The 7 Best Arashiyama Ryokan In Kyoto, Japan

Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Audrey

Looking to stay at the top Arashiyama ryokan?

While Kyoto doesn’t have many onsen options, you can find a few in Arashiyama, the Ukyo Ward that lies on the outskirts of Kyoto and is home to lush bamboo forests, numerous temples, and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River.

I’ve stayed at multiple ryokan over the last few years of traveling the country, and can’t get enough. It’s an incredible experience unlike anything else in the world, with delicious kaiseki meals, outstanding hospitality, and a steaming onsen to soak your muscles after a full day of traveling.

I’ve been in your shoes, looking for the best ryokan to stay at, so I feel your pain. Just for you, I’ve compiled the top Arashiyama ryokan so you can choose what will suit you best! 

Short on time? Don't miss out on my top picks!

Map of Arashiyama Ryokan

What’s special about Arashiyama onsen

To be honest, what’s special about Arashiyama Onsen isn’t the hot spring qualities, as Arashiyama Onsen’s source is a simple hot spring. Not much to write home about.

What makes Arashiyama stand out is the fact that there are so many things to do in the area. Many onsen towns don’t have anything exciting nearby, so all you can do is relax. Not in Arashiyama!

You’re still in Kyoto, so you don’t have to travel far. Plus, you can explore the Arashiyama Monkey Park, the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji temple, and so much more. Rather than being stuck in the ryokan, it’s an amazing addition that will elevate your trip without being out of the way.

Kaiseki originated in Kyoto

During your ryokan stay, you’ll be served a kaiseki meal, a traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine.

Interestingly, the origins of kaiseki trace back to Kyoto, from the simple meals served during tea ceremonies. Today, it’s evolved into an elaborate dining style that is regarded as an art form, where the natural flavors of the finest seasonal ingredients are brought out and presented in a highly aesthetic manner.

Basically, when you stay in a ryokan in Arashiyama, a.k.a Kyoto, you’re experiencing kaiseki meals from their place of origin. Pretty cool, right?

Arashiyama onsen properties

Arashiyama’s onsen water is a gentle, slightly alkaline hot spring that feels amazing on the skin. The texture is a little thicker than regular water, and it almost feels like soaking in liquid lotion. That's why so many people describe it as especially smooth and nourishing.

It’s known to improve various health conditions, like easing stiff shoulders, sore muscles, joint pain, and helping with fatigue and circulation.

Not only will it heal and relax your muscles that will be aching from days of traveling nonstop, but it’s a wonderful way to experience a huge part of Japanese culture.

What are the best Arashiyama ryokan?

For your convenience, I’ve divided the ryokan in Arashiyama into three categories: traditional, modern, and luxury.

Though, to be honest, you’ll generally find all the ryokan options in Arashiyama to be pretty upscale. These are definitely perfect for a special occasion or one-night stay. 

• Modern Ryokan: Suitable for travelers who prefer modern conveniences, modern ryokan are more universally accessible, and may include hotel features like buffet style or rooftop onsen.
• Traditional Ryokan: A classic experience, with tatami flooring, yukata robes, futon beds, kaiseki meals, and an authentic old-school Japanese atmosphere. 
• Luxury Ryokan: 5-star stay experiences with unbeatable service, incredibly delicious food, and amenities that go above and beyond.

Modern Ryokan

1. Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho (3S) ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.8/10 (8,000 reviews)
• 💎 Best for: Modern ryokan fusion, multiple private onsen
• 🛌 Room Type: Western Beds
• ☀️ Day Use Option: Unknown
• 🖋️ Public onsen tattoo friendly? No
• 🔒 Private onsen available? Rental, in-room open-air 
• Click here to check rates and availability

Featuring 9 spacious rooms with western beds and classic Japanese-style elements, this ryokan is a perfect fusion of high-quality service, modern conveniences, and Japanese culture. 

In addition to an indoor and open-air public onsen, Kadensho has 5 different types of private onsen to enjoy, ranging from a stone bath to cypress, bricks, and my personal favorite, the white stone bath that looks like an absolute dream. 

