20 Lodgings in Kansai

Introducing Ekoin, a popular shukubo (temple lodging) at Mt. Koya (Koyasan) that has gained great popularity among LIVE JAPAN readers. Due to its high demand, it is recommended to make reservations about 4 months in advance. Staying here provides an opportunity to enjoy quiet time and traditional cultural experiences, and is sure to refresh both mind and body.

A beautiful Japanese inn that has maintained its traditional appearance and hospitality

Enjoy the perfect blend of thrill and tranquility at LIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN, an official hotel, adored by LIVE JAPAN readers. Located a stone's throw from the celebrated Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, it's an ideal retreat after a day filled with adventure. Indulge in a blissful spa experience, complete with a natural hot spring and sauna, set within the hotel's serene confines.

The Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a five-star accommodation, is situated in the vicinity of Namba Station, a prime tourist hotspot in Osaka. It is guaranteed to charm our LIVE JAPAN readers! On the top floor, there's a rooftop eatery where you can savor delectable dishes while admiring the impressive panorama. The combination of gourmet food and mesmerizing views is bound to turn your stay into an extraordinary experience. It is an ideal destination for those looking to indulge in a lavish getaway with family or friends. By choosing to stay here, you're on track to creating remarkable memories.

Built in the Meiji era and registered as a cultural asset, Toshiharu Ryokan offers traditional accommodation just a 3-minute walk from Gojo Station and 1 subway stop from JR Kyoto Train Station. Massages are available. Guests at Ryokan Toshiharu sleep in Japanese futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor, and have air conditioning. Green tea and a Yukata robe are provided, and some rooms look out on a small garden. The ryokan is 1 km from Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and about a 15-minute walk from Gojo-Ohashi Bridge and the Kamogawa River. Daimaru Department Store is 900 metres away. Although shared, baths are reserved and then used privately in turns. For breakfast, guests can choose to savour a Japanese served at an additional charge.

Situated in Sumoto, 2.7 km from Ohama Beach, Shimahana features accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. Featuring a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation provides free shuttle service, and luggage storage for guests. At the hotel, the rooms have a balcony. All rooms in Shimahana are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The wellness area at Shimahana is comprised of a sauna, a hot tub and a hot spring bath. Guests at the hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Sumoto, like cycling. Tokushima Awaodori Airport is 52 km from the property.

Hotel New Awaji offers spacious rooms with beautiful sea views, some with a private outdoor bath. It features public hot spring baths, an outdoor sea-side pool and 5 dining options. Rooms at Hotel New Awaji have tatami-mat flooring and traditional futon bedding. They are fitted with an LCD TV and a fridge. Some rooms have a terrace and a private open-air bath. Guests can relax with various types of massages including Thai, Hawaiian and Thalassotherapy. Hotel New Awaji has a playground and offers bicycle rentals. Guests with a dinner-inclusive rate can enjoy traditional Japanese meals, prepared with fresh seafood and Awaji beef, in the room. Home-made pastry can be enjoyed in tea lounge Seagull, while night lounge Hibiscus offers karaoke and Bar Awaji features jazz music. Hotel New Awaji is a 10-minute ride from the Sumoto Express Bus Centre, with the hotel’s complimentary shuttle. Sumoto-jo Castle is a 10-minute drive away.

Offering tranquil outdoor hot-spring baths with nature views, a Nakai-san personal attendant, karaoke, massages and sumptuous Kaiseki dinners, Yunominesou is a 10-minute walk from Tsuboyu hot spring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The traditional rooms at Yunominesou Ryokan have sliding paper screens, floor cushions and Japanese futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Guests can relax in the Yukata robe or watch the LCD TV. All rooms include a toilet, an electric kettle and a fridge. The ryokan is a 10-minute walk from the beautiful Kumano Kodo forest path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is 37 km from JR Shingu Train Station and 53 km from JR Kiitanabe Train Station. On-site parking is free. Guests can enjoy a game of ping-pong or billiards, or browse the gift shop. Two private hot-spring bathes can be used when it's available. A set-menu Japanese breakfast and dinner are served at the property restaurant. Guests with dinner included in the rate must check in by 18:30 to eat dinner at the property. Guests checking in after this time may not be served dinner, and no refund will be given. There are no restaurants in the area, so dining at the hotel is recommended.

