10 Top-Quality Inns: Relais & Chateaux ryokan & Hotels You Should Know About

10 Top-Quality Inns: Relais & Chateaux ryokan & Hotels You Should Know About
vemo

vemo

Are you familiar with the world-renowned hotel and restaurant membership organization "Relais & Châteaux"? There are about 10 member accommodations in Japan. All of them are wonderful inns that offer "high-quality food and hospitality" rooted in the local community. The world-renowned cuisine and hospitality will heal your tired body and enrich your soul. For important anniversaries, turning points in life, or gifts for your parents. We will introduce 10 hotels and ryokan that Japan is proud of, which you should know about when you want to indulge in a "special luxury" someday.

for your big day. What you need to know about Relais & Chateaux inns

For your special day. Things you need to know about Relais & Chateaux accommodations 3351873

Have you heard of the organization "Relais & Chateaux"? It is a prestigious global membership organization to which only hotels and ryokan in Japan, but of those, only about 10 are members of "Relais & Chateaux". All of them are first-class inns where you can spend a wonderful time.

Heartfelt "food" and "hospitality"

Heartfelt "food" and "hospitality" 3351937

There are various membership conditions and strict rules, but among them, the key point is "high-quality cuisine and hospitality". The cuisine does not simply use a lot of high-class items, but also values the products and culture of the region, and is also original.

For important days with your partner, year-round rewards, and gifts for your parents.

Perfect for a special day with your partner, a reward for the year, or a gift for your parents 3351929

An important anniversary, a milestone in life, a present for your parents. When you grow up, there may be a scene where you need a "superior good inn where you can enjoy special luxury". An inn at Relais & Châteaux might be perfect for that. In this article, we will introduce the recommended points and how to spend your time at each inn. Please check it out for your important day.

*The information listed is current as of March 2024.

1. Asaba, a relaxing place with over 500 years of history / Shizuoka

1. "Asaba" - Relaxing with over 500 years of history / Shizuoka 3351875

onsen ryokan "Asaba" in Shuzenji. Said to have started as a temple lodging, it has a history of over 500 years. You can spend a relaxing time while feeling the flow of time and the goodness of Japanese culture.

Relax in the picturesque scenery

The picturesque scenery will relax your mind.3351874

The clean Japanese-style room offers a view of the beautiful garden and trees that look like a painting. How about sitting in a classy chair and enjoying the soothing scenery together? It seems that you can relax and enjoy conversation more calmly than usual.

Simple dishes that make you feel the goodness of the ingredients

Simple dishes that showcase the quality of the ingredients3351931

Springtime is a hot pot with cutlassfish caught in Suruga Bay and fresh taseri. In summer, seasonal dishes such as charcoal-grilled sweetfish from the Kano River tributaries are served. Simple but deep, you can enjoy the deliciousness of seasonal ingredients.

A bath with a superb view that will remain in your onsen forever

"That hot onsen was great" - a bath with a spectacular view that will stay in your memory forever3351872

If you want to enjoy a sense of openness, go to the open-air bath on the premises. The view from the bathtub surrounded by the pond and bamboo forest is superb. If you soak in the hot water among the trees filled with negative ions, you will be able to relax and refresh your mind and body.

Detailed information

Asaba

Shizuoka /Shuzenji, Izu/ ryokan

Asaba
address
Shizuoka 3450-1 Shuzenji, Izu City
access
About 7 minutes by taxi from Shuzenji Station

2. Take a deep breath surrounded by the forest at Bettei Senjuan / Gunma

2. Take a deep breath surrounded by forest Bettei Senjuan / Gunma 3351899

This inn is located in Tanigawa onsen, overlooking the famous Mt. Tanigawa. The modern architecture is wonderful, allowing you to fully enjoy nature, and you will feel like you are bathing in the forest while staying at the inn. When you arrive, why not take a walk around the building first? There is also a library surrounded by trees, where you can enjoy reading while listening to the sounds of nature. Please note that the meal, shop, large public bath, and guest rooms are undergoing phased renovations from February 2024 to December 2024.

Guest room bath where you can soak in the embrace of nature

Relax in the guest room bath surrounded by nature3351877

All rooms have open-air baths. Hot water flows directly from the source. The bathtub in the "Special Room SP with Open Air Bath" is spacious, so you can enjoy onsen slowly in a space where you won't be disturbed by anyone. Immerse yourself in luxury with a magnificent view all to yourself.

