The Best Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Onsen: By Budget and Area (2026)

Last Updated on January 9, 2026 by Audrey

Looking for the best ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen? Here are the winners.

Planning a trip to Kyoto, and have a dream of ending your day soaking in a steaming onsen while enjoying a calming garden view?

If you’re following the Golden Route, Kyoto is hands down your best bet for an incredible ryokan stay compared to Tokyo or Osaka. The ryokan here are definitely on the luxurious side, but totally worth the splurge for how beautiful and accessible they are.

After traveling to Kyoto more times that I can count and staying at a ryokan in central Kyoto myself, I know how hard it can be to choose one. Kyoto is such a large city, and its attractions are pretty spread out, which makes deciding where to stay even trickier.

This list of ryokan in Kyoto with private onsen is organized first by location, since Kyoto is such an expansive city, and then by budget. All these places have a private onsen, ranging from incredibly luxurious stays to vacation home rentals with Japanese rotenburo (open-air hot tubs), as well as some budget finds.

Let’s find the perfect ryokan for you!

Short on time? Here's my top choice!

Map of ryokan in Kyoto with private onsen

The Best Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Onsen

Best Ryokan in Central Kyoto (Near Kyoto Station)

• 📍 Landmarks: Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, To-ji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace

Let’s start with ryokan in Central Kyoto, which is undeniably the best area to stay for first timers. You’ll be near Kyoto Station, making it easy to travel anywhere, such as Osaka, Nara, and Arashiyama without much hassle. 

Of course, with that level of convenience, these ryokan tend to be on the pricier side. But you might be surprised to find that there are actually some great budget options around here too!

Pros

• Convenient location in Kyoto’s center
• Great for first-time visitors
• Variety of hotel options
• Easy airport access
• Many shops and restaurants

Cons

• Higher price tag
• Can feel busy and modern
• Fewer scenic views
• Not walkable to famous temples (Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera)
• Onsen not typically hot spring water

1. Luxury - Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo ($$$$)

How can I even describe Nazuna? One thing for sure is that these are not your typical ryokan stays. The Nazuna brand has converted traditional Japanese homes into luxurious lodgings, so if you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a classic Japanese home without missing out on incredible hospitality or beautiful meals, this is the perfect place for you.

Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo was featured in the 2020 Michelin Guide as one of the best places to stay in the city, and for good reason. You can expect top-tier service, stunning rooms, and plush amenities.

There are only five suites, making each stay feel intimate and exclusive. Each suite feels like your own peaceful retreat, where you can unwind in your open-air bath surrounded by the scent of cedar and the sound of a bamboo fountain.

While the baths aren’t hot spring-fed, the rotenburo tubs are still a dream for soaking away a long day of sightseeing. Meals are served irori-style, cooked over a charcoal fireplace with local meats and vegetables. Irori-style cooking is hard to find, and the first time I tried it in Hakone I thought it was delicious and really special!

The property also offers walking tours through Kyoto in traditional kimono and in-room massages for an extra touch of luxury. If you’re looking for one of the most unique and indulgent places to stay in Kyoto, Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is worth it.

2. Luxury - Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. ($$$$)

Nazuna Tsubaki Street is another amazing luxury ryokan option located in Central Kyoto. I have to say: Nazuna really knows what they are doing with transforming 100-year-old buildings into stays that feel both traditional and beautifully modern.

Just like Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo, this ryokan combines history and design beautifully, but Tsubaki Street has more rooms, which makes it a little easier to book.

There are 23 rooms here, all themed around five natural elements: mizu (water), iwa (stone), hana (flower), take (bamboo), and ha (leaf). The rooms have a modern and contemporary design blended with a natural aesthetic.

Each room features a semi open-air bath, so you can relax and unwind in privacy after exploring Kyoto. The ryokan feels a little more Western too, offering both Japanese and Western breakfast options if you prefer something familiar in the morning.

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki Street also offers kimono rentals and in-room massages, adding an extra touch of luxury to your stay. Overall, it is a beautiful and unique ryokan that blends Kyoto’s tradition with modern comfort. If you can afford it, it is absolutely worth it.

3. Luxury - Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei ($$$$)

If you head a bit east, you’ll find yourself at Sora Niwa, an incredible five-star ryokan that’s close to both Central Kyoto and Gion, giving you the best of both worlds.