Featuring an open-air bath and views of quiet street, Ryokan Asukasou at the entrancne of Nara park is a recently renovated ryokan located in Nara, 1.8 km from Nara Station. It is set 20 km from Iwafune Shrine and provides a lift. There is a terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi, free private parking and an electric vehicle charging station. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. There is also a well-fitted kitchenette in some of the units equipped with a microwave. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 23 km from the ryokan, while Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 24 km away. Itami Airport is 54 km from the property.

Located in Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 高野山 宿坊 常喜院 -Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin- offers free private parking. All rooms include a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Rooms have a shared bathroom. 高野山 宿坊 常喜院 -Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin- features free WiFi throughout the property. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can participate in the morning prayers upon request. The property is a minute's walk from Kongobu-ji Temple. The temple building is also situated nearby.

Located right in front of Shirahama Beach, Shiraraso Grand Hotel offers both Japanese-style accommodations and Western rooms with a tatami area. Rooms come with ocean views and Japanese Yukata robes. Guest can relax in the indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths and request relaxing massages for an extra charge. The hotel is a 10-minute drive or bus ride from JR Shirahama Train Station. Free WiFi is available in all areas. In the room, guests can sit by the seating area with low tables and enjoy watching the TV. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. An outdoor swimming pool is open during the summer season and guests can purchase local products at the souvenir shop. Private reservable hot-spring baths can be requested and a game room is available as well. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. Guests can enjoy diving in the area throughout the year, and beach illumination lights attract tourists from December to February. A traditional multi-course dinner and a Japanese breakfast set are served at the dining room. Fresh local seafood dishes are offered at Isokaze restaurant. Hotel Grand Shiraraso is a 15-minute drive from Adventure World. The Sandanbeki Caves and Toretore Market are located a 10-minute drive away. Nanki Shirahama Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

From its hilltop location, Ijika Daiichi Hotel Kagura features beautiful sunrise and ocean views, hot spring baths and karaoke. It serves Japanese cuisine, and offers a free shuttle to/from Kintetsu Toba Station upon advance reservation. Massage treatments can be arranged. Guests at Kagura Ijika Daiichi Hotel can unwind in public indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, which are separate for men and women. They can play table tennis or experience feeding wild hawks. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, free parking and vending machines for drinks and snacks. The property offers rooms with a Japanese-style area, some boasting a private open-air hot spring bath. They are fitted with beds or traditional futon bedding, and include an LCD TV, a fridge and yukata robes. An air humidifier and toiletries are provided. A breakfast buffet with Japanese and Western food is catered daily at the dining room. A kaiseki traditional multi-course dinner is served at the dining room, while some rooms include private dining in the guest room. Ijika Daiichi Hotel Kagura is a 25-minute drive from Mikimoto Pearl Island or Kintetsu Toba Train Station. The Ise Jingu Shrine or historical theme park Azuchi Momoyama Era Village (Ise Azuchi Momoyama Bunka Mura) can be visited a 1-hour drive away.

Boasting a spacious garden overlooking the Kumano-Nada Sea and the gentle mountains along the coast, Yado Kayuu features hot-spring baths, a summertime outdoor pool, tennis courts and Japanese rooms with sea views. Traditional Kaiseki Japanese cuisine is available for dinner. Guests at Hana Irodori no Yado Kayuu sleep in futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Each air-conditioned room has an en suite bathroom and an electric kettle. Slippers are also provided. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from JR Kii-Katsuura Train Station on the Kisei Line, and a free shuttle is offered. It is a 10-minute walk to the Taijicho Whale Museum and Taiji Kujirahama Park.

Kyoto Ryokan SAKANOUE offers Japanese-style accommodation with tatami (woven-straw) flooring with traditional futon bedding and Japanese Modern Room with Twin and Double bed. The Wi-Fi is available in the all areas. The Kyoto Ryokan SAKANOUE is in close proximity of Gion’s historical spots. It is a 5-minute walk to the Yasaka Shrine or Kodaiji Temple, and a 15-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Rooms are air-conditioned and fitted with a TV and electric kettle . They come with a private bathroom including a shower and bathtub. Spacious baths are available on site, upon request. The Kyoto-Style Inn provides luggage storage.

