot spring. There is one person sitting in a bath, with circles around them indicating stones. There is a mountain in the background, indicating that the person is bathing in nature.
Black icon of a washing machine labeled "Laundry," indicating laundry facilities are available.
Gray icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is not available.
A graphic showing a person in an in-room onsen. There is a person bathing with a roof over their head. The grayed out color indicates this symbol is not available.
Outdoor private onsen tub under a covered bamboo roof at Centurion Hotel Ueno — a hidden Tokyo gem for private bathing.
Photo Credit: Expedia

I've personally stayed at the Centurion Hotel in Ueno myself, and I had a great experience!

The location is just... immaculate. You're walking distance to Ueno Park, a 2 minute block from the subway, and a 2-3 minute walk from GU, Uniqlo, and Don Quijote. It's perfect if you're visiting Tokyo for the first time.

There are a variety of different rooms that have private open-air baths, ranging from $150-$600 per night depending on the season. You can also fit up to 6 people, so it's great for groups who want a private onsen.

Michael (Read more reviews)
Click here to check rates and availability

Boutique Hotel Picks with Great Baths

Now, these hotels are a whole other category in themselves. These are unique boutique hotels with beautifully designed rooms and bathrooms, with great baths to boot.

9. The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon  ($$$) (4⭐S)

The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon is a modern oasis above the streets of Old Tokyo.

From the moment you step inside, the energy of Asakusa is replaced with an elegant sanctuary. The elevator opens straight into the top-floor lobby, where you’re immediately greeted by a sweeping view of the Tokyo Skytree. 

A panoramic view of Tokyo Skytree through floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel's elegant lounge with modern decor and warm lighting.
Photo Credit: Expedia

This hotel caught my eye for The Gate Suite, aptly named after the hotel, I guess. The bath features a huge soaking tub set right next to a window with panoramic city views. It’s the kind of vibe that makes you want to melt into your personal sanctuary and just enjoy the view for hours.

Guest reviews are all about the buffet breakfast and the scenic rooftop bar with stunning skyline views.

And yet, it gets even better. The hotel is just a 2-minute walk from Sensoji Temple and some of the best street food in Tokyo. With its unbeatable location, indulgent food, and jaw-dropping views, The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon delivers one of the best modern-meets-traditional stays in Tokyo.

Tiffany (Read more reviews)
Click here to check rates and availability

10. Hotel K5 ($$$$) (4⭐S)

Hotel K5 is hands down one of the most beautiful stays in Tokyo. Set in a renovated 1920s bank building, this design hotel in Nihonbashi is a fusion of vintage charm and modern sophistication that has won Michelin Guide Recognition.

The interiors will take your breath away. Decor is moody and minimalist, yet warm and full of character. The high ceilings, large leafy plants, and custom furniture create a space that feels more like an art exhibit than a hotel.

A moody, minimalistic bedroom with a four-post bed draped in gauze curtains and soft ambient lighting.
Photo Credit: Expedia

All 20 guest rooms are designed with intention. You won’t find any TVs, but with standalone bathtubs, plush recliners, ambient lighting, and even vinyl record players, you’ll be entertained enough. It may not be an onsen, but the experience is totally immersive and unforgettable. It's perfect for special occasions like couples visiting for their honeymoon.

You’ll also find a coffee bar, a cozy library bar, an izakaya, and an international brewery all on-site.

  • A brighter version of the same room style with airy curtains, modern seating, and indoor potted plants.
  • A chic bathroom with white herringbone tiles, a large circular mirror, and black basin sink under warm lighting.
  • A standalone soaking tub set against tiled walls and a wood-accented doorway, creating a spa-like ambiance.
  • A European-Japanese fusion appetizer spread with prosciutto, burrata, olives, and smoked salmon paired with wine.
  • A dimly lit industrial-style bar and open kitchen with wooden countertops and metal stools.

Lastly, the hotel is a 5-minute walk to Nihonbashi Station and close to Tokyo Station, with tons of things to do nearby.

