20 Lodgings in Kansai

The popular open-air bath looks out across the beach

A historical ryokan designated as a tangible cultural property where every room offers a view of the garden

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.

Located in the Nanki Katsuura hot-spring area, guests at Hotel Urashima can enjoy natural Bokido cave hot-spring baths. The hotel offers 4 other public hot-spring baths. The property offers free shuttle service by car or ferry for limited hours per day, both a 10-minute ride from JR Kii Katsuura Station. Free WiFi is available in the public areas. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A TV, fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. Rooms come with a private toilet but bathrooms are shared. An outdoor swimming pool is open during the summer and a coin launderette is provided for guests to use. Local gifts can be purchased at the souvenir shop and a karaoke room is available as well. A breakfast and dinner buffet are served at the hotel’s dining room. Urashima Hotel is a 15-minute walk from Katsuura Fishing Port and a 20-minute drive from Taiji Whale Museum.

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.

Ako Onsen Shokichi has sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Ako, 2.6 km from Karafuneyama Beach. It is set 37 km from Hachimangu Shrine and features a lift. Guests can use the spa and wellness centre with a hot spring bath, hot tub, and public bath, as well as pool with a view. At the ryokan, the units come with a tatami. At the ryokan, units have air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. A selection of options including local specialities and juice is available for the Asian breakfast. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Bizen Fukuoka Folk Museum is 37 km from the ryokan, while Nakazaki Residence is 37 km from the property. Okayama Airport is 65 km away.

Nara Royal Hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with free internet access. It features a spa centre with a natural hot spring bath, 4 restaurants and a tea lounge with waterfall views. The Nara Royal is located on a 10-minute walk from Hokkeji Temple. Rooms at the Royal Nara Hotel are furnished with an LCD TV, a refrigerator and an electric kettle. En suite private bathrooms come with a bathtub with shower and toiletries. Guests can enjoy natural hot spring public bath at La Royal Spa, or unwind in the sauna or hot tub. To get active, there are rental bicycles. Royal Hotel Nara offers a fine choice of restaurants, from Japanese and Chinese dining. A breakfast buffet is served at Restaurant Manyo.

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.

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.

Hotel Kirinosato Takahara features outdoor and indoor hot spring baths, only a 2-minute walk from the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a terrace and rooms with a Japanese interior and Western beds. Guests can go hiking through mountain paths or unwind in one of the hotel’s public hot spring baths. Kirinosato Takahara organizes charged activities such as walking the Kumano Kodo, dressing in Heian-era clothes or experience farming. Facilities include drinks vending machines, a shop and free parking. There are Spanish and Chinese speaking staff. Kirinosato Takahara is a 3-minute walk from both the Takijiri Oji Temple and the Kirinosato Takahara Kumano Jinja Shrine. JR Kii Tanabe Station is a 45-minute bus ride away. Upon reservation, the hotel offers a free shuttle to/from Gyubadoji Michinoeki Station, Takijiri and the Arisugawa bus stop. Air-conditioned rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor, an LCD TV and a small fridge. Guests sleep in Western beds. All rooms come with an attached private toilet, while bathrooms are shared. A Japanese breakfast and dinner with local dishes are served at the dining room.

Directly connected to Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station, ANA Crowne Plaza offers 8 dining options with views of Kobe City and Rokko Mountain. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. The air-conditioned rooms at ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe feature a crisp modern style with bright whites and dark contrasts. A fridge, a minibar and a flat-screen satellite TV come with the room. ANA Crowne also offers a gift shop and car rental services. ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is just 1 subway stop from Sannomiya Railway Terminal, at the heart of Kobe's exciting downtown area. Kobe Airport is 8 km away. To Kyoto it takes 30 minutes by Shinkansen train, and to Osaka only 15 minutes.

Kyoto Ryokan SAKANOUE offers Japanese Modern Room with Twin bed 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.

Wing International Hotel Himeji offers rooms with free internet access just a 5-minute walk from Himeji Castle. It features a restaurant and massage service. Parking is available. Himeji Hotel Wing International is 700 metres from JR Himeji Train Station. Sanyo Himeji Train Station is 750 metres from the hotel. Himeji Castle is 400 metres away. All rooms at Hotel Himeji Wing International are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Both broadband and Wi-Fi internet access are provided free of charge. Each room also includes a refrigerator and microwave. Rooms have en suite bathrooms with a shower. Bicycles are provided free of charge by the hotel, allowing guests to easily explore the area. Dry cleaning is available and the front desk is open 24 hours. Non-smoking rooms are available. Fax and photocopying services are offered. Yumezen Restaurant offers seasonal modern Japanese cuisine and a range of sake varieties. Drink vending machines are available.

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.

Offering sea views, Plaza Awajishima in Minamiawaji features accommodation, a spa and wellness centre, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and massage services. This ryokan provides free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. The accommodation offers a sauna, hot spring bath, family-friendly restaurant and free WiFi. The units in the ryokan are equipped with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a bath and slippers, all units at the ryokan have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms also feature a terrace. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The ryokan offers a buffet or à la carte breakfast. Tokushima Awaodori Airport is 37 km from the property.

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.

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.

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.

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.