Cover The Living Pavilion at Aman Kyoto, Japan. Image: Aman Kyoto
The Living Pavilion at Aman Kyoto, Japan. Image: Aman Kyoto
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The traditional Japanese inn informs the creation of these stunning, design-led properties—visit these hotels for a beautiful modern ryokan experience
A travel rule of thumb goes: When in Japan, one must stay at a ryokan. From soothing hot spring baths to intricate kaiseki meals, ryokans offer a deep immersion into the country’s culture, showcasing omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) at its finest. Even if you’re not staying in a ryokan per se, the best hotels in Japan are often inspired by aspects of the traditional Japanese inn, so you’re sure to get a taste of the ryokan life if you pick wisely. And we’ve made it easy for you: here is Tatler’s shortlist of the best ryokan-inspired properties for your next trip to Japan.
Don’t miss: Inside 3 beautifully designed Kyoto boutique hotels
1. Hoshinoya Tokyo
Above The entrance of Hoshinoya Tokyo. Image: Hoshinoya Tokyo
The entrance of Hoshinoya Tokyo. Image: Hoshinoya Tokyo
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Tokyo
Standing tall in Tokyo’s business district is Hoshinoya Tokyo, an urban property by the well-regarded homegrown hospitality brand. Don’t be fooled by its ultra-modern multistorey facade, the inside is a beautiful ode to the ryokan, except it's done in a vertical orientation. You’re welcomed by a soaring genkan, where guests are invited to take off their shoes and feel the tatami mats beneath their feet.
Read more: Tokyo by Design: 6 beautiful places to explore for decor ideas
Paper window screens create enchanting shadow play in the rooms. Image: Hoshinoya Tokyo
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Each floor is equipped with an “ochanoma” lounge, which is a relaxing communal space with books, snacks, and tea—everything you need to feel at home. Right in the suites, which are some of the biggest in Tokyo, guests are cocooned by soft light streaming through the shoji screens and the grounded nature of the interior design. One thing not to miss is the rooftop onsen baths: traverse the tunnel from the indoor bath to the outdoor portion, where you can look straight up to Tokyo’s skies while peacefully soaking in the mineral-rich hot spring water drawn from 1,500m below.
2. Azumi Setoda
Ikuchijima, Onomichi
Trust hotelier Adrian Zecha to give the ryokan a new, cool twist. Inspired by his personal experiences in Japan’s traditional inns, he conceived Azumi Setoda, which opened its doors in March 2021. Located on a small island in the Seto Inland Sea called Ikuchijima, the hotel is the first property of the Azumi brand, a collaboration between Zecha and Naru Developments.
Set in a 140-year-old building that was once home to the Horiuchi family, the 22-suite modern ryokan is a result of clever mix of restoration and new construction by designer Shiro Miura. The guest pavilion faces a courtyard, and the rooms are designed with cedar, washi paper, and granite; each one also features a cypress wood bathtub. Aiming to be a platform for the destination, Azumi Setoda is committed to showcasing the best seasonal local produce in its dining offerings.
Read more: Tokyo by Design: 6 beautiful places to explore for decor ideas
3. Aman Kyoto
Above A suite in Aman Kyoto, Japan. Image: Aman Kyoto
A suite in Aman Kyoto, Japan. Image: Aman Kyoto
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Kyoto
The deep collaboration between Aman and Kerry Hill was punctuated at Aman Kyoto, which ended up being the last project of the celebrated architect for the hotel brand. Housed in what was a former textile museum, Aman Kyoto describes itself as “a ryokan-inspired resort” but with all the hallmarks of the luxury brand.
A view of the Living Pavilion in Aman Kyoto, Japan. Image: Aman Kyoto
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It starts with the prized location: it’s steps away from Kyoto’s revered Kinkaku-ji Temple and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites but features seclusion that Aman junkies desire. Hidden in a forested and moss-filled patch at the foot of Hidari Daimonji mountain, Aman Kyoto takes cues from the warmth of the ryokan but is decorated with expansive glass windows, plush neutral carpets and classic furniture that brings the entire experience to present-day.
4. The Shinmonzen Kyoto
Kyoto
Nestled in Kyoto’s beautifully preserved Gion district is The Shinmonzen, a modern marvel that takes inspiration from both traditional ryokans and machiyas (wooden townhouses). The minimalist interiors of this new-build property are the work of renowned architect Tadao Ando, who imbued the space with elegant restraint.
The luxurious 9-room boutique property showcases the work of Kyoto artisans, and each room is equipped with balconies overlooking the river as well as hinoki bathtubs to soak one's worries away. A sister hotel of Villa la Coste in France, expect to find art and design masterpieces peppered around the space such as a Damient Hirst artwork and a Charlotte Perriand table.
5. Zaborin
Hanazono, Hokkaido
It’s all in the name: Zaborin is called after the zen meditation word that means “to sit and forget” and this is essentially what it wants every guest to do: to reflect, relax, and let it all go. Perhaps one of the best permutations of a “contemporary ryokan” in Japan, this Hokkaido property features everything one loves in a family-run ryokan but is crafted with today’s needs and preferences in mind.
It’s most evident in the design, which puts the focus on its spectacular surroundings of rolling mountains and birch trees. Each of the 15 villas is configured differently but all of them have their own indoor and outdoor hot spring bath, so one can savour the onsen ritual in utmost privacy. Another highlight here is their award-winning cuisine—a take on the ancient Kyoto kaiseki dining practices but featuring the best local Hokkaido ingredients.
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