9 Best Hotels & Ryokans with Private Saunas for Relaxation in Kansai

As the days of work and housework continue, fatigue will accumulate before you know it. If you are tired of such a stressful society, why not try the hot sauna? The feeling of “totou” from the core of the body is increasing in popularity regardless of gender. However, there must be people who say, “I want to be healed without worrying about other people,” “It’s hard to enter because I’m not used to it,” and “It would be nice if we could enjoy it as a couple.” For such people, a hotel or ryokan with a “private sauna” is recommended.

This time we will introduce recommended hotels and ryokan with private saunas in Kansai. The Kansai area is full of attractive spots, such as Hyogo, which is home to the popular onsen resort Arima onsen, and Kyoto, which has a soothing and relaxing townscape. After enjoying sightseeing, you can relax in your very own sauna. Let's fully enjoy such luxurious time♪

Arimasanso Gosho Bessho (Arima Sanso Goshobeiso) is located about 5 minutes by car from Kobe Electric Railway's Arima onsen station. It is a luxurious inn with only 10 guest rooms, all of which are detached rooms, on a vast site of about 1,400 tsubo (approximately 1,400 m2). onsen Located a short distance away from the town, you will not be bothered by the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. It is only about a 10-minute walk from the station, so you can head there while onsen eating and walking around town.

There are two types of guest rooms: one-story wooden villas with high ceilings and two-story wooden maisonettes facing the river. All rooms are suites with a size of 100 m2 or more, so you can spend a relaxing and spacious time. In addition, all rooms are equipped with a "thermal room (low-temperature sauna)" and a golden hot spring bath. The "Thermal Room" is kept at about 37℃, which is the most relaxing temperature for people, and you can expect an increase in immune function. After reading, chatting, or watching the TV provided, you can warm up as you wish, and then relax in the bathroom next door.

Some rooms have the world's first tree house type onsen "Corvo de Ouro". In an open space without a roof, you can have the ultimate relaxing experience as if you were part of the forest. Enjoy the golden onsen springs unique to Arima Onsen to your heart's content in a special location that can only be found here. Even in the large public bath in onsen building, you can enjoy onsen while bathing in the gentle light that comes in through the skylight.

meal are made with carefully selected ingredients, such as home-grown vegetables and rice, as well as high-quality Kobe beef and Tajima beef. You can also enjoy seasonal fresh fish procured at Akashiura fishing port, such as abalone and spiny lobster. The predecessor of Gosho Bessho was a hotel for foreigners who came to escape the summer heat. Inheriting that trend, you can enjoy unique Yamaya cuisine that perfectly matches the Japanese culture of Goshobo and the Western food culture of Kobe. The harmony that spreads in your mouth gently fills your tired heart.

"Setre Highland Villa" is a hotel located on Mt. Hiromine, about 20 minutes by car from JR Himeji Station. The scenery of Himeji that can be seen from everywhere in the hotel is attractive. After check-in, go to the club lounge where you can enjoy about 30 kinds of drinks and sweets for free. The "superb view from 300m above the ground" that spreads outside the window is a masterpiece. Overlooking the open cityscape of Himeji during the day, and immersing yourself in the sparkling night view at night.

There are 7 types of guest rooms. All rooms have a view of Himeji city. If you just stare out the window, your troubles will seem trivial. If you like saunas, be sure to stay in the "TOTONOI" guest room with a sauna, which is limited to one group per day. On the terrace, there is a barrel sauna, water bath, and open-air bathing space where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the "Harima Plains." It can accommodate up to 7 people, so you can enjoy it with your family or friends who like saunas.

Harima, where the hotel is located, is a blessed land with mountains, rivers, and the sea. Such seasonal materials of Harima are finished with a different theme each season. Among them, the cooked rice is reputed to be exquisite. If you have a plan with two meals, it will be "drink all-inclusive", so it's nice that you don't have to worry about the cost of drinks when you meal. Breakfast is a Japanese set meal with a variety of items that allow you to fully enjoy Hinohikari rice. You can start the day with a refreshing feeling while looking at the superb view.

After dinner, put the bath amenities in your room in the basket and go to the bath with a view overlooking Himeji city. In the spacious public bath, you can stretch out your limbs and relax. Togoru hot water has a mellow texture that can be expected to make your skin sticky. It is said to be effective in relieving fatigue and stiff shoulders, so let's wash away all the daily fatigue in Togoruyu.