In a private room where you can feel the seasons, dishes using seasonal ingredients

"Bettei Senjuan" Cuisine 58698550 Meigetsu no wan (bowl of the moon), today

source:Contribution of VOLVO850R

We are particular about where meal. Each room has a different design, such as a room with a glass ceiling. You can enjoy creative Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients while gazing at the fresh greenery in early summer and the autumn foliage in autumn. In a comfortable space, the food seems to taste even better.

Detailed information

Bettei Senjuan

Gunma /Minakami/ ryokan

Bettei Senjuan
address
Gunma 614, Tanigawa, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun
access
25 minutes by bus from Jomokogen Station on the Shinkansen / 8 minutes by car from Minakami Station on the Joetsu Line / 10 minutes from Minakami IC on the Kanetsu Expressway

Detailed information

Bettei Senjuan

Mizukami / ryokan, Japanese cuisine

The average budget
  • ¥30,000~
address
Gunma 614 Nishidaira, Yagawa, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun
business hours
Check-in: 13:00 Check-out: 11:00

data provision

3. Mystical hot spring where even the gods were healed “Tobira Onsen Myojinkan” / Nagano

3. The mysterious hot spring that even the gods have been healed by: "Tobira Onsen Myojinkan" / Nagano 3351878

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is located in the mountains, about a 40-minute drive from Matsumoto city. It is said that this area was once a place where gods would come to take a therapeutic bath. Why not take a relaxing bath in onsen where the gods may have bathed, and spend some time rejuvenating yourself? The semi-open-air standing bath, Setsugekka, is particularly popular for its stunning views that seem to blend into the forest. It not only soothes the body, but also cleanses the soul. Renovation work on all three onsen facilities is scheduled to take place between June 21, 2024 and July 1, 2024.

"Zen" room where you can see the superb view as soon as you wake up in the morning

The "Zen" room offers a spectacular view as soon as you wake up in the morning3351880

The Zen Standard room has a spectacular view with a screen-like window in front of the bed. You can enjoy the luxury of waking up to a beautiful view in the morning. This room also does not have a TV. Why not detox your mind and body by listening to the sounds of nature or reading a book without hesitation?

Shinshu wine and French that tickle your curiosity

Shinshu wine and intriguing French cuisine3351879

There are 2 restaurants, one French and one Japanese, so you can enjoy dinner in whichever you prefer. In both cases, you can fully enjoy the rich ingredients of Shinshu.

Detailed information

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan

Nagano /Matsumoto/ ryokan

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
address
Nagano 8967 Iriyamabe, Matsumoto City
access
About 40 minutes from Matsumoto IC towards Utsukushigahara Kogen. There is also a free shuttle bus from Matsumoto Station.

4. Gora Kadan, an elegant inn associated with the imperial family / Kanagawa

4. Gora Kadan, an elegant inn with ties to the Imperial family / Kanagawa 3351881

This onsen ryokan was built on land that was once owned by the Kaninnomiya family. An elegant look, perfect for special occasions. Recommended for those who like the calm atmosphere of a Japanese ryokan. The unconventional space and services are comfortable, and you can enjoy a high-quality healing time.

A moment of relaxation in a Japanese space

A relaxing moment in a Japanese space3351902

There are 38 guest rooms in total. The well-maintained rooms make you feel the hospitality of ryokan. The standard Japanese-style room is also tasteful, so you can spend a relaxing time while looking out at the garden.

Relax in your room and enjoy an elegant kaiseki meal

Enjoy carefully prepared kaiseki cuisine in the privacy of your own room3351882

With the exception of some detached rooms, both breakfast and meal can be served in your room. It's a great point that you can relax slowly without the hassle of moving. The kaiseki cuisine, where you can feel the politeness, is also popular with word of mouth. You can enjoy a memorable meal.

Detailed information

Gora Kabed

Kanagawa /Hakone, Gora/ ryokan

Gora Kabed
address
1300 Kanagawa Prefecture
access
3-minute walk from Hakone Tozan Railway Gora Station

5. “Beniya Mukayu” to regain your true self / Ishikawa

5. Beniya Mukayu: Rediscover your true self / Ishikawa 3351905

source:

It is an inn with only 16 rooms built around a natural mountain garden. The guest rooms are designed with a sense of openness that lets in light and breeze. The space by the window has a pleasant touch of bamboo and will become your favorite spot during your stay.

