Since you are going to travel, you want to make your trip enjoyable.
In particular, the casual attitude or words of the staff at the hotel or ryokan where you are staying during your trip can ruin your entire trip and make it a bad memory.
On the other hand, the high quality hospitality of the staff can make your trip a very pleasant experience.
Therefore, we have selected and ranked the top hotels and inns in Japan with the highest reputation and satisfaction by word of mouth. We have also compiled and explained them in an easy-to-understand manner based on the vast amount of word-of-mouth information.
We have ranked only the top hotels and inns among tens of thousands of hotels and inns, so if you want to make a pleasant travel memory, please take a look at the ranking.
The number of reviews (popularity) is based on the total number of reviews on each of the word-of-mouth/review sites (Rakuten Travel, Yahoo Travel, Ikkyu, Jalan, etc.), which gives an idea of the degree of popularity. In addition, the rating of the reviews (reputation and satisfaction) is calculated by averaging the five-level rating on each of the comment/review sites, and indicates the level of reputation and satisfaction.
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Ranking of hotels and ryokans in order of reputation and satisfaction based on reviews
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction) tend to be higher the fewer the number of guest rooms. The reason for this trend is that hotels and inns with fewer guest rooms differentiate themselves by providing high-quality hospitality that goes above and beyond the needs of their guests by taking better care of each individual guest and creating a more private atmosphere.
Because they accommodate a small number of guests, they are more visible, attentive, and courteous. This increases the quality of hospitality.
However, when the number of guest rooms is small, the number of word-of-mouth reviews (popularity) tends to be lower than that of hotels and inns with a larger number of rooms.
In general, the greater the number of word-of-mouth reviews (popularity), the more credible the word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction). However, since a variety of guests will be staying at a hotel, it is difficult to completely satisfy their needs, and the word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction) will appear slightly lower.
For this reason, large, very well-known hotels and inns that everyone knows do not rank high in this ranking.
1st place:Hotel Kazeno Kaori MORI premier
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Hotel Kazeno Kaori MORI premier |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.85 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 356 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 7 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 901-121 Yoshida, Ito-shi, Shizuoka, Japan |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://www.kazenokaori.jp/mori/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Hotel Kazeno Kaori MORI premier
- Still new after opening on April 20, 2021
- Hidden inn with only 7 rooms nestled in a vast forest
- High quality of customer service
- All-inclusive and amenities!
- Free private outdoor baths, karaoke room and bar
2nd place:Hotel Futari Komorebi
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Hotel Futari Komorebi |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.83 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 935 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 10 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 3594-809, Tomeuda, Usami, Ito-shi, Shizuoka, Japan |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://komorebi.bz/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Hotel Futari Komorebi
- Minimum 60 minutes from central Tokyo
- Located on a hill overlooking Sagami Bay, Izu Oshima, and Hatsushima Island, this is a luxurious hotel in the sky!
- With only 10 guest rooms, the hotel is like a hideaway where you can enjoy a sense of privacy.
- All rooms have an ocean view facing Sagami Bay, and are equipped with a bath with a free-flowing hot-spring water source.
- The hotel is all-inclusive, so you can enjoy free drinks including wine, sake, whiskey, and other alcoholic beverages.
- The hospitality of the staff is also well-received by word of mouth!
2nd place:One Suite THE GRAND
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | One Suite THE GRAND |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.83 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 822 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 22 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 2451 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://onesuite.thegrand.jp/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of One Suite THE GRAND
- Located on a hill overlooking the East China Sea, this luxurious hotel features an infinity pool!
- The hotel staff is friendly and their hospitality is evident in every detail!
- Surprises are plentiful, and the service far exceeds expectations and is highly satisfying.
- We have also partnered with La BOMBANCE, whose main restaurant is located in Nishiazabu, Tokyo, and the food is exquisite!
- The dinner and wine pairing by the sommelier is exquisite♪
- We also offer a full range of activities to enjoy the nature of Kouri Island, including chartered boat cruises, river trekking, and more.
4th Place:Ocean Terrace Ajisai
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Ocean Terrace Ajisai |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.82 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 1063 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 5 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 1034-181 Minami-Rokko, Rokkosan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture |
Official website of the Travel Inn | http://ajisai-ocean-terrace.com/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Ocean Terrace Ajisai
- Five guest rooms overlooking the rich four seasons of Rokko and the night view of Kobe, which is said to be worth 10 million dollars.
