My husband and I are just starting to plan our second trip to Japan in October. The first go around, we did the big three cities and a few days in Hakone/Kawaguchi and we LOVED the ryokan we stayed at: Hakone Takuminoyado Yoshimatsu. It had a gorgeous garden, traditional comfortable rooms with a onsen bath with a pretty garden right in the room, dinner and breakfast in the room, etc. We loved it and would definitely go back but we want to explore somewhere new this time around. We don’t know where just yet but I am looking at Kanazawa, Shirakawa, Nikko, or Nagano (open to suggestions!)
Anyone have recommendations for any specific luxury Ryokans or Onsen Ryokans somewhere between Tokyo and Kyoto not in Hakone/Fuji Lakes region that is not too hard to get to (within 2-3 hours by train or bus from Tokyo/Kyoto), has a traditional vibe, a good view like Mountain views or garden and (if in an onsen area) a private onsen or onsen in the room? I loved one I saw online called Kakurean Hidaji but it seems very out of the way, like 4-5 hours from Tokyo or Kyoto.
by Anna-is-elsewhere