Click here to check rates and availability

Just Outside Tokyo: Ryokan-Style Getaways

Just a short distance away from the city center are these peaceful ryokan-style retreats, where you can unwind and enjoy the calming forests.

11. Kamenoi Hotel ($$$) (4⭐S)

A graphic of a person in an in-room private onsen bath. There is a person with a roof over their head. The text reads Room Bath.
A graphic indicating a public onsen bath. There are two cartoon people in a square, and heat waves rising indicating that they are bathing in a hot spring.
A symbol for hotels offering meals
Black icon of a washing machine labeled "Laundry," indicating laundry facilities are available.
Black icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is available.

Kamenoi Hotel is located in Ome, the Tokyo suburbs. This hotel has a much more relaxed vibe than the busy city, with an abundance of natural scenery.

Photo Credit: Expedia

Their deluxe room offers a private ceramic open-air bath and accommodates up to 5 people There is a public onsen that you can check out as well. 

Dinner and breakfast are available here, with delicious kaiseki meals featuring Akigawa beef shabu-shabu and their local dish, Fukagawa Meshi.

The hotel is around 1 hour from Shinjuku Station on the JR Chuo Line, 25 minutes to Shinagawa Station (which is only 8 minutes away from Tokyo Station), or 20 minutes from Haneda Airport on the Keikyu Express Main Line. So you can definitely get there from Tokyo in less than an hour.

Click here to check rates and availability

12. Tokyo Yugawara Onsen Manyo-no-Yu Machida ($$) (3⭐S)

A graphic indicating a private open-air onsen hot spring. There is one person sitting in a bath, with circles around them indicating stones. There is a mountain in the background, indicating that the person is bathing in nature.
A graphic indicating that a person is renting a private onsen space. There is a single person bathing in front of a mountain, with a key showing that it is rented.
A graphic indicating a public onsen bath. There are two cartoon people in a square, and heat waves rising indicating that they are bathing in a hot spring.
Black icon of a car with a parking symbol, labeled "Parking," indicating parking is available.
A symbol for hotels offering meals
A graphic indicating that a hotel offers massages. A person is massaging someone on a massage table.

Tokyo Yugawara Onsen Manyo-no-Yu Machida provides a complete onsen experience without having to leave Tokyo, with great options for both overnight stays and day trips.

Spacious open-air hot spring bath surrounded by natural stones and a bamboo privacy fence under a wooden roof structure.
Photo Credit: Agoda

Located in Machida, near Yokohama, the hotel is about 40 minutes from Shibuya with no transfer required. I absolutely loved visiting Yokohama, so if that’s on your list, you could consider adding this hotel to your trip!

Manyo Club is a bit different in that it’s a great day trip option with multiple public onsens and saunas. However, to get access to their private onsens, you have to book a stay at their hotel. 

Regarding private onsen options, there are two types here: Japanese-style suites with private open-air onsen, or private onsen that can be rented hourly. For the rental onsen, there are two types, either for two people or four. The rentals cost 2,750 JPY per hour (around $20), so not too bad!

Illuminated outdoor foot bath at Tokyo Yugawara Onsen Manyo no Yu with glowing blue lights under a wooden pergola at dusk.
Photo Credit: Agoda
Minimalist twin bedroom with shoji-style window and a small desk, blending traditional and modern touches.”
Photo Credit: Agoda
Click here to check rates and availability

Tips for Booking Ryokan and Onsen Hotels in Japan

  • Book early! Most ryokans open reservations 3–6 months in advance and fill up very fast. I recommend using platforms like Booking.com or Agoda with free cancellation. That way, you’ll secure your spot first and can always modify it if needed.
  • If you want to enjoy their breakfast or dinner service, confirm with the hotel after booking. Meal reservations often need to be made in advance, and sometimes things get lost in translation when you book online.
  • Don’t cram your itinerary during your stay. Ryokans are all about slowing down and enjoying the experience. Don’t pack your schedule too tightly during your stay.
  • Learn from my mistake: The first time I stayed at a ryokan with a private onsen, we booked a tour just an hour after check-in. We ended up rushing through their welcome tea ceremony and didn’t get to enjoy it!

