9 ryokan worth crossing the world for.

Secluded villa ryokan in a birch forest near Niseko, each villa with private indoor and outdoor onsen fed by natural springs.

Restored century-old Gion teahouse turned 23-room boutique ryokan, blending sukiya-style architecture with modern comforts and acclaimed dining.

Kerry Hill's final work, minimalist pavilions in a secret forest garden of moss and stone paths near Kinkaku-ji.

Family-run ryokan founded in 1675 beside Shuzenji temple, known for its pond-side Noh stage and refined kaiseki cuisine.

Adrian Zecha's 140-year-old merchant house reborn as a modern ryokan on the Seto Inland Sea.

Contemporary 16-room onsen ryokan above Yamashiro hot springs, each room with private open-air bath overlooking a Japanese garden.

Celebrated ryokan on former imperial summer villa grounds in Hakone, with onsen baths, kaiseki dining, and tatami suites.

A river-accessed ryokan in Arashiyama where every room looks onto the Ōi River.

Tadao Ando's nine room ryokan on the Shirakawa stream in Gion, cedar and washi outside, Jean-Georges downstairs.