Long before the trend of wellness retreats captured the hearts of travelers, Japan’s misty volcanic springs, majestic forested mountains, and revered pilgrimage trails inspired a deep-seated philosophy intertwining physical wellness with spiritual harmony. Grounded in both indigenous Shinto and adopted Buddhist customs, the practice of bathing in Japan’s natural hot springs was thought to cleanse both body and spirit. Once frequented by emperors in search of clarity and samurai recovering from battle wounds, these onsen establishments remain pivotal elements of Japanese culture. In the present day, luxurious historic and contemporary onsen across the nation have transformed this ancient ritual into an exquisitely immersive cultural wellness experience. Whether you are escaping the hustle of Tokyo or aiming for an idyllic off-the-grid retreat, our curated list offers the ideal destinations for refreshing your mind and rejuvenating your body.
Arimasansoh Goshobessho
Arima Onsen, Kobe; 1.5 hours from Osaka
Nestled in the mountains above Kobe, Arimasansoh Goshobessho resides in one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns. The onsen’s waters offer a rare blend of seven out of the nine therapeutic minerals recognized by Japanese law, crafting a revitalizing experience that calms the mind and softens the skin. This modern ryokan evolved from a 19th-century Meiji-era inn, accommodating international travelers to Kobe, the first city in Japan to open its doors after 300 years of seclusion. Today, it marries Western and Japanese design elements with traditional onsen rituals, seasonal cuisine, and serene forest surroundings for a soothing escape. For a distinctive experience, reserve the treehouse onsen designed like a bird’s nest.
Nishimuraya Honkan
Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo; 3 hours from Osaka and 2.5 from Kyoto by train
Tracing its roots back over 1,300 years, Nishimuraya Honkan has warmly welcomed guests for more than 165 years. This traditional ryokan is renowned for its classic sukiya-style architecture, serene gardens, and tatami-floored rooms that offer enchanting views of the surrounding forests. Guests can soak in the hotel’s hot spring baths or partake in the age-old custom of strolling the lantern-lit streets clad in cotton yukata (Japanese spa robes) to access one of Kinosaki’s seven public baths. Culinary offerings emphasize refined kaiseki or traditional Japanese haute cuisine, showcasing local specialties like the exquisitely tender Tajima beef (the elite breed of wagyu) and Matsuba snow crab.
Shisui Nara
45 minutes from Kyoto and 1 hour from Osaka
Shisui Nara, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, merges cultural immersion with rejuvenation in one of Japan’s historic capitals. Nestled within Nara Park, home to the city’s famously friendly deer, the elegantly designed hotel places guests mere steps away from significant historical sites, such as Todai-ji Temple with its towering bronze Buddha and the vibrant Kasuga Taisha shrine. Beyond its prime location, Shisui Nara is housed in a meticulously restored 1922 governor’s residence, fusing Taisho-era elegance with modern luxury. Rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of manicured tea gardens, and many feature their own private onsens. Coupled with exemplary service and nightly kaiseki tasting menus that emphasize local delicacies like Nara’s persimmon-leaf sushi, Shisui Nara presents an unparalleled tranquil retreat.
Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima
Katsuura Bay, Wakayama; 3.5 hours from Osaka
Located on a private island accessible only by ferry, Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima rests off the ancient and spiritually rich Kii Peninsula. The secluded retreat is enveloped by forest and ocean and features an expansive outdoor hot spring bath overlooking the serene sea. Meandering paths lead to scenic overlooks, echoing the ancient pilgrimage routes once traveled by Shinto monks and emperors. The kaiseki dining experience draws inspiration from the surrounding waters and sacred woodlands, offering freshly caught Katsuura tuna alongside seasonal mountain produce prized by nearby Buddhist monasteries, including fiddlehead ferns, wild bamboo, and Wakayama’s celebrated pickled plums.
Beniya Mukayu
Yamashiro Onsen, Ishikawa; 1 hour from both Kyoto and Osaka by train
In the tranquil town of Yamashiro Onsen, just a train ride away from Osaka and Kyoto, Beniya Mukayu redefines the ryokan experience with an intimate and luxurious touch. With just 16 guest rooms, each featuring a private open-air bath overlooking the lush ravines, the design emphasizes minimalism and organic elements, seamlessly integrating stone, timber, and handmade paper to create a soothing environment that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside. The retreat’s serene atmosphere reflects its commitment to the restorative powers of simplicity, contemplation, and a connection with nature.
Shima Kanko Hotel
Ise-Shima, Mie; 3 hours from Osaka and 2 hours from Nagoya
Situated within the Ise-Shima National Forest, Shima Kanko Hotel is renowned for its rugged coastlines and lush mountains overlooking aquamarine waters, complementing ancient Shinto shrines. The area is also known for the Ise Grand Shrine, considered the spiritual origin of the Japanese people, alongside a rich history steeped in pearl cultivation initiated by the Mikimoto pearl company. The hotel boasts rooms designed for breathtaking views of Ago Bay, where tranquil waters cradle green islands and pearl farms. Guests cherish the sleek yet opulent accommodations adorned with sumptuous textiles, smooth stonework, and warm woods, as well as the outstanding seafood offerings, featuring Ise oysters, rich abalone, and succulent spiny lobster.
Aman Kyoto
Takagamine District
Just north of Kyoto’s historic heart, Aman Kyoto provides an enchanting retreat, enveloped in a forest of cypress and cedar, surrounded by moss-adorned gardens and stone pathways. The hotel’s minimalist architecture merges harmoniously with its surroundings, with rooms thoughtfully designed around expansive windows to invite nature’s beauty indoors. Wellness offerings encompass indoor and outdoor onsens, forest bathing, traditional Japanese spa treatments, and a culinary experience that draws from Kyoto’s rich gastronomic heritage. Many rooms also feature hinoki cypress soaking tubs, offering the fragrance and healing properties that are integral to Japanese bathing culture.
Gora Kadan
Hakone; 90 minutes from Tokyo by train
Nestled within Hakone’s tranquil mountains, Gora Kadan occupies the former summer retreat of the Japanese imperial family, just 90 minutes from Tokyo. This ryokan-style oasis harmoniously fuses imperial legacy, marked by exquisite Meiji-era latticework and tranquil Zen gardens, with contemporary elegance. Accommodations are designed to maximize scenic views of the lush greenery outside, with many featuring private open-air baths supplied by Hakone’s volcanic hot springs. Guests can indulge in seasonal kaiseki meals highlighting local delicacies, from foraged wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots to delicate river fish fresh from Sagami Bay.
Hoshinoya Tokyo
Otemachi District
Hoshinoya Tokyo reimagines the traditional Japanese inn amid the city’s vibrant pulse. Although it retains the serene elements of classic ryokans, it is artistically housed in a discreet, 17-story high-rise in Otemachi. Each floor serves as a self-contained sanctuary featuring six private rooms behind sliding shoji doors, complemented by communal lounges and shoe-free zones. At the pinnacle, an indoor–outdoor onsen draws mineral-rich water from deep underground, allowing guests to enjoy soothing soaks while admiring breathtaking views of the urban skyline. Thoughtful design elements, including a delicately crafted kimono-inspired metal lattice facade, blend tradition and modern luxury, creating a tranquil oasis high above the bustling city below.