Soak in a famous hot spring and treat your mind and body

Relax and soothe your body and mind in our famous hot springs3351883

source:

The hot water that can be enjoyed in the open-air bath and large public bath in the room is Yamashiro Onsen, a famous hot spring that Rosanjin Kitaoji and Akiko onsen loved. After bathing while feeling the seasonal breeze, you can further maintain your mind and body with the “Yakushiyama Treatment” using onsen and medicinal herbs.

Enjoy the deliciousness of Hokuriku with Kaga tableware

"Beniya Mukayu" Cuisine 7494924 Box Crab Amber Jelly

source:Posted by maffin

Ishikawa, facing the Sea of Japan, is a treasure trove of ingredients. You can enjoy Japanese kaiseki cuisine using carefully selected seasonal ingredients. Let's immerse ourselves in a happy mood by eating luxurious ingredients and elegant dishes.

Detailed information

Beniya Mukayu

Ishikawa / onsen / ryokan

address
Ishikawa Yamashiro, Kaga City onsen 55-1-3
access
Approximately 15 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR onsen Onsen Station / Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Komatsu Airport Discount taxi rates available (reservation required)

Detailed information

5000

Beniya Mukayu

onsen /Cuisine ryokan

The average budget
  • ¥30,000~
address
Ishikawa Yamashiro, Kaga City onsen 55-1-3
business hours
■ Business hours [Check-in] 15:00~ [Check-out] 11:00 ■ Closed days Open everyday

data provision

6. “Kanamean Nishitomiya” where you can feel relieved with the beauty of Japanese style / Kyoto

6. "Kanamean Nishitomiya" - Relax in the beauty of Japanese culture / Kyoto 3351885

source:

A small inn that stands quietly in the town of Kyoto. This area is known for making fans, which are indispensable for geisha dances, and there are still many long-established fan shops in this area. You can feel the goodness and beauty of old-fashioned Japan and feel at ease.

A total of 7 rooms, Sukiya-style suites

"Yoan Nishitomiya" Others 13955538

source:Contribution of artistM

There are a total of 7 rooms named after the Tale of Genji. All rooms are Sukiya-zukuri suites, a luxurious space. The scent of wood and tatami mats, the relaxing inner garden, and each design make you feel the essence of Kyoto. Incorporating refined modern furnishings into tradition, it creates a relaxing atmosphere. Each room has a cypress bath, so you can take a bath while looking out at the courtyard.

Kaiseki in Kyoto representing the four seasons of Japan

"Kanamean Nishitomiya" Cuisine 46729543

source:Contribution of LE

meal is Kyoto kaiseki, which is considered according to the season of the year. You can feel the blessings and deliciousness of the season again. It seems that you can spend a relaxing time experiencing the good old Japanese culture.

Detailed information

Kanamean Nishifuke

Kyoto / Kyoto, Kyoto / ryokan

address
Kyoto Prefecture

Detailed information

Kanamean Nishitomiya

Kyoto Kawaramachi, Karasuma, Kyoto City Hall / Cuisine ryokan, Japanese Cuisine

The average budget
  • ¥30,000~
address
562 Kyoto Prefecture

data provision

7. Kobe Kitano Hotel, known for serving the best breakfast in the world / Hyogo

7. Kobe Kitano Hotel, known for serving the best breakfast in the world / Hyogo 3351912

It is a European-style auberge (restaurant with accommodation), which is rare among Japanese Relais & Chateaux affiliated inns. You can enjoy a romantic gourmet trip at a Kobe-like hotel with many Ijinkan.

A French dish that pleases the five senses

French cuisine that delights all five senses, something you

His "dishes that appeal to the five senses, such as changes in color, aroma, taste, texture, and temperature" are not only delicious, but also surprise and inspiring. It's a French dish that makes full use of Japanese ingredients that you'll want to try at least once.

A movie-like time at an English manor house

A movie-like experience at a British manor house3351887

Not only the food, but also the beautiful interior will enhance your travel mood. The design is inspired by British manor houses.

A movie-like experience at a British manor house 3351913

From the antique furniture directly purchased from Europe, to the red carpet spiral staircase, to the red brick exterior walls that create an elegant atmosphere, you can feel the attention paid to each detail. You will feel like you are the main character in a movie.

Detailed information

Kobe Kitano Hotel

Hyogo /Kobe/City Hotel

Kobe Kitano Hotel
address
Hyogo 3-3-20, Yamamoto-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
access
15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from Sannomiya Station, take the No. 7 city bus from Sannomiya Station South "Sogo Department Store Mae" and get off at Yamamoto-dori 3-chome.