Their restaurant includes private dining rooms to enjoy an all-you-can-eat kaiseki meal with your companions. 

Overall, Kadensho perfectly encompasses the classic ryokan style with contemporary comforts that we all enjoy. This ryokan is perfect if you want to experience staying in an Arashiyama ryokan for the first time but prefer modern amenities like all-you-can-eat, privacy during bathing, and a regular bed. 

💡 Pro Tip: Their private onsen are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the best time to go is during the first dinner shift. 

Pros:

• Multiple onsen types
• Close to Hankyu Arashiyama Station
• Onsen available 24/7

Cons:

• No onsen reservation system can cause lines during busy hours
• Outdated rooms

2. Ryotei Rangetsu ryokan (4S) ($$$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.6/10 (200 reviews)
• 💎 Best for: Aesthetic modern luxury, River Views
• 🛌 Room Type: Western/Japanese
• ☀️ Day Use Option: Unknown
• 🖋️ Public onsen tattoo friendly: Unknown
• 🔒 Private onsen available? In-room open-air onsen
• Click here to check rates and availability

Ryotei Rangetsu is exactly what you would imagine from a traditional Japanese inn, with a peaceful location right on the riverbank paired with a calming garden perfect for evening strolls. Except for just one thing.

This ryokan has recently updated its furnishings, and new luxury suites look incredible, elevating the tranquil atmosphere to a higher standard.

While all their rooms come with beautiful baths, there’s an important distinction to note. Standard rooms come with a fragrant hinoki cypress bath, but if you want a room with their newly renovated private open-air onsen, make sure to choose their luxury suite option.

Additionally, all rooms have specialty Simmons mattresses to ensure the most restful sleep ever.

Overall, Ryotei Rangetsu is perfect for travelers looking to stay in an upscale ryokan in a prime location next to Arashiyama’s landmarks. 

Pros: 

• Close to Arashiyama's main attractions
• Beautiful river and garden views
• Luxury suites
• All rooms have a bath
• Specialty beds

Cons:

• High price tag

3. Hanaikada (3S) ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.0/10 (280 Reviews)
• 💎 Best for: Togetsukyo Bridge views, every type of onsen 
• 🛌 Room Type:  Japanese, with Limited Western rooms 
• 🖋️ Public onsen tattoo friendly? Unknown 
• 🔒 Private onsen available? Private in-room open-air onsen, rental 
  • Rental fee: 1,500 yen/40 mins
• Click here to check rates and availability

Located about a 15-minute walk from some of Arashiyama’s most popular landmarks, including Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Bamboo Forest, Hanaikada offers a classic Japanese experience with fragrant tatami mats, delicious meals, and numerous onsen options. 

This is a wonderful place to experience every type of onsen. You can choose from staying in a guest room that features a private open-air onsen made of stone, soaking in their public open-air bath, or even booking their private rental bath with a stunning view of Togetsukyo bridge.

All of these onsen are beautifully made and use hot spring water sourced directly from Arashiyama onsen. 

While the rooms are smaller than those at other ryokan, Hanaikada makes up for it with its soothing baths and outstanding cuisine.

Another standout feature I noticed is that every meal is served, including lunch! You can start with a traditional Japanese breakfast, try Arashiyama’s specialty yudofu tofu for lunch, and finish with either a kaiseki dinner or a comforting nabe hot pot.

Pros:

• Private rental bath with incredible views
• Incredible service
• Lunch available (all meals)

Cons:

• Outdated, smaller rooms

Traditional Ryokan

4. Momijiya Annex (3S) ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.0/10 (1,700 reviews)
• 💎 Best for:  Quiet Getaways in Nature, River Views
• 🛌 Room Type: Japanese, Limited Western Rooms 
• ☀️ Day Use Option: No
• 🖋️ Public onsen tattoo friendly? No
• 🔒 Private onsen available? 2 Rentals, in-room open-air onsen 
• Click here to check rates and availability

While most of the ryokan listed here are situated along the Katsura River, Momijiya is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat away from the rest of the world.