You’ll be right next to the Kamo River, within walking distance of the Gion district, Pontocho Alley, and Nishiki Market. It’s the perfect location if you want to explore Kyoto’s most charming neighborhoods without sacrificing comfort.

All the rooms here feature large rotenburo baths that are either open-air or semi open-air, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Each room also comes with Western-style beds, blending modern comfort with a traditional ryokan experience.

The property itself is beautiful, with a rooftop terrace and bar that overlook the Kamo River and the historic districts of Kyoto. The public onsen also offers incredible views of Higashiyama and features natural hot spring water sourced from the ryokan’s own spring.

When booking, make sure to select Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei, as the regular Sora Niwa Hotel is a separate four-star property and does not have private onsen.

4. Mid-Range - Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho ($$-$$$)

I really, really wanted to stay at Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho the last time I went to Kyoto, but they were booked up during my trip. (I ended up staying at Saka Hotel instead, which was amazing!) However, I recommended it to my friend and she LOVED her stay here. 

This ryokan is perfect if you’re used to staying in hotels and aren’t quite sure if sleeping on tatami mats is for you. It’s the ideal mix of a modern hotel with comfortable beds, while still offering traditional touches like Japanese-style meals and design.

The rooms feel like regular hotel rooms, but the highlight here is the five kashikiri onsen, or private baths that you can rent for free. Each one has a different design, so you can try several styles of hot baths during your stay. They also have public open-air baths, barrel baths, sleeping baths, and even saunas, so there’s a lot to enjoy if you love relaxing in the onsen.

Dinner is a traditional kaiseki-style meal, and breakfast is served buffet-style with plenty of options. The property is just a two-minute walk from the nearest station, so it’s incredibly convenient.

Honestly, I wish I could have stayed here at least once. It’s a beautiful, high-end ryokan that still feels affordable and approachable, and I think you’d really love it too.

5. Budget - Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei ($$)

If you want to experience a ryokan in a budget-conscious way, Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei offers an authentic traditional Japanese stay for a decent price. 

Each room offers a cypress wood bath to soak in while enjoying the natural fragrance. The interiors are Japanese, with tatami floors and old-style sliding doors, but all rooms feature Western beds, so you can have the best of both worlds!

They also offer a Japanese breakfast set for a very affordable price at 1,800 yen ($12 USD).

Overall, this ryokan is able to give you a pretty traditional ryokan experience for a reduced price because they don’t offer dinner. I personally think that a large part of staying in a ryokan is getting to experience a delicious kaiseki course meal that is carefully crafted, so if you can afford the splurge then I would go for a ryokan that includes dinner.

But hey, it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of incredible Japanese restaurants nearby that you can eat at instead!

6. Budget - Matsubaya Ryokan ($$)

Matsubaya Ryokan is a budget ryokan with easy access to Kyoto’s attractions and restaurants. If you want to experience staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan in the purest sense, Matsubaya offers futon beds and tatami floors, with a yukata to enhance your experience. There is one room with western beds, but the majority of guest rooms use futon bedding. 

While there are no in-room onsen, there is a private bath available to rent with a scenic garden view, plus yuzu citron and rock salts to enjoy additional medicinal and detoxifying benefits.

They provide breakfast for an additional fee of 1,000-1,300 JPY per person, and dinner is not provided. As I mentioned, experiencing a course kaiseki meal is ideal, but you can find some great restaurants that serve kaiseki haute cuisine pretty easily. So if you’re looking for a traditional ryokan stay for an affordable price, here it is! 

7 Budget - Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei ($)

This is the most affordable ryokan in central Kyoto that I could find, and it surprisingly has breakfast and dinner options, although it is not a kaiseki dinner.

The rooms here are Japanese style with western bed options, in case you don’t want to sleep on a futon. While there are no in-room onsen, you can reserve the private rental indoor onsen for 500 yen. It seems to be made of wood and ceramic, and there is a small dry garden view.

The ryokan provides fresh breakfast every morning, and you can choose to add on a bento dinner. They also have some fun activities like tea ceremonies, sake tasting, calligraphy workshops, kimono rentals, and flower arranging available for an additional fee. 

