The Best Accommodation In Yoshino
- Jan 29
- 7 min read
An expert list showcasing the best ryokans and hotels in Yoshinoyama, the cherry blossom capital of Japan
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Overview
Yoshinoyama, or Mt. Yoshino, is often said to be the most incredible destination for cherry blossoms in Japan. I've visited many times, and always find myself wanting to return. It's such a fascinating and unique place to visit, even outside of the cherry blossom season. With some of the most authentic and charming ryokans in the country, spending a few nights here can be an unforgettable experience. But finding the right accommodation can be tough, so we created this guide to save you time and help you choose the best place to stay.
To ensure there's no disappointment, all of the options on this list must adhere to our strict criteria:
An average review score above 8/10 on booking.com
The location must be convenient for sightseeing
The property must have quality photos
This list will be updated yearly
Our listing for each place has an efficient overview including a:
Curated Gallery
Description
Highlights
Price Range (peak and off-peak)
Review Score
Review Example
If you're travelling for the cherry blossoms in early April, then take note, accommodation in Yoshino gets booked out months in advance, early bookings are essential. If you're too early or too late for the cherry blossoms, or travelling outside of this period, then don't worry, Yoshino is full of amazing history, charm, and unique attractions. It's truly worth a visit in any season, and feels more authentic in the off-season, as it's much less crowded
If you're unfamiliar with Yoshinoyama, you can read more on our dedicated page:
High-End
$250 - $900
Mid-Range
$200 - $350
Budget
$50 - $100
The Best High-End Accommodation In Yoshino
1.
The Yoshinoso Yukawaya
The Yoshinoso Yukawaya is as good as it gets. Gorgeous views, beautiful rooms, and amazing hot spring baths. As a result, it's one of the hardest properties to book during the sakura season, and is usually booked out 5 months in advance. The onsen facilities are stunning, with an infinity pool overlooking the mountains, and select rooms offering private open-air baths. All the rooms are beautifully designed, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the food is thoughtfully prepared and delicious.
Highlights
Stunning onsen facilities that feature an infinity pool with mountain views.
Exquisitely prepared Kaiseki cuisine on par with fine-dining restaurants.
Gorgeous rooms that include options such as hot spring baths and Western-style mattresses.
Price Range
$200 - $700 per night
Review Score
9.1 ★ (30+ reviews)
Review Quote
"This is the best place I have ever stayed at, I can't recommend it enough. Staff are super helpful, amazing onsen with a view, and big room! The food is first class. It's is like a Michelin restaurant and a really amazing hotel all at once. If you ever get the opportunity, I would recommend Yukawaya to anyone. Serene and spacious. Beautiful view, even if the cherry blossoms were late this year."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Chikurin-in Gunpoen
The Chikurin-in is a remarkable property located in the Naka-Senbon area of Yoshinoyama, making it the perfect location to explore the mountain. This charming ryokan was once a Buddhist temple, and you can feel the cultural significance all throughout the building. They offer gorgeous rooms, a lovely traditional onsen, and traditional kaiseki cuisine. I can't understate just how unique it feels to stay here, the architecture and design of the old temple gives you a sense of wonder and feels like stepping back in time.
Highlights
A temple which has been converted into a ryokan, providing a unique atmosphere.
Gorgeous traditional architecture and onsen baths.
Perfect location in the middle of Yoshinoyama, right in the Naka-Senbon area.
Price Range
$350 - $900 per night
Review Score
8.3 ★ (30+ reviews)
Review Quote
"This is a fabulous heritage building in an incredible temple and garden setting, unlike any other ryokan I have stayed at in Japan. Definitely a unique place with excellent food and a great bath house with Cedar tub."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3.
The Muji Sakamotoya
Muji are famous for their elegant and minimalist retail products, and recently, they have been expanding into the hotel industry. So far, all of their properties have been met with praise from guests. Their new offering in Yoshino is expected to receive the same praise, and it seasy to see why. They have taken an old ryokan and carefully upgraded it, retaining the historical charm while introducing modern Japanese aesthetics. The result is a beautiful property filled with a charming and classy atmosphere. It also has a great location for exploring the area, right in the centre of the Naka-Senbon area, surrounded by old temples and small shops.
Highlights
Spacious rooms with a relaxing atmosphere, and nice, comfy beds.
