Private onsens really do make a difference in your traditional Japanese experience, don’t they? The feeling of the hot water as you slowly dip your body is definitely a relaxing comfort that calms you down. Some of you may be a bit shy to share onsen baths with stranger so you will definite appreciate this post on the best ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen.
We have scouted for the best ones in Japan’s former capital, may it be the most luxurious to midrange and budget-friendly option. Our wide selection of onsen ryokans doesn’t only boast the most peaceful private baths. Instead, they also exude the genuine Japanese warmth and friendliness you won’t find elsewhere.
Continue reading to find out.
1. Tabitabi Stay Moonlight
We start with one of the most affordable yet topnotch ryokans with private onsen in Kyoto. Tabitabi Stay Moonlight is perfect for all travelers – from solo backpackers to large families. The largest room can fit up to five people! Tabitabi Stay Moonlight does not come with breakfast options, but you’ll never run out of restaurants, convenience stores, and cafes nearby.
This budget-friendly ryokan is close to the Nijo Castle and the Nijo Train station. It has a Japanese garden and tatami floors, and we highly encourage you to walk barefoot for that complete Japanese vibe.
The private onsen is a hot water bath. It features an open-air view surrounded by elegant wooden panels.
Book It Here: Tabitabi Stay Moonlight
2. Ryokan Seryo
If you don’t mind spending a hefty price for a memorable ryokan experience, Seryo is our top choice. It’s a countryside accommodation so the area is more secluded and less crowded. Ryokan Seryo is in Ohara, a small mountainside rural town. It usually takes an hour from the train station to reach this region.
Couples will love it here – a relaxing and romantic getaway away from Kyoto’s touristy destinations. What’s excellent about this ryokan is you can choose from four onsens. Two are public, while you can book the other two for your privacy and intimacy.
The most commendable guestrooms are the Kaede no ma and the Sakura no ma, which have private onsens with balcony views. From here, you can witness the beautiful mountains. Catch the most breathtaking views if you visit in winter.
Book It Here: Ryokan Seryo
3. Kyonoyado Gekkoan
Another luxurious ryokan with private onsen is Kyonoyado Gekkoan, featuring Japanese kaiseki meals for breakfast and dinner. You can feel Kyoto’s historical vibe with this ryokan, featuring shoji sliding screens on main doors and tatami mats.
Kyonoyado Gekkoan has two main luxury suites, each with a private onsen. The rooms also have small terraces with Japanese plants and blossoming flowers. The onsen has a semi-open-air hot tub basin made from the famous Japanese Shigaraki pottery.
One thing to note about Kyonoyado Gekkoan is it’s within a residential area. It’s still pretty accessible because you can head to a bunch of nearby cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores. However, you can feel the more historical and traditional Kyoto vibe if you’re staying at the Higashiyama area.
Book It Here Kyonoyado Gekkoan
4. Kyoto Machiya Fukune
Next on the list is a quiet yet mesmerizing ryokan between the Nijo Castle and the Nishiki Market. Combining modern architecture and traditional design, Kyoto Machiya Fukune is a luxurious yet minimalist Japanese guesthouse with a private onsen.
You can feel the traditional Japanese vibes in this ryokan. Explore the historical musical instruments and wooden furniture pieces that speak highly of their culture. Additionally, the lights look modern and grand.
For the most comfortable experience, all rooms have private open-air onsens. You don’t need to reserve in advance because each guest gets to experience the relaxing hot water bath.
Book It Here: Kyoto Machiya Fukune
5. Suiran
Suiran rests on the Katsura River banks in Kameyama Park. It’s a traditional ryokan and hotel combined, giving you that sophisticated stay you deserve on your vacation. Moreover, we love how this guesthouse is surrounded by trees, highlighting the comforting and relaxing vibe.
Rooms are diverse; choose from traditional Japanese suites or Western-style rooms. All guestrooms come with a balcony boasting mountain or river views. We suggest reserving a room in advance because only 17 of the 39 rooms have private onsen or hot spring baths. For those without one, you can try out the private spa room in this ryokan, also equipped with an open-air bath.
Besides the open-air bath, the spa also offers various calming therapies and treatments. Moreover, Suiran is close to several attractions, including the Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Monkey Park, and the Togetsukyo Bridge.
Book It Here: Suiran
6. Fufu Kyoto
How can we not mention Fufu Kyoto on this guide? This ryokan exudes luxury, comfort, and style in every corner. Traditional japanese gardens surround this accommodation, and we love that all rooms have zen private onsens. Its location is also a prime spot, being close to the Kyoto City Zoo and the public transport system.
The private onsens are made of cypress wood baths, and the water is from the natural hot springs. There are no public bath facilities in this ryokan, so you can indulge in your own private bath anytime of the day. Fufu Kyoto has 40 rooms, all presenting Japanese tatami mats and luxurious cushion for the beds. Seasonal flowers and mats line the ryokan’s interiors.