Overall, this is a great budget find. The only downside is that it is not centrally located and is a 7-10 min walk to the train station. 

Best Ryokan with Private onsen in East Kyoto (Higashiyama)

• 📍 Landmarks: Kiyomizu-dera, Maruyama Park, Gion? Yasaka Shrine

Let’s move on to ryokan in Higashiyama, one of the most picturesque areas to stay in Kyoto and one of my personal favorite places. You’ll be surrounded by traditional streets, temples, and tea houses, with famous spots like Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Pagoda, and Gion just a short walk away.

While it’s not as convenient for day trips as Central Kyoto, you’ll be staying right in the heart of old Kyoto, where geishas will pass you by as you explore the nostalgic streets. Ryokan here often come with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere, making them perfect if you want to experience Kyoto’s more traditional side.

Pros

• Traditional, historic atmosphere
• Close to major temples like Kiyomizu-dera
• Peaceful and scenic streets
• Authentic ryokan experiences

Cons

• Far from Kyoto Station (15 min)
• Crowded during the day
• Not much nightlife
• Some steep hills

8. Luxury - Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto ($$$$)

Newly built in 2024, Banyan Tree is an extremely luxurious 5-star hotel nestled on a hill beside the famous Kiyomizu-dear Temple. 

There are 52 luxurious rooms, featuring contemporary Japanese decor, modern amenities, and stunning views of Kyoto down below.

There are some standout features that no other accommodations in Kyoto have: a Bamboo Pavilion, an authentic Noh stage featuring Classical Japanese performances, and natural hot springs.

Overall, Banyan Tree is undeniably gorgeous. But if I’m being honest with you, it looks very similar to Saka Hotel Kyoto (#10 on the list) that I stayed at previously for a fraction of the price. However, you are paying a premium for amazing meals, culturally significant shows, and a terrific view.

I also couldn’t find any info on whether they provide free transportation since they’re quite far away from the train station… but they probably do since they’re a 5 star hotel, I’m assuming. 

Overall, if money is no object and you want the best of the best, Banyan Tree is the most extravagant place out there!

9. Luxury - Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo ($$$)

Yachiyo is a stunning traditional ryokan that is only a 3 minute walk to Nanzenji Temple and a 10 minute walk to Philosopher’s Path, an extremely beautiful stroll during cherry blossom season (and where I took my kimono photos!)

The standout feature of this ryokan has got to be their beautiful Japanese gardens, that look like they’re straight out of a movie with their vibrant red and orange foliage in the autumn. 

While they do have public onsen, in order to enjoy a private onsen you need to book a suite. All their suites have a Hinoki (Japanese cypress wood) soaking tub paired with an astonishing view and plush Western beds.

You can eat at their in-house restaurant, Washoku, which serves an elegant 12-13 course kaiseki meal or a delicious sukiyaki beef dinner. 

Overall I think this ryokan is great for families (they offer child discounts!), couples, or any visitors arriving in autumn! 

10. Mid-range - Saka Hotel Kyoto ($$$)

I personally stayed in Saka Hotel Kyoto, and my god, this place is soooo amazing. I loved it here. It’s luxurious, traditional yet features modern comforts, and the food was incredibly delicious. 

It’s located just around the corner from Kiyomizu-dera, my favorite temple in Kyoto. I’m talking like a 2 minute walk. 

It’s a perfect middle ground between traditional Japanese ryokan, with outstanding hospitality and decadent kaiseki meals, but also features super comfortable large beds and beautifully designed rooms. 

Every room features a hinoki cypress bath, plus a bottle of sake to pour in to make your skin super smooth! They give you a new bottle every day too. It’s the Japanese secret to soft skin. We also enjoyed their private rental bath, which was huge, and featured seasonal scents and tons of great amenities like hot tea, iced lemon water, a Dyson dryer… I felt so spoiled. 

There’s a lot more, but I don’t want to go on a tangent. I mean, I kind of did already, but whatever. If you want to know why I love Saka Hotel so much, I have a full in-depth review on Saka Hotel here.