- Luxurious guest rooms with a relaxed atmosphere
- Open-air Jacuzzi bath on the rooftop
- Cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients from Kobe
- Amenities include a full range of amenities
5th Place:Unzen Kyushu Hotel – Mt Resort
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Unzen Kyushu Hotel – Mt Resort |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.81 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 2565 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 21 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 320 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://kyushuhtl.co.jp/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Unzen Kyushu Hotel – Mt Resort
- Unzen Kyushu Hotel – Mt Resort overlooking Unzen Hell
- A hotel-style hot spring hotel that was renovated in 2018 and offers a sense of quality and a leisurely flow of time suitable for an adult’s trip.
- All rooms are equipped with a half-open-air bath with free-flowing hot-spring water, which is a muddy white, thick sulfur spring.
- Gourmet food is the main ingredient of the dinner, which is mainly Western cuisine such as French and Italian.
- They have a high awareness of hospitality and healing. Also, the quality of the clientele is good, and you can fully enjoy the feeling of traveling in a relaxed atmosphere.
6th Place:Kurokawa Onsen Gosyo Gekkoujyu
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Kurokawa Onsen Gosyo Gekkoujyu |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.79 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 904 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 8 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 6777-2 Manganji, Minami-Oguni Town, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://gekkoujyu.com/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Kurokawa Onsen Gosyo Gekkoujyu
- It is relatively new, having been in business for only about 5 years!
- The inn is like a hideaway, with only 8 buildings on a 4,000 tsubo site, tucked away in the forest.
- Open-air hot spring baths with spring water flowing from the source, and the water quality is weakly alkaline simple hot spring.
- Enjoy the seasonal flavors of the four seasons by making the most of the abundant ingredients such as brand beef, local vegetables, and wild plants.
- You can spend your stay in comfort with little contact with other guests.
6th Place:Onsen Ryokan Yamaki
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Onsen Ryokan Yamaki |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.79 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 1261 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 8 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 844 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://yamaki-onsen.com/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Onsen Ryokan Yamaki
- Quiet environment surrounded by rich nature, 30 minutes by car from Nasu Interchange
- An inn suitable to be called a “retreat house” with only 8 rooms of modern architecture
- Reproduction of an open-air bath with free-flowing hot-spring water and an ancient standing bath in Itamuro Onsen.
- The spring is an alkaline simple spring with a pH of 9.7, which is called “hot water for beautiful skin” and makes your skin smooth and silky.
- Cuisine that makes the most of local ingredients and emphasizes the “season” as indicated by the ingredients of each season.
- Carefully selected bedding, including pressure mattresses, to ensure a good night’s sleep.
- Families with babies are kindly catered for by our staff.
8th Place:Shiobara Onsen Ryokan kanon
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Shiobara Onsen Ryokan kanon |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.77 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 770 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 10 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 23 Kamishiohara, Nasushiobara, Tochigi, Japan |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://www.shiobara-kanon.jp/ |
Features of Shiobara Onsen Ryokan kanon
- Surrounded by nature, you can hear the murmuring of the river and the sound of trees blowing in the wind, making for a quiet and relaxing stay!
- Since it has been in business for only five years, the building is new inside and out.
- There are 4 types of 10 rooms in total, all of which have an open-air bath overlooking the river, a private garden, massage chairs, and humidified air purifiers.
- The large public bathhouse has an indoor bath, a reclining bath, and an open-air bath with a depth of 120 cm to enjoy a standing bath, as well as a sauna and a bedrock bath.
- The hot spring water is slightly alkaline, which makes your skin smooth and silky. It is also rich in metasilicic acid, which is an ingredient for beautiful skin, making it a great hot spring for women.
- There is a time limit, but free drinks, including alcohol, are available.
- The freshest fish is carefully selected and shipped directly from various regions, and the finest ingredients, including A5-ranked Tochigi Wagyu beef, are used in abundance.
8th Place:Takanawa Hanakohro – Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa Annex
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Takanawa Hanakohro – Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa Annex |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.77 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 291 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 16 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 3-13-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://www.princehotels.co.jp/hanakohro/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Takanawa Hanakohro – Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa Annex
- For the second year in a row, the hotel has received the highest ranking of 5 stars in the hotel category of the Forbes Travel Guide 2022, which rates first-class hospitality.
- A Japanese-style ryokan located in the heart of Tokyo, quietly nestled in a vast Japanese garden of approximately 20,000 square meters.
- A total of 16 rooms of four types offer a relaxing space that combines traditional Japanese beauty with modern functionality.
- In addition to Lounge Sakura Sai in Takanawa Hanakaji, guests can also use the other three hotel lounges on the premises.
- All accommodation plans include only breakfast, and the Japanese-style breakfast, whose menu changes each time, is more voluminous and presentable than any other at the inn, and is reputed to be sumptuous and very tasty!