Everything is well thought out and arranged, from the moment you check in to your meals, so don’t overbook yourself. You’re paying a premium to stay here, so be present and enjoy every moment! 

Japanese Bathing and Onsen Etiquette

Before the Bath:

  • Always wash yourself first so you’re clean when you enter the onsen.
  • Rinse off all soap before entering!
  • Tie up your hair.
  • Perform Kakeyu: Splash hot water from the small basin over your lower body using the provided pail to help your body adjust to the temperature.

General Bathing Tips:

  • Don’t overheat like they do in Kaiju No. 8! Take breaks and cool off as needed.
  • Drink water afterwards to rehydrate.
  • A quick cool rinse at the end will help close your pores.

Tokyo Ryokan with Private Onsen FAQ

Have some questions? Here are the most common questions regarding onsen and ryokan!

What's the difference between an onsen and a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, typically featuring tatami-mat flooring, futon bedding, and warm, attentive hospitality. Stays often include both breakfast and dinner, usually served as a multi-course kaiseki meal or shabu-shabu.

An onsen refers specifically to a natural hot spring, heated by geothermal energy. These baths are known for their mineral-rich waters, which are believed to offer a variety of health benefits like improving muscle fatigue, arthritis, improving skin, and much more.

Ryokan and onsen often go hand in hand. Many traditional inns have on-site hot spring baths, allowing you to enjoy both incredible meals and a deeply relaxing soak. However, don’t assume that every ryokan has an onsen or will automatically include meals, so always double-check before you book.

What’s the difference between an onsen and a sento?

An onsen is a hot spring, while a sento is a public bathhouse.

Will I be allowed to go to an onsen with tattoos?

Most public onsen won’t allow you to enter if you have tattoos (that’s right, you yakuza!). If you have a small tattoo, you might be able to get away with covering it with a tattoo sticker, but definitely not with that geisha girl sleeve.

You can always inquire with the hotel directly, but I would recommend booking a private onsen if you have a lot of tattoos.

Are Ryokans more expensive than Hotels?

Yes, they are. There’s no sugar coating that! However, remember that you’re paying for upscale Japanese hospitality, and most of the time your stay includes two meals. I personally think the food balances the cost and makes it well worth the value.

How many days should I stay in a ryokan?

I personally believe that the ideal amount of time to stay in a ryokan is 1-2 days.

One day feels a little short, but you’ll still be able to enjoy an amazing dinner and breakfast and a peaceful rest for the night.

Two days is perfect if you want to explore the nearby area while also enjoying all the hotel’s amenities.

Remember that you don't have to stay in a ryokan the whole time you're in Tokyo. If you're staying in Tokyo for 4-5 days (which is what I recommend in a 10 day trip to Japan), then you could spend 1-2 days in a ryokan then the rest in a more budget hotel.

Conclusion

Options are limited, but those are the best ryokan in Tokyo with a private onsen! I have to say, some of them are straight-up tatami heaven, they’re just gorgeous.

If you enjoyed reading this post, you might want to look at my other posts for ryokan with private onsen in Kyoto, Atami, and Hakodate.

Audrey in a ryokan wearing a blue and white yukata and sitting next to a traditional Japanese breakfast set up.

I also have a separate post on the best areas to stay in Tokyo that aren’t specific to private onsen, if you want to take a look. Or, if you're celebrating something romantic, here are the best romantic hotels in Shibuya.

Let me know where you end up staying, and if you liked it (or hated it)! If you ever need help, holla at me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com as always 🙂 Happy traveling!

Related Posts

The Best Area To Stay In Tokyo For First Time Visitors: Ultimate Guide

How Many Days In Tokyo? Your Complete Guide

The Most Complete 6 Day Tokyo Itinerary For First-Timers

3 comments

Comments are closed.