Fukuoka, a city as well as prefecture known for its cultural heritage, cuisine, and hospitality, is also a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. While the city is known for its vibrant urban life and delicious street food, it also offers a serene escape through its traditional Japanese inns, known as ‘ryokans’. And what better way is there to immerse yourself in the local traditions and unwind than by staying at a Fukuoka ryokan with private onsen?
If you’re looking to experience the best of Japenese hospitality, keep reading as I’ll share the 6 best ryokans with private onsens in Fukuoka—both in the city and prefecture.
Akizuki Spa Ryokan Seiryuan
In addition to being close to interesting attractions and dining options (and 2 hours from Hakata Station, Fukuoka’s busiest station), this ryokan is a great destination to enjoy a massage, restaurant and hot spring bath on-site. Akizuki is a famous Japanese ryokan in a sukiyaki-style house, featuring a wonderful garden and only six rooms—each of which has its own private onsen. Some rooms have a private outdoor onsen while others have indoor onsens.
The rooms have tatami mats and a table with a kotatsu. A veranda, called ‘engawa’, can also be found. They offer delicious breakfast and dinner meals in a private room (if you have allergies, make sure to let them know beforehand). And if you’re looking to make your evening all the more relaxing, consider availing the spa services offered to all guests.
Check prices and availability on Agoda
Roppokan Ryokan
Roppokan is situated in Asakura, and is easily accessible from Fukuoka City (almost a one-hour drive). It offers a serene spa experience with outdoor hot-spring footbaths, indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, and a sauna. The outdoor hot-spring bath is communal and can be used free of charge (separated based on gender), while private indoor onsens can be found attached to some rooms.
The traditional Japanese rooms provide scenic views of Chikugo River. Amenities include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and attached bathrooms. You can also enjoy massages at this ryokan (and free Wifi). The ryokan features a terrace and karaoke facilities—and there’s a souvenir shop to grab a little something before you head out.
Dining at Roppokan showcases local cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients. A free shuttle is available from Chikugo Yoshii Station. The ryokan is a 10-minute drive from the station, 30 minutes from Kurume City, and 50 minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
Check prices and availability on Agoda
Nansuikaku
Located in the city of Miyawaka, Nansuikaku’s sensuous ambiance will enchant you the moment you enter. Nansuikaku takes pride in its indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, ensuring you can indulge in a soothing soak or opt for a rejuvenating massage. What’s more, each guestroom comes with private baths offering rewarding views of the surroundings. The ryokan goes the extra mile with facilities like a massage salon and entertainment options.
The rooms here are a delightful mix of traditional Japanese style, featuring tatami flooring and futon bedding. If you’re up for a more contemporary vibe, you can opt for the newly renovated ones with Western beds and a tatami seating area. All rooms come equipped with must-haves like a flat-screen TV and fridge.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com:
Akizuki Kuoritei
Embrace yourself for a Japanese tea house-style hot spring inn that will help you reconnect with your true self. Akizuki Kuoritei is situated in Asakura, a one-hour drive from Fukuoka city. I especially love its location: away from regular touristy spots and surrounded by mountains and rivers. So, if you’re up for some beautiful rural countryside scenery and hot springs, this ryokan is where to head!
Traditional rural one-story Japanese-style villas are spread across the property—and all rooms are in their own small villa-style. The rooms are equipped with Japanese-style bedding called futon, as well as a private onsen with a rock bathtub. Although this private onsen won’t provide beautiful outdoor vistas, it has a tasteful interior. There are also large communal onsens a short walk from the rooms.
During your stay, you can enjoy free breakfast as well as an on-site restaurant. There are plenty of amenities, including yukatas, a Japanese tea set, and a minibar. However, there’s no convenience store nearby, so you’d want to bring along all your necessities.
Check prices and availability on TripAdvisor
Daimaru Besso
Established in 1865, Daimaru Besso blends world-class service with the beauty of an elegant Japanese garden. Daimaru spans three Japanese-style buildings—namely, the Heian-tei, Taisho-tei, and Showa-tei wings. Collectively, the ryokan accommodates guests in a total of 40 Washitsu (Japanese style) rooms.
The guestrooms feature refined tatami flooring and sliding Shōji paper doors framed in maple wood. For ultimate relaxation, guests can indulge in the ryokan’s hot spring baths. (Note that the family baths require booking for private use beforehand). Daimaru also adds modern amenities to the traditional inn, such as a tea lounge, an esthetic room, and even a karaoke bar. Nestled in Chikushinoshi, adjacent to a mountain park bearing the same name, Daimaru Besso becomes the perfect launchpad for your hiking adventures.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
Harazuru no Mai
Harazuru no Mai is nestled along the picturesque Chikugo River in the city of Asakura. Whether it’s a river-view suite or a mixed Japanese-and-Western-style room, every guest room in this ryokan is equipped with hot spring baths. (And because each room has its own private hot spring bath, this ryokan does not offer a public/communal option). Baggage storage, a gift shop, and Japanese meals (e.g. wagyu steak) are other amenities you can enjoy here.
During your stay, consider sampling the local dining scene, with nearby restaurants like Yakitori Honjin Farm Station Basaro Bakery just a short stroll away. Also, take time to explore historical sites, such as the Akizuki Castle Remains.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
Final Thoughts
Whether they’re located in the beautiful countryside of Fukuoka Prefecture, or conveniently located near the vibrant Fukuoka City, these 5 ryokans will make your stay unforgettable with their private onsen and amazing rooms! From the timeless charm of Akizuki Spa Ryokan Seiryuan to the historic elegance of Daimaru Besso, each ryokan is full of history and has a unique story to tell.
But before I let you book your favorite ryokan, here are a quick few tips to consider while choosing your Fukuoka ryokan with private onsen:
- Consider the location. Do you prefer a ryokan in the middle of nature, more difficult to access, or one near the urban city?
- Check the variety of rooms available; some ryokans offer traditional Japanese-style rooms, while others provide more modern Western-style accommodations. My recommendation is to go with Japanese-style rooms!
- Review the details of the private onsen. Is it an indoor bath, outdoor bath, or both? Some ryokans have specific rooms with a private onsen, while others may have communal baths that can be reserved for private use.
- Establish your budget and look for ryokans that align with it. In general, rooms with private onsen have a relatively high price.
- Book ahead of time – some ryokan can be REALLY popular -, and be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions beforehand.
Good luck with choosing your ryokan, there are only good choices!