- Amenities are also of high quality and well stocked
10th Place:DHC Akazawa Onsen Hotel
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | DHC Akazawa Onsen Hotel |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.76 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 760 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 15 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 163-1 Ukiyama, Akazawa, Ito-shi, Shizuoka, Japan |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://www.izuakazawa.jp/geihinkan/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of DHC Akazawa Onsen Hotel
- Inn operated by DHC, famous for selling supplements and cosmetics
- The hotel is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, and the interior design is of the highest quality and luxury, with attention to every detail.
- All rooms are equipped with elegant open-air baths with luxurious deep sea water.
- Enjoy kaiseki cuisine using carefully selected seasonal ingredients from all over Japan, in addition to fresh fish landed on the Izu Peninsula.
- Amenities include cosmetics made by DHC.
- Spa, bowling and other facilities
10th Place:Portom International Hokkaido
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Portom International Hokkaido |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.76 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 550 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 171 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | New Chitose Airport International Passenger Terminal Bldg. 4F, Bizi, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://www.portom.jp/jp/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Portom International Hokkaido
- Opening at New Chitose Airport International Passenger Terminal in 2020
- Directly connected to the international terminal, making access to the airport very convenient.
- High quality atmosphere reminiscent of an art museum
- Luxurious and relaxing atmosphere befitting a luxury hotel
- The cuisine is presented using the delicate techniques of Kyoto cuisine and French cuisine, making the most of Hokkaido’s seasonal ingredients so that all five senses can enjoy the delicacies of Hokkaido.
- The traditional Japanese elements scattered throughout the hotel, combined with the latest technology, create a modern and stylish impression.
- The high quality of the staff’s hospitality and their generous service to meet irregular requests.
10th Place:Kusayane no Yado Ryunohige
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Kusayane no Yado Ryunohige |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.76 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 1954 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 10 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 1253-8 Kawanishi, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://ryunohige.com/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Kusayane no Yado Ryunohige
- A “forest resort” surrounded by nature with a view of Mt.
- The resort has a total of only 10 guest rooms, including 5 cottage-type rooms and 5 rooms in the villa, all of which have different atmospheres.
- The hot spring water is a mixture of two types of simple hot spring water, “slightly acidic” and “slightly alkaline,” and can be enjoyed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Enjoy a creative kaiseki cuisine featuring mainly “Oita Wagyu” beef, local vegetables, and mountain delicacies in a private dining room.
10th Place:Shojuen
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Shojuen |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.76 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 2331 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 13 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 1048 Sarugakyo Onsen, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://shojuen.com/JP/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Shojuen
- A one-story hot spring hotel with only 13 rooms on a vast site of 2,400 tsubo (approximately 2,400 m2)
- Among the many legends about Sarugakyo Onsen, there is an anecdote about a “Zashiki Warashi” (a type of guardian deity) that can be found at Seijuen.
- Guest rooms are spacious and relaxing in a Japanese style.
- Half of the indoor bathtub is covered with river stones, which stimulate the pressure points on the soles of your feet and relieve foot fatigue.
- It is a clear, colorless, high-quality hot spring that is moist and comfortable on the skin.
- The meals are prepared with local ingredients, and the dinner is so large that it is hard to eat it all, and it is popular for its deliciousness by word of mouth!
14th Place:Katakura Silk Hotel
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Katakura Silk Hotel |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.75 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 1954 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 10 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 4-1-43 Kogan Dori, Suwa City, Nagano, Japan |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://katakura-silkhotel.co.jp/ |
Features of Katakura Silk Hotel
- The Katakura Silk Hotel, a Western-style building located by the lake overlooking Suwa Lake, just opened in April 2021!
- From the balcony of your room, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Suwa Lake, and in summer, you will be soothed by the beautiful fireworks display over the lake!
- Unlike the modern exterior, the inside of the hotel has a relaxed atmosphere, yet is gorgeous and prestigious, allowing you to fully enjoy an extraordinary experience!
- All rooms are equipped with a half-open-air bath with free-flowing hot-spring water, so you can enjoy the hot spring 24 hours a day, and from the half-open-air bath you can enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Suwa.
- The quality of the hot spring water is simple (slightly alkaline, hypotonic high hot spring), and the skin feels smooth and silky after bathing.
- The Shinshu Premium Beef is popular by word of mouth for its tenderness and deliciousness!
- Car wash service is available, so your car will be sparkling clean after getting dirty during your trip.
14th Place:Asebino
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Asebino |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.75 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 1997 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 18 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 1931-1 Yugashima, Izu City, Shizuoka, Japan |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://www.asebino.com/#1 |
Features of Asebino
- Located on Amagi-Yugashima, almost in the center of the Izu Peninsula and blessed with lush greenery, this hot spring resort was frequented by literary figures such as Yasushi Inoue and Yasunari Kawabata.
