The Ryokan Collection, a consortium of luxury ryokans, has expanded its portfolio with new member properties and enriched cultural experiences across Japan. All properties are part of The Ryokan Collection’s loyalty program, offering guests exclusive benefits.
The newest additions include:
- Hakone Kairai in Hakone, a villa inn for one group that spans nearly 20,000 square feet in Hakone Sengokuhara, just 70 minutes from Tokyo.
- FUFU Tokyo Ginza, which offers rooms with private natural hot spring baths sourced from Atami and retractable garden views. Located in the heart of Ginza, the property features seasonal Japanese cuisine, immersive cultural activities and direct access from Ginza-itchome Station.
- Gora Kadan Fuji in Shizuoka, which provides views of Mount Fuji’s foothills.
In addition, existing ryokans in the collection have introduced new experiences to elevate guest stays:
- Ryokan Shinsen in Takachiho, Kyushu, has launched the Authentic Village Festival Experience, giving guests private access to night kagura, a traditional performance preserved for over 800 years, inside a kagura master’s home. Looking ahead, Ryokan Shinsen will offer the Swordsmith Experience in fall 2025 with swordsmith Matsuba Kagemasa, allowing guests to visit his forge and participate in demonstrations and hands-on forging.
- Higashiyama Shikikaboku in Kyoto now offers shamisen performances with lectures, in-room spa treatments, rooftop yoga, Gion culture activities with a geisha, Kyoto folk pottery making and sutra copying. Additional experiences include Yoshida green tea picking, night-time cormorant fishing, ninja activities and performances with a geisha and a maiko.
- Hanamurasaki in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa, will debut the Yamanaka Retreat Tour in fall 2025. Guests will explore regional traditions, seasonal ingredients and craftsmanship, guided by a sixth-generation host, a local writer and food stylist, while participating in culinary activities, visiting artisans and learning about lacquerware culture.
- Bettei Senjuan in Minakami, Gunma, has introduced wellness programs such as the Nature Treatment, which uses Japanese hand techniques with distilled seasonal flowers and plants. The property is developing a holistic rejuvenation retreat that integrates hot spring treatments, spa and sauna sessions and cultural activities to support physical, mental and emotional well-being.
- Anabuki Tei in Takamatsu, Kagawa, now offers a culinary experience with a Michelin-trained sushi chef, including an intimate sushi counter and a nigiri-making session that can be added to dinner for an additional fee. Beniya Mukayu in Yamashiro Onsen, Ishikawa, has launched the Mukayu Omotenashi Institute, which supports sustainable tourism through educational and cultural programs for guests.
These additions and enhancements reinforce The Ryokan Collection’s goal to provide immersive and culturally rich stays while celebrating the essence of Japan’s ryokan tradition.