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The official top ten
Luxury Ryokans

A luxury holiday in Japan wouldn’t be complete without a stay at a boutique ryokan. These traditional inns are Japan’s version of the spa hotel – exquisite multi-course kaiseki Japanese meals, renowned omotenashi hospitality and even luxurious hot spring baths on your own private balcony. A ryokan stay is also a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture and to see more than most visitors to Japan do, as the best ones tend to be off the beaten track in small historic towns or charming rural areas - the perfect city escape.

Japanese ryokans are typically much smaller than your usual hotel, they tend to be family run and have been passed down through the generations. Upon entering your ryokan, you'll firstly remove your shoes in a particular assigned area and replace with the slippers that have been provided for you. The check-in process is pleasantly much quicker and simpler than in a hotel, the nakai-san (personal room assistant) will guide you to your room and show you everything you need to know, whilst preparing your first cup of green tea to help you relax into this experience Japan has to offer. 

Here, we've narrowed down our top ten luxury ryokan's, in order to help you choose however many you wish to include during your visit to Japan.

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Beniya Mukayu

  Beniya Mukayu is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. Culturally speaking, Kanazawa is one of the richest places in Japan, but it is short on great hotels. The Beniya Mukayu,...

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Gora Kadan

  Gora Kadan is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans and Top 10 Hotel Spas. Gora Kadan is one of Japan’s finest ryokans, offering an unparalleled fusion of ancient Japanese aesthetics and modern luxury design....

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Ryokan Kurashiki

  Ryokan Kurashiki is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems and Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. Nestled along the picturesque willow-lined canal in Kurashiki, Ryokan Kurashiki is a captivating retreat with a rich cultural heritage...

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Hoshinoya Kyoto

  Hoshinoya Kyoto is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. Hoshinoya Kyoto is a luxury ryokan nestled in the scenic hillside area of Arashiyama, just west of Kyoto. Accessible by riverboat,...

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Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama

  Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. This is the newer, more secluded and arguably more romantic venture by Hanaougi. It is a pretty traditional Japanese ryokan built...

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Hanafubuki

  Hanafubuki is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. Halfway down the east side of the Izu Peninsula are the jagged bays of Jogosaki, where walking trails and a suspension bridge...

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Kayotei

  Kayotei is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. Nestled in the forested hills on the fringe of picturesque Yamanaka hot spring town, the Kayotei is one of Japan’s finest 'ryokan'...

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Notonosho

  Notonosho is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans and Top 10 Hotel Spas. Meaning ‘the waters of Noto’, the clue to this ryokan’s success is in the title. Nearly a century ago, the...

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Sekitei

  Sekitei is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. Although it is a ten minute shuttle bus ride from Miyajiama port, the drive is worth it for the sheer tranquillity of the...

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Iwaso

  Iwaso is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. Nestled in the serene Miyajima shrine area, Iwaso Ryokan offers an exceptional experience, especially when the crowds have dispersed and the stone...

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Client Testimonials

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

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