Featuring a Japanese garden, hot-spring baths and a vase gallery, Mikuniya is 250 metres from JR Kinosaki-Onsen Train Station. The Japanese rooms have a DVD player and traditional futon beds. Air-conditioned rooms with tatami (woven-straw) floors and shoji paper screens await guests at Mikuniya Ryokan. Each room has an electric kettle and en suite toilet. Bathrooms are shared. Located in the Shirosaki Onsen area, Mikuniya is a 2-minute walk from Sato-no-yu Outdoor Public Hot Spring. The ryokan is 1 km from Kinosaki Ropeway. Kinosaki Marine World is 4.5 km away. Three private baths are available for use free of charge (No reservation required). Free Wi-Fi are offered. Japanese-style breakfasts and dinners are served.

Just a 7-minute walk from Higashiyama Subway Station and Heian Shrine, the completely non-smoking Kyoto Travellers Inn offers bicycle rental, a restaurant and rooms with a flat-screen TV and free internet. The cosy rooms at Travellers Inn Kyoto include a refrigerator and private bathroom. Guests can choose a classical Western room with sofa or traditional Japanese room with futon bedding and tatami floor. Kyoto Municipal Zoo is just a 3-minute walk from the hotel, and Nanzen-ji Temple is only a 10-minute walk. Yasaka Shrine and the Gion area are about a 15-minute walk away. Guests can unwind with a massage or soak in the hot public bath. The friendly English-speaking staff offer luggage storage and laundry services. Free WiFi is available in public areas. A designated smoking area is also available for smokers. The hotel’s restaurant is open for all meals and serves Japanese and Western dishes.

1.2 km from Ura Shrine in Toba, Ryouri no yado Ginrin features accommodation with access to a public bath and open-air bath. Featuring free private parking, the 3-star ryokan is 24 km from Ise Grand Shrine. The property is non-smoking and is situated 23 km from Oharai-machi. The ryokan features a flat-screen TV. Towels and bed linen are available in the ryokan. The accommodation offers an air conditioning, a heating and a private bathroom. Toba Sea-Folk Museum is 3.6 km from the ryokan, while Ijika Lighthouse is 5 km from the property. Nagoya Airport is 165 km away.

Hotel Sanrakuso features Japanese-style rooms with beautiful ocean views. Guests can soak in the hot-spring baths or request for relaxing massages during their stay. A free shuttle runs between the hotel and JR Shirahama Train Station, which is a 30-minute drive. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and an electric kettle with green tea. Each has tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon bedding. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy singing at the hotel’s karaoke room or purchase local products at the gift shop. The lobby features beautiful views of Shirahama Beach and provides free WiFi access. A vending machine is available for drinks and ice cream. The on-site restaurant, Wakuwaku offers a breakfast buffet of Japanese dishes. Sanrakuso Hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Nanki Shirahama Airport. Senjojiki Plateau and Sandanbeki Cliff are both a 10-minute drive away.

Yuzuya Ryokan is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the famous Gion of Kyoto, steps from the Yasaka Shrine. It features Japanese-style accommodation with traditional multi-course meals and free WiFi. Guestrooms at Ryokan Yuzuya feature antique furnishings and seasonal wildflowers arrangements. All rooms include tatami (woven straw) floors and traditional futon bedding. Guests can relax to the scent of Japanese citron as they soak in the warm public baths. English-speaking staff will be able to assist with sightseeing arrangements. Isshinkyo Restaurant serves lunch and traditional Japanese dinners. Yuzuya Ryokan is a 10-minute walk from the Chion-in Temple and Chorakuji Temple. It is a 10-minute walk from Gion Shijo Train Station and a 5-minute drive from Kennin-ji Temple.

Seikoro Ryokan is located in Kyoto, a 7-minute drive from JR Kyoto Station. Featuring traditional Japanese-style accommodation, it offers a public bath and massage services. Free Wi-Fi access is available at the entire property. All guestrooms come with ironing facilities and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub. The public bath area features spa facilities and wooden bathtubs. The hotel also provides luggage storage and has a gift shop. Japanese or Western breakfast is served at Ryokan Seikoro. Authentic local dishes are served for dinner in a traditional Japanese setting. The Ryokan is a 5-minute drive from Sanjusangen-do Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Kyoto National Museum and Shichijo Train Station are about a 10-minute walk away. Free parking is provided.