Best Ryokan with Private Onsen in Arashiyama

• 📍 Landmarks: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Monkey Park, Tenryu-ji

Let’s talk about ryokan in Arashiyama, one of the most scenic areas to stay in Kyoto. You’ll be surrounded by lush mountains, bamboo groves, and riverside views, making it the perfect spot if you want a peaceful escape not too far from the city.

It's approximately 20 minutes from central Kyoto so getting to other neighborhoods takes more time, but the trade-off is worth it for the tranquility and scenery. Ryokan here tend to be quite luxurious, with beautiful open-air baths and traditional kaiseki meals, though you can still find a few mid-range options tucked along the river.

Pros

• Peaceful and scenic atmosphere
• Surrounded by nature and mountains
• Famous landmarks like Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park
• Beautiful riverside ryokan views
• Natural onsen source

Cons

• Farther from central Kyoto
• Limited nightlife and restaurants
• Crowded during daytime hours
• Fewer transportation options available
• Ryokan are pricier

11. Luxury - Suiran (5S) ($$$$)

Suiran Kyoto is a stunning 5-star property nestled along the serene Hozu River in the picturesque Arashiyama hills. It perfectly balances the calm of a traditional retreat with the comfort and sophistication of modern living.

The hotel has 39 guest rooms, 17 of which include a private onsen offering beautiful forest or mountain views. Each room combines a contemporary design with elegant Japanese details, and the result is enough to make you catch your breath.

You can dine at any of their three exquisite restaurants featuring French–washoku fusion cuisine, teppanyaki, or relax at the riverside café with a cup of hisui-mochi while taking in the jade-green waters of the Hozu River. And if you want some extra privacy, you can opt for in-room dining!

From its breathtaking setting to its thoughtful amenities, Suiran provides plenty to enjoy. Treat yourself to a jade stone facial, stroll through the private takinoyuka garden, or visit Tenryu-Ji Temple and Arashiyama Monkey Park that are practically at your doorstep.

12. Luxury - Ryotei Rangetsu Ryokan (4S) ($$$$)

Ryotei Rangetsu embodies everything you’d expect from a classic Japanese ryokan: a serene riverside setting and a tranquil garden ideal for quiet evening walks. But there’s one modern twist.

The inn has recently refreshed its interiors, and the new luxury suites are just Chef’s *kiss*, adding an elevated touch of elegance to the peaceful ambiance.

Every room includes a beautiful bath, though standard rooms feature hinoki cypress wood, while the luxury suites come with newly renovated open-air private onsens for the ultimate experience.

In short, Ryotei Rangetsu is an excellent choice for those seeking an upscale ryokan stay in an unbeatable location near Arashiyama’s most famous sights.

13 Mid-Range - Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho (3S) ($$$)

Though Kadensho only has 9 spacious rooms, that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most highly booked ryokan in Arashiyama! Combining Western-style beds and traditional Japanese design, this ryokan beautifully blends comfort, culture, and exceptional hospitality.

Guests can unwind in both indoor and open-air public baths or choose from five unique private onsens, including stone, cypress, brick, and the standout white stone bath, which is my personal favorite. 

The on-site restaurant offers private dining rooms where guests can enjoy an amazing kaiseki meal with all-you-can-eat tempura.

Kadensho captures the essence of a classic ryokan while offering the modern conveniences travelers love. It’s an ideal choice for first-time visitors to Arashiyama who want the full ryokan experience without giving up comforts like private bathing, buffet-style dining, and Western bedding.

👉 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. 

Ryokan in Ogoto Onsen (Lake Biwa/Otsu)

• 📍 Landmarks: Lake Biwa, Mount Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, Miidera Temple, Shirahige-jinja Shrine

If you don’t see any ryokan that fit your budget or preferences, you might want to consider staying in Otsu, a big onsen resort area just slightly north of Kyoto. I stayed here once before when I couldn’t find any ryokan I liked in Kyoto and found it to be a peaceful, quiet town ideal for a one night retreat. 

Most baths around central Kyoto are not authentic hot spring water as there’s no onsen source right in the city. In Otsu, you’ll get a traditional onsen experience with real hot spring water, and it’s more affordable than ryokan in Arashiyama. It’s only 10 mins from Kyoto by car and 20 min by train to Kyoto Station, so it’s pretty easy to get to. 