Located in north Arashiyama with over 100 years of history, Momijiya is hidden in the forest, with only the warm glow of beautiful paper lanterns along the Kiyotakigawa river revealing the location of the sanctuary.

This perfect seclusion gets you away from the tourist crowds and is a breath of fresh air in nature. During the summer months, you can enjoy your meals on the kawadoko, the outdoor deck with a beautiful river view. 

Momojiya has two different buildings you can stay in: the main building (Honkan) and the annex (Bekkan).

While both have stunning views of the surrounding nature, I personally prefer the annex because they have in-room dining and in-room private onsen. The main building has a private onsen you can rent.

Pros:

• Peaceful nature escape
• Beautiful river views
• In-room dining

Cons:

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not conveniently located, 50 mins from Kyoto Station

💡 Pro tip: Since this ryokan is a bit out of the way, I recommend taking the free shuttle bus from Tenji-gawa or Hanazono Station.

5. Togetsutei (3S) ($$$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.7/10 (1,300 Reviews)
• 💎 Best for: Nature lovers, prime location next to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• 🛌 Room Type: Western/Japanese
• ☀️ Day Use Option: Unknown
• 🖋️ Public onsen tattoo friendly? No
• 🔒 Private onsen available? In-room onsen, Rental
  • 4,400 yen for 45 mins / 8,800 yen for 105 mins
• Click here to check rates and availability

Togetsutei is the oldest ryokan in Arashiyama, dating back to 1897! 

This ryokan has a prime location right next to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and next to Arashiyama’s highlights like the Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park, just a 5-minute walk away. Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is close by as well.

The rooms are classic Japanese-style, and there are two buildings where you can stay in: Shuzankaku, which houses the public and rental onsen, and the Hekisenkaku Annex, linked by an underground passage so you never have to step outside to move between them.

Some of the rooms feature their own private indoor or open air onsen for a romantic, intimate experience. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a conveniently located ryokan that promises the timeless spirit of old Kyoto through warm hospitality and refined kaiseki cuisine, Togetsutei is the right choice. 

Pros:

• Historical value
• Next to Arashiyama landmarks
• English-speaking staff

Cons: 

• Public/rental onsen have no views

Luxury Arashiyama Ryokan

6. Suiran (5S) ($$$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.9/10 (400 Reviews) 
• 💎 Best for: High-end luxury, modern living
• 🛌 Room Type: Western/Japanese
• ☀️ Day Use Option: No
• 🖋️ Public onsen tattoo friendly? N/A
• 🔒 Private onsen available? In-room open air onsen, rental
• Click here to check rates and availability

Suiran in Kyoto is an absolutely gorgeous 5-star hotel set along the peaceful Hozu River in the scenic Arashiyama hills. It’s a harmonious blend of a relaxing haven that also features the modern conveniences of a vibrant city. 

The property offers 39 rooms, with 17 featuring your own private onsen with stunning forest or mountain views. The rooms are very modern, inspired by traditional Japanese touches and culture.

For dinner, choose from 3 stunning restaurants. There’s French washoku fusion, teppanyaki, or you can enjoy a cup of hisui-mochi at their cafe overlooking the jade-green Hozu River in between meals. In-room dining is also available for a more private experience.

Overall, not only is the hotel jaw-droppingly breathtaking, but there’s so much you can do during your stay. Get a special jade stone facial treatment, walk along their private takinoyuka garden, or explore the nearby Tenryu-Ji Temple or Arashiyama Monkey Park. 

Pros:

• Beautiful river views
• Modern spacious rooms
• Multiple restaurant options
• In-room dining
• Location next to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Cons:

• High price tag

7. Arashiyama Benkei (4S) ($$$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.2/10 (400 reviews)
• 💎 Best for: All guests
• 🛌 Room Type: Western/Japanese
• ☀️ Day Use Option: No
• 🖋️ Public onsen tattoo friendly? N/A
• 🔒 Private onsen available? In-room open air onsen, 5 rentals
• Click here to check rates and availability

With spacious guest rooms, delicately prepared kaiseki meals served in your room by a personal attendant, and private onsen baths set in the picture-perfect backdrop of Arashiyama, Benkei has everything you would ever want from a ryokan. 