8. High-end “Nishimuraya Nishimuraya Honkan” with a “comfortable space” / Hyogo

8. "Nishimuraya Honkan" - A high-end hotel with a "comfortable space" / Hyogo 3351941

This inn is located in Kinosaki onsen that represents Hyogo. Built in 1960, it features architecture also known as "modern sukiya". The imaginative space is sure to soothe the mind and body of guests while also providing enjoyment. Please note that the entire facility will be closed from Monday, May 27th to Thursday, July 4th, 2024 due to guest room renovation work.

A room overlooking a Japanese garden

A quiet room overlooking the Japanese garden3351942

Rooms are built around a Japanese garden. Why don't you open the window gently and enjoy the view of the garden while spending a relaxing time? Each interior and furnishing, such as the handrails, bagged cupboards, and lighted windows, are modest yet beautiful, and you will instantly feel that this is a nice room.

Relax in the open-air bath in your room

Relax in the open-air bath in your room3351943

Some rooms have open-air baths with different designs. This is the Asuka no Ma open-air bath. In the elegant garden, you can relax while listening to the sound of the wind, enjoying the sunshine and the starry sky. It's a luxurious space perfect for rewarding yourself.

Seasonal flavors of Tajima

Taste of Tajima in every season3351944

The region's proud ingredients include Tajima beef with excellent meat quality, Matsuba crab, seafood from the Sea of Japan, and rice grown in a beautiful environment where storks grow. You can enjoy rich ingredients in traditional Japanese cuisine.

Detailed information

onsen Nishimuraya Honkan

Hyogo / Kinosaki onsen, Toyooka/ ryokan

address
Hyogo 469 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City
access
[Car] About 25 minutes from Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway Tajima Airport IC [Train] 15 minutes on foot from Kinosaki onsen Station (ryokan association free bus available)

9. Spectacular views! Forget everything and relax at "Forest of the Sky" / Kagoshima

"Forest of the Sky" exterior 4606659 Sky

source:Posted by mogula

There are only 5 guest rooms on the site of about 13 Tokyo Domes. In a space where there is no one as far as the eye can see, you can monopolize the superb view that makes you feel like you are floating in the sky. Forget your title and let yourself be healed in an exceptional sense of openness.

Openness like no other

"Forest in the Sky" Interior view 9486493 Transcendence open-air bath

source:Contribution of GOGO Kobe

Each guest room has an open-air bath that is as open as possible. There is no one around, so you can relax as much as you want.

A dish full of ripe vegetables

"Tenku no Mori" Cuisine 152391752

source:Ramen is my staple food. Posted by

Seasonal vegetables are the star of the dish. The terraced fields on the premises are always growing 30 kinds of vegetables, so you can enjoy the fresh taste of each season. Replenish your energy by eating fresh vegetables grown in the land you visit.

Detailed information

forest in the sky

Kirishima onsen, Karei River / Hotel

address
3389 Kurisako, Makizono-cho, Yakukubota-shi, Kirishima-Kagoshima prefecture

data provision

10. The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas: A tropical resort Okinawa

10. The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas: A tropical resort you

A resort hotel in Yomitan Village on the main island of Okinawa, where sugar cane fields and the untouched beautiful sea spread out. It is the only member of Relais & Chateaux among Okinawa, which has many luxury inns.

Private pool to enjoy anytime

A private pool to enjoy anytime3351893

The guest rooms are villa-style with red-tiled roofs reminiscent of traditional Okinawan houses. All rooms are equipped with spacious pools, so you can fully enjoy the longed-for tropical resort life.

Dishes that focus on local production for local consumption

Locally produced cuisine3351936

While gazing at the sun setting over the sea of Okinawa, you can enjoy a dinner that focuses on local production for local consumption. Ingredients include herbs from the hotel's own vegetable garden, vegetables grown in Yomitan Village, and fresh fish from Miyakoya fishing port. Cooking with fresh ingredients from the southern country seems to make your body and mind healthy.

Detailed information

The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas

Okinawa / Yomitan / Okinawa / Resort Hotels

The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas
address
630-1 Uza, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa
access
About 70 minutes by car from Naha Airport (using Route 58 or Okinawa Expressway), about 90 minutes by airport limousine bus

First-class hotels where you want to stay when you need it most

Top-class hotels to stay at when you need them most3351928

How was it? Relais & Châteaux is an organization that originated in France, but all the inns are attractive not only to foreign tourists but also to Japanese people. If you want to enjoy “special luxury” once in a few years or once in a lifetime, why not consider staying at Relais & Châteaux.

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