The museum has a variety of healing spaces, such as a meditation space, a theater room, and a library. It's nice to decide how to spend your time as you please. Especially recommended is this "Healing Terrace" which boasts an outstanding sense of openness. While sitting on a deck chair, you can overlook the city of Himeji from the Hiromine mountain range. The gentle breeze will blow away the fatigue of your trip and the stress of everyday life.

About 5 minutes by car from Awaji IC, you will arrive at Villa Mon Temps Awaji, a private villa with an ocean view. As the name means "my time" in French, this is a space where you can spend your precious time in quality. When you open the door of the villa, the living room that spreads out in front of you is too luxurious! In the back is a large panoramic ocean view that will take your breath away.

The room consists of 3 spacious bedrooms and a living room, with a total area of 1,336 square meters. It can accommodate up to 10 people, so it is recommended for trips with friends or family. All bedrooms are equipped with baths and toilets, so you can spend your time without worrying. All of the rooms, each with their own charm, have an ocean view. Every room offers a spectacular view of the sea.

The main bedroom "Room 101" has a full-fledged private sauna. A relaxing space for adults where no one will disturb you. Adjacent to the sauna is a sleek Jacuzzi bath with lighting inside the tub. Of course, the jacuzzi bath also has an ocean view♪ Relax while looking out at the sea.

When you step out onto the terrace, there is an infinity pool where you can feel as if you are melting into the horizon, and an open-air bath where you can admire the blue sky and starry sky. Enjoy a luxurious time while enjoying the spectacular view that spreads out in front of you. In addition, the ``All Glass Terrace'', a room entirely made of glass, is fully equipped with air conditioning and heating for your comfort. You can enjoy a comfortable temperature regardless of the season.

BBQ is also possible at "All Glass Terrace". Enjoying dinner under an unobstructed starry sky will be an unforgettable experience. For those who want to leave the cooking to someone else, it is also a good idea to use the professional chef's on-site service, Otokudoku Ristorante. You can choose from a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese courses. Don't forget to make a reservation in advance.

``Ume, Yamazoe'' is an inn in Yamazoe Village, Nara that is limited to 3 groups per day. Located at the top of the village, this comfortable space is created by renovating a house that was built over 100 years ago. The concept is ``a slightly inconvenient hotel,'' making it the perfect environment for modern people to detox. Access is approximately 10 minutes by car from Yamazoe IC on the Meihan National Highway, and free transportation is available from Kintetsu Nabari Station. Please make sure to make a reservation at least two weeks in advance for transportation requests.

There are no TVs or perfect air conditioning in the limited 3 rooms. However, it allows you to take a closer look at moments that you might otherwise miss, such as the sounds of nature and the beautiful sunrise. If the weather conditions are right, you may be able to see a beautiful sea of clouds from your room. The room in the photo is "Mebuki" with a size of about 99.8 square meters, and it has a nice private semi-open-air bath. If you just stare at the scenery of the mountains, you will feel like your mind is reset.

The long-awaited sauna is an authentic Finnish sauna. At one of the few outdoor Finnish saunas in Japan, you can face yourself while listening to the crackling sound of firewood. Once your body has warmed up enough, let's soothe your body from the core with an open water bath and an open-air bath. It's great that both men and women can enjoy it together, as you'll be wearing a bathing suit. Swimsuits can be rented, but the number is limited, so it is safe to bring your own.

The dining room, which features splendid historical pillars and high ceilings, is a place of relaxation where you can feel the warmth of an old folk house. In particular, the U-shaped counter is made with the idea of "to be able to surround the dining table together." A special time to enjoy delicious Japanese food made with local ingredients from Yamazoe village with people gathered at the same place on the same day. The once-in-a-lifetime experience should remain as a beautiful memory.

“GRAX HANARE Kyoto Rurikei” surrounded by nature. An outdoor resort about 30 minutes by car or free shuttle bus from Sonobe Station on the JR Sanin Main Line. Near the inn is the Rurikei Gorge, which has been selected as one of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan. If you listen to the cool sound of the waterfall, the fog in your heart will be washed away. Once you step into the facility, you will be excited at the beginning of a stay that will release your mind and body.

All the rooms are two-story separate buildings that are rented out. It is fully equipped with facilities such as two bedrooms, a private deck, a kitchen and a bath where even a large number of people can stay comfortably. There is a glamping tent on the deck, so you can experience the feeling of glamping while staying in a comfortable villa. It's the perfect environment to forget everything and stretch your wings. All rooms are equipped with gas fireplaces and projectors, so you can spend a relaxing time as you please.

