Recommended Onsen Inns with Private Baths for Ultimate Relaxation

For those seeking a serene and exclusive experience in Japan, staying at an onsen inn with private baths is an ideal way to unwind and rejuvenate. Here are some highly recommended onsen inns that offer the ultimate in relaxation and privacy.

Types of Private Onsen

When considering private onsen, there are two main types to be aware of:

• Rental Onsen (Kashikiri Buro): These are private baths that can be reserved for a specific period, usually by the hour. They are often less expensive than rooms with private onsen but may require advance booking and have time limits.
• Rooms with Private Onsen: These rooms come with a private onsen attached, often on a balcony or veranda, providing unlimited access during your stay. While more expensive, they offer the luxury of using the onsen at any time.

Recommended Onsen Inns Near Kyoto

Taiza Onsen Sumihei

Located in the stunning San’in Kaigan Geopark, Taiza Onsen Sumihei is a luxurious ryokan offering six open-air baths that can be reserved for private use. Each bath provides magical views of the ocean and forested mountainside. The ryokan features award-winning interior design, delicious fresh seafood, and cozy spots for relaxation.

Monjusou

Monjusou is a picturesque onsen inn near Amanohashidate Station, famous for its sandbar. The guest rooms are designed to offer unbeatable views of the sandbar. Monjusou features both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, rejuvenating saunas, and delicious ishigama (stone oven) cuisine showcasing local produce.

Kasyouen Hanare Kai

Facing the Sea of Japan, Kasyouen Hanare Kai is a ryokan shaped like a ship. It offers luxurious open-air baths with views of the sea and includes kaiseki meals in semi-private spaces. The accommodation cost includes drinks at dinner, in your room, and in the café.

Recommended Onsen Inns in Kyoto City

Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo

Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo offers private open-air onsens and rooms with futon beds or Western-style beds. The ryokan provides breakfast cooked with an irori (Japanese fireplace), sukiyaki dinner, kimono rentals, and in-room massages. It is conveniently located near Kyoto Station.

Ryokan Sakura Urushitei

Ryokan Sakura Urushitei features private bathhouses that can be reserved. The rooms come with futon beds or Western-style beds, and guests can choose between traditional Japanese or Western breakfast. The ryokan also offers kimono rentals and activities like sake tasting, flower arranging, and calligraphy.

Seryo

Located in Ohara, a small rural town an hour away from Kyoto Station, Seryo is a secluded and luxurious ryokan. It has four onsens, with two being public and separated by gender. The Sakura no ma and Kaede no ma rooms have private open-air onsens on the balcony overlooking the mountains. Seryo offers various food options, including kaiseki meals and healthy breakfasts.

Other Notable Onsen Inns

Yunohana Resort Suisen

Located near Kyoto City, Yunohana Resort Suisen combines traditional Japanese ideologies with contemporary design. The ryokan features both public baths and an additional outdoor stone bath that can be rented by the hour. The Japanese-style rooms have wooden baths on the balcony, looking out onto the lush forested surroundings.

Hakone Suimeisou

In Hakone, a popular weekend getaway from Tokyo, Hakone Suimeisou offers a modern take on traditional ryokans. It features public baths and a private onsen that can be booked by the hour. The rooms have smaller baths on the balconies, and the ryokan is located just three minutes from Hakone Yumoto Station.

Tips for Booking Private Onsen Inns

• Advance Booking: Rental onsen often require advance booking due to limited availability.
• Budget Consideration: Rooms with private onsen are generally more expensive than those without, but they offer unlimited access.
• Tattoo Considerations: Private onsen are ideal for those with tattoos, as public onsen usually do not allow tattoos.
• Location: Consider onsen towns like Kinosaki Onsen, Arima Onsen, and Hakone for a variety of options.

By choosing one of these onsen inns, you can ensure a deeply relaxing and private experience, perfect for unwinding after exploring Japan's many wonders.