However, even though I’m gassing it up right now, Arashiyama Benkei has been closed for renovations since November 2024, and I’m not sure when it will reopen.

For that reason, I won’t say too much, but keep it on your radar for when they do reopen, because this high-quality ryokan is undeniably beautiful, and comes with 5 private rental onsen and private in-room onsen. 

Tips for booking a Ryokan in Japan

Book early or cry later

Ryokans typically open reservations 3–6 months ahead, and the best ones sell out quickly. I love using Booking and Agoda because they often include free cancellation, so you can book a room and always cancel later if you need to. 

Confirm Meals in Advance

If you’d like breakfast or dinner included, it’s a good idea to double-check directly with the property after reserving. Occasionally, meal requests don’t sync properly when booking through international sites, so I usually follow up with a quick email.

Don’t cram your itinerary

Ryokans are meant to be a slow, relaxing experience, and if you pack your schedule too tightly, you won’t get to enjoy the small details that make it special.

For example, I once scheduled a tour for 5 PM and checked into a ryokan in Kyoto at 3:30 PM. The ryokan provided us with tea and snacks with a view of their scenic garden, but we had to rush through what was designed to be a tranquil check-in experience.

Everything is carefully arranged for you from the moment you arrive, so give yourself time to enjoy it!

There’s an Onsen Tax

Note that a small onsen tax is added to your bill at check-in, whether you use the onsen or not. This fee is required by law for all accommodations with hot spring facilities.

Japanese bathing and onsen etiquette

Before Entering the Bath

• Wash your body thoroughly before stepping into the tub, and make sure to rinse off all soap completely. Tie up long hair so it doesn’t touch the water. 
• Perform kakeyu—pouring hot water over yourself—to help your body adjust to the temperature. I usually have to do this a few times since the water always feels super hot.
• It’s also part of Japanese bathing culture to observe reisetsu, the spirit of manners and respect for others. This means being mindful of those around you.

General Onsen Bathing Tips

• Take breaks and step out if you feel overheated, and always rehydrate with water afterwards. A final rinse with cool water can also help close your pores.
• Swimwear isn’t allowed in the bath!
• Don’t bring your phone or camera inside, since it’s a private space.

Arashiyama Ryokan FAQs

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

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn known for having tatami floors, futon bedding, shoji screens, and attentive service. Stays often include kaiseki dinners or hotpot-style meals along with breakfast.

An onsen, on the other hand, refers to the natural hot spring water. These geothermal baths are rich in minerals believed to aid circulation, relax sore muscles, and improve skin health.

Most ryokans feature onsen, but not all of them! And keep in mind that meals aren’t always included in the booking price, so I always email them to confirm after reserving.

Which Arashiyama Ryokan have a Private Onsen?

All of the ryokan I listed are Kyoto ryokan with private onsen! They are either in-room onsen directly connected to your room or a rental private onsen that you will share with other ryokan guests.

If you want an in-room private onsen, make sure you select the correct room upon booking.

Are Ryokans more expensive than hotels?

Yes, they are. 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 have an amazing stay! You’ll still enjoy dinner and breakfast before checking out.

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

I don’t recommend three days because ryokan usually only have 1-2 dinner selections, so on day 3, you’ll start to get repeated meals.

Conclusion: The Best Ryokan in Arashiyama

Now, while the ryokan in Arashiyama are definitely pricier, you can’t beat the prime location along the Katsura River and the fact that you’ll be next to famous landmarks such as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park, and many famous temples.

These ryokan are only a portion of the incredible ryokan stays that you can find in Kyoto. For an ultimate list of the best ryokan in Kyoto, click here.

However, if you’re set on Arashiyama because you want to explore the area, I don’t blame you! You can check out my Arashiyama itinerary for ideas on how to plan your trip. If you have any questions, drop a comment or email me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com! Happy travels!

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