The sauna is in two of the 10 villas, "Villa with Private Tent Sauna". Surrounded by the pleasant scent of aromatic water and the hot air, the sauna is so paradise that you will want to go back and forth between the water bath and the open-air bath many times. In addition, guests can use the public baths and open-air baths of Rurikei onsen, which is about a 1-minute walk away, for free. After the sauna, take a leisurely soak in onsen to heal your daily fatigue.

Dinner is a full course BBQ where you can enjoy everything from appetizers to dessert. All cooking utensils and tableware are available for rent, and they also come with instructions on how to use them and how to cook them. You can do the cooking yourself, so you can enjoy the process of making it. For those who want to eat Japanese food, you can also choose the ``Waju three-tier Japanese meal plan,'' which mainly features sukiyaki hotpot.

When the sun goes down, go to the TAKIBI Terrace, which is located in the shared space in the center of the hall. Let's talk slowly around the flaming bonfire. The bonfire is lit between 20:00 and 21:00, so it is recommended that you finish your dinner by then and relax here. You should be able to naturally and honestly talk about deep stories that you can't usually do, such as love stories and your future life.

About 25 minutes by car from JR Kameoka Station, "Satoyama Holiday onsen" is located in the innermost part of "Yunohana Onsenkyo". This is an all-inclusive inn with 8 free perks such as dinner drinks, bars, and activities. There is also a “Satoyama Garden” with its own farm and footbath, and a glamping facility that can be enjoyed all year round, so you can enjoy a relaxing stay in nature. At the lobby counter, hot baked sweet potatoes as well as free welcome drinks. It will warm your stomach and heart.

The seven types of guest rooms have a quiet atmosphere where you can forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The ``Superior Room with Open-air Bath (Private Sauna)'' where you can enjoy a sauna is a comfortable space that takes maximum consideration to the indoor environment. It is packed with relaxing features such as ``Yogibo Max,'' which takes care of your tired body, and ``MOKUMO Pillow,'' a low-resilience pillow that makes you feel like you're sleeping on a cloud. You can also choose your own loungewear, so relax in your own style.

The outdoor terrace of the guest room with sauna is equipped with an open-air bath that you can enjoy as much as you like. The adjoining "Private Sauna Room" is set at 55-60°C, which is said to be less stressful on the body, so you can spend a relaxing time. The far-infrared relaxation and bedrock bath plates are easy to warm up, and the sweating effect is about twice that of a high-temperature sauna. Even those who are unfamiliar with saunas can use it with confidence, as it is very effective with a small amount of effort.

Dinner and breakfast are served in dining rooms with different tastes. Dinner will be served at "Ishigama Dining Hanari" where you can feel the warmth of wood. The far-infrared effect of the stone kiln enhances the flavor of the ingredients to the utmost. Let's slowly enjoy Japanese cuisine with the condensed taste of the season in a course. The Japanese breakfast at "Satoyama Dining Daichi", where the sun shines, is full of the blessings of Satoyama grown on our own farm. From the first bite, your heart will be warmed up.

One of the charms of this inn is that you can enjoy the historical Yunohana onsen, where warriors of the Sengoku period healed their wounds. You can relax to the fullest in the large communal bath with tatami mats and the open-air rock bath. There is also a nice service that you can choose from 3 types of shampoo and treatment. You can enjoy your bath time more by trying out the brands you're interested in and using different products in the morning and at night.

"SPA & HOTEL Suishun Matsui Yamate" is a hotel about a 6-minute walk from Matsui Yamate Station on the JR Gakkentoshi Line. There are plenty of facilities such as a relaxing "recliner room", a fitness gym equipped with the latest machines, and onsen with two types of saunas, all of which can be used free of charge. There are eight types of guest rooms, including Western-style rooms and Japanese-style rooms. There are also guest rooms with open-air natural onsen spring baths, so if you want to enjoy onsen in private, please do so.

There are 17 types of unique baths, just like an attraction. In addition to super carbonated springs, hot springs, and milk ion baths, you can also enjoy two types of saunas. Private sauna is in a paid private room sauna. You are free to do whatever you want, such as doing a massage whenever you like, or meditating while listening to your favorite music on a Bluetooth speaker! After the sauna, lie down on the "Totoi Bed" for the ultimate relaxation. Immerse yourself in your very own world.