- Enjoy the beautiful, crystal-clear mountain stream below, the fresh greenery in spring, and the autumn leaves in fall, while enjoying an open-air bath with free-flowing hot-spring water.
- The open-air baths in the large bathrooms are of an impressive size and blend in with the surrounding nature.
- The spring water is a mixture of simple hot spring water and calcium sodium sulfate spring water, leaving you with smooth skin after bathing in the hot spring.
- The cuisine is not only delicious, but also seasonal, and the meticulously prepared dishes are served in beautiful dishes that are visually pleasing and well received.
16th Place:Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.74 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 2118 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 41 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 1394 Ohara, Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko-shi, Tochigi |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://kinugawakanaya.com/ |
View on Expedia’s official website
Features of Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel
- Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel, overlooking the Kinugawa River Valley, is a traditional hotel that opened in 1931.
- The hotel is only 2 hours away from central Tokyo, so it is easily accessible.
- From the terraces of all guest rooms, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kinugawa River Valley from all four seasons.
- A luxurious menu based on kaiseki cuisine with a Western touch, offering a wide variety of dishes.
- After your meal, you can enjoy chocolates with unique flavors such as sansho (Japanese pepper) and brandy, which are very popular by word of mouth.
- The hot spring water is alkaline simple hot spring water that is gentle on the skin.
17th Place:Kawabata No Yuyado Takitei
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Kawabata No Yuyado Takitei |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.73 cases |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 818 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 27 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 23-10 Sue-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://takitei.co.jp/ |
Features of Kawabata No Yuyado Takitei
- Kanazawa’s best sightseeing hot-spring hotel, about 30 minutes from Kanazawa Station and 12 minutes by car from Kenrokuen Garden.
- The Saigawa River, loved by the great writer Saisei Muroo, flows right in front of the inn.
- The half-open-air baths in the guestrooms have free-flowing hot spring water, and the open-air baths in the large bathrooms also have a view of the waterfall, allowing you to relax and unwind while listening to the refreshing sound of the waterfall.
- The mildly alkaline spring water, which moisturizes your skin beautifully, is also called “Tsuru-tsuru-yu” (smooth water), and is especially popular among women for making their skin smooth and smooth.
- The optional dishes, “grilled throat grouper” and “Noto beef steak,” are said to be delicious!
18th Place:Izu Hotel Resort & Spa
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Izu Hotel Resort & Spa |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.72 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 1078 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 26 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 1457-30 Naramoto, Higashi Izu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://www.izu-hotel.com/ |
Features of Izu Hotel Resort & Spa
- Magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the Izu Islands. Small premier resort with 26 rooms all with ocean view and hot spring open-air baths.
- From the open-air baths, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Izu’s nature and marine blue.
- Both the guest rooms and the open-air baths in the large bathrooms are free-flowing hot-spring water, sodium chloride and sulfate hot-spring water.
- The open-air baths in the large bathrooms have no windows, giving you an overwhelming sense of openness and a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and the Izu Islands!
- In the center of the garden’s cool water basin, there is also a counter seating area where guests can enjoy a footbath.
- For dinner, you can enjoy a European-style Western-style course meal using carefully selected ingredients such as seafood from Sagami Bay and Suruga Bay.
19th Place:Chita Peninsula Umino Shougetsu
Name of Inn (Hotel/Inn) | Chita Peninsula Umino Shougetsu |
Word-of-mouth ratings (reputation and satisfaction):Out of 5 points | 4.71 points |
Number of reviews (popularity) | 1273 cases |
Number of guest rooms | 10 rooms |
Travel Lodging Locations | 80 Maeyama, Uchiumi, Minamichita-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi, Japan |
Official website of the Travel Inn | https://umi-shougetsu.jp/ |
Features of Chita Peninsula Umino Shougetsu
- Easy access from Nagoya city, about 1 hour by car
- With a total of 10 rooms, the “Hideout” has a private and relaxed atmosphere
- Spectacular view of Ise Bay from the inn on the Chita Peninsula
- All rooms have an open-air bath with a beautiful view and a sense of openness
- Great reputation by word of mouth for the outstanding appearance of the food and delicious taste
- High quality of staff hospitality
Summary of recommended travel accommodations (hotels and inns)
When we researched recommended travel accommodations, the higher the ranking, the more specific the positive aspects of the accommodation tended to be mentioned in word-of-mouth reviews. The reviews tended to be more specific, with the higher the ranking, the more specific the positive aspects of the inn were.
The hospitality and surprises of the staff at all of the lodges exceeded expectations, and I could see why they were so popular. Once again, I was reminded of the importance of hospitality.
I have written this article in the hope that you, the reader, will also have an enjoyable trip and that this article will be helpful to you. Thank you for reading to the end.
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