On the other hand, it’s strictly a place to unwind and relax, so you won’t find much to do around here other than visiting Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Although, Shirahige-jinja Shrine floats on the lake and is quite pretty.

My Experience in Ogoto Onsen

I stayed in Yuzanso, which I thought was decent overall, but it didn’t impress me because they were very traditional. By that I mean that there was no indoor shower and you had to wash yourself outside. The food was pretty good, but overall that ryokan didn't blow me away. 

For that reason, I’ll recommend a few ryokan/onsen hotels in Otsu that I wish I had picked instead in hopes you have a better experience than me!

Pros

• More affordable options for traditional ryokan
• Easily accessible to Kyoto Station
• Uses authentic hot spring water

Cons

• Far from central Kyoto
• Not many attractions to visit
• Only 30 mins from Kyoto Station

14. Mid-Range - Yumotokan ($$$)

When I imagine an authentic ryokan, Yumotokan is exactly what I envision: a perfect traditional experience that doesn’t take away from contemporary comforts. This ryokan is a beautiful traditional stay with modern amenities and plenty of relaxing touches, such as in-room dining, delicious food, and rooms with terrific views.

For dinner, they serve Omi wagyu beef, one of the top three wagyu brands in Japan. There’s a public rooftop onsen with amazing city views, and for private onsen, you can either reserve one of the two open-air baths made of cypress wood and stone, complemented by natural stone walls to create a warm, calming atmosphere, or book one of their 17 rooms with an in-room open-air bath overlooking Otsu City.

The property has two wings: Gesshin and Hanare Karoi. The Japanese-style rooms in Gesshin feature in-room onsen with hinoki wood and beautiful views of Lake Biwa, while all guest rooms in Hanare Karoi are equipped with open-air baths and stunning city views.

I personally think Hanare Karoi feels more modern and luxurious, combining contemporary facilities with traditional beauty to create a relaxing atmosphere.

15. Mid-range - Biwako Ryokusuitei ($$)

I almost chose to stay in Biwako Ryokusuitei... and wish I did. The rooms are updated, spacious, and modern, and you can choose between Japanese futon bedding or Western beds. From your private in-room onsen, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Biwa right outside your window.

They also have a spacious open air onsen with a Scandinavian barrel sauna close by. Dinner is a lavish feast showcasing snow crab, duck hotpot, and Omi wagyu beef. It's a perfect opportunity to taste Otsu's local flavors!

If you’re looking for an authentic ryokan experience that still offers modern comfort, Biwako Ryokusuitei strikes the ideal balance with its serene views, incredible meals, and peaceful setting.

Secluded Ryokans Near Kyoto with Private Onsen Surrounded by Nature

16. Seryo (Ohara) ($$$$)

• 📍 Landmarks: Sanzen-in Temple, Jikko-in Temple, Shorin-in Temple, Hosen-in Temple

If you’re a foodie and don’t mind making a trip out from Kyoto, you’ll love staying at Seryo, which has been recognized by the Michelin Red Guide seven times!

Situated in the peaceful town of Ohara, about an hour from Kyoto Station, Seryo showcases the tranquil, natural side of Kyoto surrounded by mountain landscapes and lush greenery. There are 10 guest rooms, each offering an incredible view of a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden.

To reserve an in-room private onsen, you’ll want to book the Kaede no Ma (Maple) room or the Sakura no Ma (Blossom) room. Both feature a stunning open-air bath surrounded by your own private garden. The Sakura room has two twin beds and can accommodate up to five people, while the Kaede no Ma fits up to three guests with futon bedding.

While it’s a little farther from central Kyoto, it’s absolutely worth the trip for the beautiful scenery and the exquisite culinary experience. Dinner features the Kusanaaji Kaiseki course, highlighting seasonal ingredients such as Kyoto vegetables, herbs from the ryokan’s own garden, and wild plants. The cuisine is complemented by carefully selected local Kyoto sake.

17. Momijiya Annex (Fushimi Ward) ($$$)

Momijiya is a traditional ryokan with over a century of history, ideal for those looking for a peaceful escape far from the rest of the world. 

Nestled in northern Arashiyama with over a century of history, this ryokan is tucked away in the forest, its location softly illuminated by the warm glow of paper lanterns lining the Kiyotakigawa River. The quiet seclusion offers a refreshing break from the crowds and a true connection to nature. 