For meal inside the hotel, you can choose between a Japanese restaurant or an Italian bar. After you've enjoyed meal, why not try the hotel's specialty, the white bear ice, which is fluffy shaved ice topped with plenty of fruit and syrup at the drink and dessert bar "Patio"? “White Mountain”, which is a “white bear” topped with soft serve ice cream, is also popular. It seems to be even more delicious if you eat it after a sauna or bath ♪

About 7 minutes by car from Hikone Station on the JR Biwako Line, "Biwakohan Ajikaku no Yado Futabaso" is the only one in Hikone City that is built along Lake Biwa. All rooms overlook Lake Biwa, and the inn is conveniently located just a minute's walk from the shore of Lake Biwa. In the surrounding area, there are spots that can be enjoyed in each season, such as "Kaizu Osaki", which has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots", making it a perfect base for sightseeing.

All 14 guest rooms are a modern Japanese space with a calm atmosphere. Each room has a name such as the mountains surrounding Lake Biwa, the islands floating in Lake Biwa, and the colors inspired by the scenery of Lake Biwa. The color scheme of the interior is based on the ever-changing scenery of Lake Biwa. All rooms have tatami mats, but there are rooms with beds, so choose the one that suits your taste.

You can enjoy a private sauna in the guest room "Hira", which has a sauna, an open-air bath, and a cold water bath. There is a Shigaraki ware sauna stone in the sauna room, where you can spend a relaxing time surrounded by the scent of selectable aromatic oils and Ibuki medicinal herbs. After working up a lot of sweat, go to the water bath or open-air bath with a view of Lake Biwa. You can experience the blissful "toi" while sitting on a spacious deck chair and taking a bath in the open air.

As the saying goes, ``Inn of Taste,'' the inn's greatest pride is its food. You can enjoy delicious and creative Japanese cuisine based on locally harvested Omi ingredients. The inn's specialty, Kamonabe, which is only available during the winter, is also delicious. Also, when you think of Shiga, you think of Omi Beef, and Futabaso only uses certified Omi Beef, which is of particularly high quality. We recommend tasting the exquisite certified Omi beef at the ``Omi Beef Taste Comparison Kaiseki'' where you can try 3 types: teppanyaki, shabu-shabu, and sukiyaki. Spend a happy time while enjoying a wide selection of local sake.

The glamping facility “THE ROSE VILLAGE” was born in Shigaraki, a pottery town full of nature. It is located about 7 minutes by car from Shigaraki Station on the Shigaraki Line, and it takes about 30 minutes by car from downtown Kyoto. The room is a private villa that can be reserved for one building. With high airtight and high insulation specifications, you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably all year round. The facility is located in the clear air of Shigaraki Kogen. During the day you can feel the richness of nature, and at night you can enjoy a luxurious time when the sky is filled with stars.

There are 5 private villas in total. There are one-story and two-story buildings, and you can choose according to the number of guests and your preferences. The entire building is equipped with a private wooden deck, where you can freely enjoy the BBQ and wood-burning outdoor fireplace. In winter, you can use patio heaters (gas parasol-type heaters) to keep warm while you are outside. There is also a pool in the center of the facility, and you can relax just by relaxing in the fireplace space by the pool.

There is a shared electric public lory sauna, but if you want to enjoy it in private, you can use the trailer sauna (indoor capacity 4 people) for private use. It is a complete reservation system limited to one group per day, and you can use it freely such as a wood-fired steam sauna and a dry sauna. Some even use it as a warm room with a wood-burning sauna heater. There is no doubt that the sauna full of excitement unique to the trailer will be a memory that you can talk about forever.

For food, enjoy a full-fledged glamping BBQ supervised by three Japanese, Western, and Chinese chefs. Let's make the finish with our own hands and eat freshly made. The menu includes special Japanese black beef sirloin and coarsely ground wieners, as well as Chinese-style steamed fish, which is rare in glamping, and fluffy seasonal rice cooked in an earthenware pot. Enjoy the Japanese-Western-Chinese collaboration that you can only taste here.

Daily fatigue and stress unconsciously put a burden on the body. Before you reach your limit, let's refresh yourself in the sauna. With a private sauna, you can enjoy it freely without worrying about your surroundings, and you don't have to worry about it. You can stay overnight after the sauna, so it will be even more soothing. Step into a hotel and ryokan with a private sauna where you can spend your time without hesitation.