Awesome location in the heart of the Naka-Senbon area, surrounded by old temples, small shops, and restaurants.
Brand new property in a renovated ryokan, offering modern comforts with a traditional vibe.
Price Range
$200 - $460 per night
Review Score
New Property ★
Review Quote
"Our family absolutely loved our stay at the MUJI Room Sakamotoya. The space was beautifully designed — minimalist yet warm — and every detail felt intentional, from the furnishings, to the calming scent, and the natural light that filled the room. It was the perfect blend of Japanese tradition and modern simplicity. The location was ideal for exploring Yoshino" ─ Airbnb
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Mid-Range Accommodation In Yoshino
1.
The Motoyu
The Motoyu is a special place, it's the only accommodation in Yoshino that's located on the mountain, but also hidden away from the main road, offering an extra peaceful experience. Various walking trails will connect you to the main town and are delightful for hiking and sightseeing. A shuttle will collect you from the station so you don't have to worry about your bags. The property is 300 years old but has been impeccably maintained, which gives it a historical atmosphere while still feeling on par with modern comforts. Their high standard of kaiseki cuisine receives constant praise, and the onsen overlooks a beautiful Japanese garden.
Highlights
Located away from the crowds, and yet still on the mountain, and within walking distance to the main town and temples.
Offers a high standard of amazing kaiseki cuisine that receives constant praise.
An impeccably maintained 300-year-old ryokan, giving you a sense of history while remaining nice and comfortable.
Price Range
$200 - $350 per night
Review Score
9.1 ★ (20+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Absolutely wonderful experience! The staff were so welcoming and kind, the room overlooked a beautiful garden, the onsen was very relaxing and the dinner was world-class! The ryokan is in a very beautiful location, with different walking routes to Yoshino that were magical to explore. We loved the peace and feeling of nature all around us."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Hounkan
The Houkan provides amazing value for a very reasonable price. Perfectly located in the Naka-Senbon area, this property offers some of the most beautiful views out of all the ryokans in Yoshino. Their onsen facilities feature both indoor and outdoor baths, and the rare addition of a traditional sauna. Their food is exquisite, and they're happy to accommodate dietary requests. With a 250-year history, the property carries a lovely nostalgic charm that ties the whole experience together.
Highlights
Lovely onsen facilities, with indoor and outdoor baths, and a traditional sauna.
Superb food and accommodating chefs, suitable for vegetarians.
Amazing value and perfect location in the Naka-Senbon, with gorgeous views of the area.
Price Range
$200 - $300 per night
Review Score
8.8 ★ (80+ reviews)
Review Quote
"The staff were so helpful and friendly, it was lovely to be welcomed with tea and sweets. The food/banquet was absolutely delicious, and the staff were helpful in guiding us through the various meals. I had asked for meals without meat and the chef was very accommodating which I really appreciated. It was lovely to come back from dinner to find our room prepared for sleeping. Felt very well looked after, thank you. And the view from our room was spectacular."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Budget Accommodation In Yoshino
1.
Houtouji Temple
If you're looking for a unique place to stay that makes you feel connected to the local people who live in Yoshino, the Houtouji Temple guesthouse is the perfect choice. It's a traditional Japanese house located in the temple grounds of Houtouji Temple, and owned by the family who manages the temple. They are sweet and kind people who love sharing Japanese culture with foreign visitors. They offer free activities, such as temple ceremonies, that enable you to learn about Buddhism and Shintoism in a relaxed manner.
Their super cheap rates reflect the humble attitude of Japanese philosophy, so you can stay in Yoshino during the sakura season without paying for peak season prices. They also don't allow bookings more than 3 months in advance, so you can often snag a room here when other places are booked out. It's located on the hillside, just above the train station, in the town of Yoshino. The train only takes 5 minutes to reach the base of Yoshinoyama.
Highlights
The best budget accommodation in Yoshino.
Authentic cultural experience, with free activities that include temple ceremonies.
Easy to book when other places are booked out, with a 3-month restriction on reservations.
Price Range
$50 - $100 per night
Review Score
9.1 ★ (100+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Amazing and memorable stay I had there. They met me by the train station and then I spent a lovely calm night on the mountain and at 6 in the morning we had a pray in the temple. The bamboo path to the temple is something! Also they cook very good. Their hospitality warmed my heart and I will remember this stay forever!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