Momijiya consists of two buildings: the main Honkan and the annex Bekkan. Both offer beautiful views of the surrounding scenery, but differ in their private onsen options. I prefer the annex because they allow in-room dining and rooms come with private onsen, while the main building offers a rentable private bath.

Also, if you stay in the summer, you can dine on the kawadoko, a scenic open-air deck overlooking the river! Overall, Momijiya is a stunning choice for stunning forest views and a peaceful rest from the usual Kyoto crowds.

Tips for booking a Ryokan in Japan

Book early or cry later

Most ryokans open their reservations about three to six months in advance, and the popular ones tend to fill up fast. I usually use Booking and Agoda since they often include free cancellation, which makes it easy to secure a room early and adjust later if needed.

Confirm Meals in Advance

If you plan to have breakfast or dinner included, it’s best to reach out directly to the property after making your reservation. Sometimes, meal selections don’t transfer correctly through international booking sites, so I always send a short email just to confirm.

Don’t cram your itinerary

A ryokan stay is meant to be slow and peaceful. If your itinerary is too packed, you’ll end up missing the thoughtful touches that make the experience special.

Once, I checked into a ryokan in Kyoto  around 3:30 PM but had a tour scheduled for 5 PM. They served us tea and sweets overlooking their beautiful garden, but we had to rush through what was meant to be a calm and welcoming moment. Don’t do what I did!

Everything at a ryokan is arranged carefully from the second you arrive, so it’s worth giving yourself enough time to enjoy it fully.

There’s an Onsen Tax

You’ll notice a small onsen tax added to your bill at check-in, even if you don’t use the baths. This fee is required by law for all accommodations that have hot spring facilities

Japanese bathing and onsen etiquette

Before Entering the Bath

• Wash your body thoroughly before getting into the tub, and make sure all soap is rinsed off. If you have long hair, tie it up so it doesn’t touch the water.
• It’s also common to perform kakeyu — pouring hot water over yourself — to help your body adjust to the temperature. I usually do this a few times since the water tends to feel really hot at first.
• Above all, remember reisetsu, or the spirit of good manners and respect. Always be considerate of others sharing the bath.

General Onsen Bathing Tips

• Take breaks if you start feeling too warm, and drink plenty of water afterward. A quick rinse with cool water at the end helps close your pores.
• Swimsuits aren’t allowed in the bath, and phones or cameras should be left outside since onsen are private, relaxing spaces.

Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Onsen: FAQs

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

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that features tatami flooring, futon bedding, shoji screens, and attentive service. Many include beautifully prepared kaiseki dinners or hotpot meals, along with breakfast.

An onsen, on the other hand, refers to the natural hot spring water itself. These baths are mineral-rich and said to improve circulation, soothe tired muscles, and nourish the skin.

Most ryokans have onsen, but not all of them do, and meals aren’t always included. I always email to confirm meals after booking.

Are Ryokans more expensive than hotels?

Generally, yes. But keep in mind that the price often includes two meals and personalized service. I find that the food alone makes the experience well worth the value.

How many days should I stay in a Ryokan? 

In my opinion, one to two nights is ideal.

A single night still gives you the full experience with dinner and breakfast before checkout, but staying two nights is perfect if you want to enjoy the ryokan’s facilities and explore the surrounding area.

I wouldn’t recommend three nights since most ryokans rotate between one or two dinner menus, and by the third evening, meals can start to repeat.

Conclusion: The Best Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Onsen

Now you know the perfect ryokan to stay in Kyoto! I love staying in places with private onsen. I have tattoos, so I can’t really use public onsen, and getting to experience a soothing hot spring bath really does wonders for your muscles after walking 10,000+ steps every day.

I couldn’t include all of my Arashiyama ryokan on this list, so if you’re thinking about staying in Arashiyama specifically, check this post out! I also recommend looking at my 1 day Arashiyama and 1 day Kyoto itineraries for ideas of what to do on your trip. 

If you love this post, be sure to check out my list of onsen hotels in Tokyo, Hakodate, and Atami too. As always, if you need any help booking your trip, please email me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com! Have fun on your trip!

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