6 places to stay that have a private hot spring

After a long day sightseeing, ease your aching muscles (and indulge your senses) in one of these naturally-occurring hot springs.

Shiosai-no-yado Seikai in Beppu, Japan

The open-air hot springs at Shiosai-no-yado Seikai overlook the tranquil Beppu Bay. Inside this ryokan, dark wooden floors and contemporary minimalist furniture create a soothing, aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere. Large windows showcase sea views and hot tubs on the top floor are a hit with guests.

East Travel Backpackers in Jiaoxi, Taiwan

The exterior of East Travel Backpackers is a patchwork “living wall” interspersed with pale wood panelling. This natural palette continues inside, with printed trees lining the corridors, wooden sleeping pods and green “grass” walls. Once you’ve checked out the hostel’s hot spring, take a 2-minute walk over to Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park.

Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu in Noboribetsu, Japan

Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu blends different influences to create a relaxing, immersive experience for guests. Featuring classic Scandinavian-style decor, bedrooms have clean lines, muted tones and are fitted with large windows, while the restaurant downstairs serves bite-sized Japanese cuisine. The hot springs overlook Hiyoriyama Park and guests can indulge in Korean hot-stone sauna treatments.

Mikiya in Toyooka, Japan

Mikiya is a traditional Japanese ryokan in the centre of the onsen (hot spring) resort town of Kinosaki. Despite being surrounded by hot springs, Mikiya also provides guests with an immaculately maintained private onsen. In the evenings, you can sit in the gently steaming hot water and watch fireflies dancing through the ryokan’s garden.

Yurari Rokumyo in Yufu, Japan

The private hot spring in the garden at Yurari Rokumyo is surrounded by vibrant greenery and detailed mosaic stone paths. Inside the house, tatami mats cover the floor and futon beds recreate a traditional ryokan while still including contemporary conveniences like WiFi and TVs. A private masseuse is also available and Lake Kinrin is only a 7-minute bicycle ride away.

Yoshimatsu in Hakone, Japan

Yoshimatsu is a Sukiya-style ryokan that will take your breath away before you’ve even walked through the front door. Surrounded by bamboo trees, this hillside ryokan overlooks Lake Ashinoko and Japan’s most iconic monument – Mount Fuji. In the garden, koi carp swim in ponds surrounded by trailing ferns while open-air hot springs offer a mountain view.