Best Family-Friendly Ryokans In Japan For The Ultimate Getaway

HOSHINOYA TOKYO: Tokyo *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

If you're only heading to Tokyo during your trip to Japan, you won't be losing out on the ryokan experience since you can make a booking at Hoshinoya Tokyo. This classic but luxurious ryokan has an amazing onsen and spa, coupled with engaging activities like Japanese Tea Ceremony, Kenjutsu Practice and Gagaku Performances. The food they offer is also immaculate, with high-quality Japanese fare and several seasonal treats.

The property itself is decked in lavish interiors and spacious rooms that marry tasteful traditional decor with modern elements. The Yuri (their biggest room type) typically sleeps three people, so you might need to book two or more rooms if you have a bigger travel party. All in all, you'll be feeling like royalty with a stay at Hoshinoya Tokyo.

Hoshinoya Tokyo, 1 Chome-9-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan, www.hoshinoresorts.com/tokyo

KARUIZAWA MARRIOTT HOTEL: Karuizawa *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

If you happen to be adding Karuizawa to your Japan itinerary, you might want to book the Karuizawa Marriott Hotel for a modern ryokan experience. It allows you the chance to be close to nature and enjoy a breather from the city. They've even got a family-friendly cottage with hot springs and an enchanting Japanese-style suite for those travelling with family. Within the grounds itself there's also a spa for anyone needing to treat themselves to a self-care day, and even a fitness center for guests who want to workout.

Karuizawa Marriott Hotel, Japan, 〒4339 Nagano, Nagakura, JP 389-0111, www.marriott.com/karuizawa

NISHIYAMA RYOKAN: Kyoto *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

Kyoto is a lovely place to visit, and while you're there, it'd be nice to stay at a ryokan for at least one night of your vacation. Nishiyama Ryokan is beautiful and cozy, and a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Besides the traditional futons you'll be sleeping on, you'll also be greeted with a heart Japanese breakfast when you get up. The Deluxe Family Room is spacious and has enough futons for five people, and a nice sitting area where you can drink tea while enjoying a slow afternoon. Location wise, the ryokan is a short 15-minute car ride to JY Kyoto Station, and you can easily get to the Honno-ji Temple and Kamogawa River by foot within 10 minutes.

Nishiyama Ryokan, 433 Yamamotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0933, Japan, www.ryokan-kyoto.com

ASUKASOU: Nara *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

If you're visiting Kyoto on your trip, it'd be nice to add Nara to your itinerary since you can bring the kiddos to meet the local Japanese deer at Nara Park. Staying at Asukasou makes it convenient when you're in Nara since it's just a 10 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. Children are welcome at the property, and there are family-friendly traditional rooms that'll fit bigger travel parties, even if you're travelling as a group as big as eight. Delicious seasonal Japanese kaiseki dishes can also be served right in your rooms upon request, and there are open-air baths and karaoke rooms you can enjoy after you've finished your delicious meal.

Asukasou, 1113-3 Takabatakecho, Nara, 630-8301, Japan, www.asukasou.com

ARIMA ONSEN MOTOYU RYUUSENKAKU: Kobe *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

At Arima Onsen Motoyu Ryuusenkaku you'll get to enjoy a relaxing holiday in a beautiful ryokan. They've got family suites that can accommodate up to six people, has a private outdoor bath, garden view, and even low-standing basins for younger kids. Meals wise be prepared to savor a wide range of seasonal food and high-quality Japanese ingredients, including Kobe Beef. At this kid-friendly property children are always going to be entertained since there's an indoor swimming pool, mini golf course and picture book corner to keep them occupied. Baby and kids meals are also available upon request, including a highchair if needed.

Arima Onsen Motoyu Ryuusenkaku, ウツギ谷１６６３ Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401, Japan, www.ryuusenkaku.jp

ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SAPPORO: Hokkaido *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

A gorgeous ryokan in Sapporo, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo provides you with the experience of staying in a traditional Japanese-style inn with a refined twist. The property itself is beautiful, with modern, minimalistic interiors that'll provide you with a sense of serenity. Their Maisonette-Double and Family Suite can accommodate up to four people, and although they do not have baby cots, kids under the age of five stay for free if they're sharing the bed with their parents. Besides an open-air bath, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at their restaurant, where you'll get a taste of the finest ingredients that represent each season in Hokkaido.

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo, Japan, 〒060-0001 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 1 Jonishi, 7 Chome−６, www.uds-hotels.com/yuen/sapporo

THE HIRAMATSU KARUIZAWA MIYOTA: Karuizawa *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

Another spectacular ryokan located in Karuizawa, The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota is a luxurious property with spacious villa suites and semi-open air hot springs. Imagine enjoying floor-to-ceiling windows, fireside lounges and a state-of-the-art sound library, because that's all included in this beautiful property. Dining options wise, you can opt to have light breakfasts picnic-style in the hotel grounds, or you can also opt for an exclusive menu served right to your room. If you're there during wintertime, they've even got a umami-rich hot pot available to savor in the chilly weather.

The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota, 723 375番地 Shiono, Miyota, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0201, Japan, www.ryokancollection.com/hiramatsu_miyota

MATSUI HONKAN: Kyoto *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

Another family-friendly ryokan located in the heart of Kyoto, Matsui Honkan has chic Japanese-style rooms with traditional futon bedding. Their standard room can accommodate up to five people, and they also have rooms with a garden view that can accommodate up to three people. When checking in, guests will be treated to a soothing matcha green tea and some Kyoto sweets. In-room massages are also available for an additional fee. Location wise, the ryokan is situated just a 2-minute walk away from Nishiki Market and Ponto-cho Street. If the family wants to indulge in a slow stroll, Nijo-jo Castle is a mere 20-minute walk away.

Matsui Honkan, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8113, Japan, www.matsui-inn.com

YOSHIIKE RYOKAN: Hakone *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

If you and the family are heading to Hakone during your trip, Yoshiike Ryokan is a nice family-friendly place to stay. They've got a hot spring bath with spring water flowing directly from the source and also a spacious garden within the site. Their Japanese Style Connecting Room is rather sizeable and can accommodate up to eight people, and also provides ample space for kids to play and have fun. Guests can also enjoy Japanese set menus for breakfast and dinner, prepared with only the freshest seasonal ingredients. While sightseeing around the area, you might want to drop by Hakone Gora Park and Narukawa Museum, two attractions situated rather close to the ryokan.

Yoshiike Ryokan, 597 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan, www.yoshiike.org

KAISENKAKU: Aomori *The Best Family-Friendly Ryokans in Japan

For families visiting Aomori, you might want to make a booking at Kaisenkaku, located in the Asamushi Onsen district. If you get a room with sea view, you'll be able to enjoy the scenery at sunrise and sunset, and even stare out into the sea while sipping on hot tea in the afternoons. There's also a hot spring bath in the hotel, and cycling is one of the popular activities that guests can enjoy nearby. The Asamushi Aquarium is also just a mere 2km away, and it'll be an interesting attraction to take the kids to. All in all, it's a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy some tranquility.

Kaisenkaku, Japan, 〒039-3501 Aomori, Asamushi, Hotarudani−３１, www.kaisenkaku.com