In TRAVELER’s March issue, writer Jared Lubarsky profiles Nikko, Japan, site of a religious center founded 1,200 years ago. Here we offer a guide to ten of our favorite Japanese ryokans (Japanese inns) for those seeking authentic accommodations.

Shiraito
245, Hama, Maizuru-shi, 625, telephone: 0773-62-3570
Tucked away in a lush terrain, the 12-room Shiraito could be just the spot for your dream garden wedding. During your stay, you’ll soak in your own heated, private tub with a good read or wander through the gardens relishing the beauty of Japanese honeysuckles and cherry blossoms.

Seikirou Japanese only or English
937, Uoya, Miyadu-shi, telephone: 0772-22-4123
Consider holding a work retreat at the 72-room Seikirou. You can relax in an evergreen terrarium, or work off steam in a game of table tennis. Make your reservations early: rooms with private soaking tubs fill up fast.

Oyado Taikyou
471, Monju, Miyadu-shi, telephone: 0772-22-2101
Known for its mouth-watering cuisine, the Oyado Taikyou serves up such Japanese specialties as lobster drizzled with a wasabi marinade and spicy tuna rolls. Spend the afternoon sipping green tea while gazing out onto the turquoise-tinged Sea of Japan. Convenient too, this ryokan is just a three-minute walk from Amanohashidate station.

Genmyouan
Amanohashidate, Miyadu-shi, telephone 0772-22-2171
Sip a Japanese coffee while kicking back on Genmyouan’s upper terrace, which offers far-reaching vistas of the sea and mountain range beyond. And it’s only a short hop from the Amanohasidate station: just five minutes by taxi.

Suisen Japanese only or English
6-3, Ashinoyamainoshiri, Hiedano-cho, Kameoka-shi, telephone: 0771-22-7575
Surrounded by a low stone wall, the Suisen is a private haven tucked away from city distractions. Japanese lanterns that adorn stone walkways illuminate the inn at night. Cap off your evening by lounging in a plush lobby chair with a cup of sake.

Matsunoi
34, Ashinoyamamiyanoshita, Hiedano-cho Kameoka-shi, telephone: 0771-22-1223
Flower-filled patios surround you as you soak in the public bath. Japanese-style rooms reveal sliding bamboo doorways that lead out into the gardens for an afternoon in the sun or a late night stroll. From Nakayunohana, it’s just a two-minute walk.

Yuurakusou
38-7, Saekishimotouge, Hiedano-cho, Kameoka-shi, telephone: 0771-22-1121
Host your next dinner party in Japan. At Yuurakusou, you’ll have access to a white-washed banquet hall with vistas of the lush, green vegetation and the sea. Televisions are also absent from each room to eliminate modern-day distractions. Instead soak up the tranquility in the honeysuckle gardens.

Gyozanen
Ooharasanzeninhan, Sakyou-ku, Kyoto-shi, telephone: 075-744-2321
You’ll feast on some of the best sushi in Japan here. Colorful arrangements, served with green tea, are presented at dinner. Opt for a Japanese-style room to sleep on a mat in traditional Japanese practice, rather than a Western-style bed.

Kogetsuso
60-2, Kusagawa-cho, Nanzenji Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, telephone: 075-761-0327
Kogetsuso is a simple and serene oasis. Go authentic with a traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast; bypass the Western meal plan here. The out-of-the-way setting also makes this the perfect place for an intimate dinner party.

Kikusui
31, Fukuchichou, Nanzenji, Sakyoku Kyoto-shi, telephone 075-771-4101
Though this ryokan is farther away than the others, it’s well worth the trip. From the red-cushioned chair in your bedroom, you’ll have far-reaching vistas of lush vegetation growing right outside your window. Spend the day relaxing in the red-tiled bath or take a soak in your own private tub.

—Heather Morgan

Heather Morgan is a TRAVELER associate researcher and online editor