# Ryokan in Japan, Compared by What Guests Found

A ryokan can be the highlight of a trip to Japan or an expensive disappointment, and booking pages rarely tell you which.

We read guests' worst reviews and watch their own videos, then put the private baths, meals, prices and catches side by side.

## [Kyoto ryokan](https://ryokanjapan.net/kyoto-ryokan)

Eight ryokan from $109 to $1,365 for two, including which ones sell dinner and which have a real hot spring.

- [**Ryokan Ryokufuso** Near Kyoto Station · $174 with breakfast](https://ryokanjapan.net/kyoto-ryokan#ryokufuso)

- [**Hanaikada** Arashiyama · $439* with dinner and breakfast](https://ryokanjapan.net/kyoto-ryokan#hanaikada)

- [**Yuzuya Ryokan** Gion · $470 with breakfast](https://ryokanjapan.net/kyoto-ryokan#yuzuya)

## [Hakone ryokan](https://ryokanjapan.net/hakone-ryokan)

Seven hot-spring ryokan near Tokyo, compared on the same dinner-and-breakfast plan, with the catch at each one.

- [**Ajisai Onsen Ryokan** Gora · $344* · 3 private baths, booked by time slot](https://ryokanjapan.net/hakone-ryokan#ajisai)

- [**Mizunoto** Kowakudani · $393 · In some rooms, plus 3 small private baths](https://ryokanjapan.net/hakone-ryokan#mizunoto)

- [**Tensui Saryo** Gora · $432 · In some rooms, plus bookable outdoor baths](https://ryokanjapan.net/hakone-ryokan#tensui)

Lowest plan for two, one night, on the dates given in each guide.

## What to check before you book a ryokan

- **What "private onsen" means on your plan.** It can be a bath in your room, a shared private bath you take turns using, or one you pay to reserve. [See how it differs across seven ryokan](https://ryokanjapan.net/hakone-ryokan#private-onsen).

- **When dinner is served.** Meals run on a schedule, and late arrivals can find few times left. [What guests wish they had known](https://ryokanjapan.net/hakone-ryokan#know).

- **How you get there with luggage.** Some ryokan sit up steep hills, and a shuttle or taxi matters more than the map suggests. [Which area of Hakone to stay in](https://ryokanjapan.net/hakone-ryokan#areas).

## How we work

- We say so when we haven't stayed somewhere.

- We credit every guest video we use.

- We show complaints as well as praise, and how common they are.

[Read how we research](https://ryokanjapan.net/about)

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Page: https://ryokanjapan.net
Last updated: 2026-11-10
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