Book It Here: Fufu Kyoto
Make you read our full review of Fufu Kyoto here!
7. Kishoan
Our next recommendation is a combination of a villa and a traditional ryokan. Because of its secluded location, crowds are rare, and it’s almost always quiet. This makes it a perfect retreat for travelers seeking relaxation.
Kishoan’s exterior has a wooden decor that reflects the traditional Japanese style. At the same time, luxurious and modern elements elevate the ryokan’s beauty.
You can book this entire villa/ryokan all to yourself. Kishoan fits 6 people, and the private onsen is also remarkable. It’s an open-air bath that promises relaxation after an entire day of exploring Kyoto. There’s also a small zen garden perfect for lounging or strolling.
Book It Here: Kishoan
8. Kamishichiken Oku
Northwest of Kyoto is Kamishichiken Oku, a three-star ryokan adored for its central location. It’s accessible from the Golden Pavilion and the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. This Japanese accommodation became a crowd favorite because of the unique maiko and geiko experience. You can freely join the performance, which happens inside the on-site restaurant.
The private onsens are in most rooms, which also feature indoor baths and an outdoor tsboburo or ceramic pot onsen. You should not miss out on the views of the private Japanese garden when soaking in the indoor bath. Kamishichiken Oku also has available yukata rentals.
Book It Here: Kamishichiken Oku
9. Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
Another renowned sophispticated ryokan is Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo, offering an excellent service, luxe amenities, and ultimate comfort. These precisely explain why rooms at this accommodation are quite hefty. But, they are definitely worth it.
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo features different-themed rooms according to a wide selection of tea it offers. In each room you’ll find a great deal of artwork and antiques handcrafted by Kyoto’s local artisans. You can also dip in the private open-air onsens equipped in your room, regardless of the type you chose.
The local chefs cook breakfast using an irori, a Japanese fireplace with charcoal. All the ingredients used are local and fresh. For dinner, we recommend trying the bestselling sukiyaki, which is packed with the right flavors, including tofu, wagyu beef, vegetables, and shitake mushrooms. Of course, order the sherbet for dessert!
Book It Here: Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
10. The Westin Miyako Kyoto
You can find Kyoto’s largest onsen spa facility in The Westin Miyako Kyoto, together with a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a Japanese garden. Despite being a ryokan, this accommodation embodies what a luxurious hotel does – comfort and style. Additionally, you can get a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Kyoto station.
The Westin Myako Kyoto has 266 Japanese-style rooms with private onsens. You should also try out Spa Kacho, one of the largest spa facilities in Kyoto. Dip in the relaxing bath pools inside the spa and experience the Kyoto Keage Onsen sourced from the hotel grounds.
Book It Here: The Westin Miyako Kyoto
You May Also Like: Most Beautiful Luxury Ryokans in Kyoto
11. Kiraku Kyoto Honmachi
Kiraku Kyoto Honmachi also has a modern design that highlights this ryokan’s architecture. There are only three bedrooms, so it’s perfect if you want a peaceful vacation in Kyoto. Moreover, it has a private entrance, guaranteeing your security.
We highly recommend booking the Machiya Suite. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, and the private onsen is spacious enough for that ultimate relaxation. The rooms are cozy and clean, and the onsen’s plexiglass floor is remarkable. Don’t forget also to try out Kiraky Kyoto Honmachi’s delicious a la carte breakfast that serves traditional Japanese dishes.
Book It Here: Kiraku Kyoto Honmachi
12. Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
A mid-range ryokan that leaves customers feeling luxurious is Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei. All rooms have private baths for a pampering experience. Besides the relaxing water and decor, you will fall in love with how fragrant the onsen smells! Moreover, the complimentary toiletries are all from the L’Occitane brand, including shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, and lotion.
Everything is tech-savvy with Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei. You get a six-digit code as your passcode for the room, so you don’t need to request any key or key card. This ryokan also gives you the freedom to choose between comfortable Simmons beds or the usual Japanese futon bedding. Nonetheless, all rooms have tatami mats, so you still feel the traditional Japanese vibe.
Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei also presents beautiful views of the Takase River, especially during the fall foliage.
Book It Here: Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
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Booking a ryokan with a private onsen is always an excellent idea in Kyoto. After exploring the city and admiring the tourist spots, your body deserves to relax and indulge in the serene onsen water.
We hope you liked our selection of the finest ryokans with private onsens in Kyoto. Additionally, do let us know if we missed out on anything in the comments below!
For more recommendations of traditional inns in Japan with private traditional baths, read our posts about the best ryokans in Nara with private onsen, the best ryokans in Hakone with private onsen, the best ryokans near Mount Fuji with private onsen and the best ryokans in Tokyo with private onsen.