Unzen, JapanUnzen Onsen
Azumaen
Lakeside onsen ryokan
Lakeside onsen ryokan
Daily life revolves around the calm waters of Oshidori Pond, with unhurried thermal baths and multi-course dinners brought to your room.
What it’s good at
Notable
Lakeside open-air onsen baths fed by private geothermal springs and mountain water plunges.
Notable
Kaiseki courses serve Ariake Sea seafood and Shimabara produce on hand-painted Arita porcelain.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Unzen's Azumaen draws on layers of history few Japanese resorts can match.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The steaming volcanic vents of Unzen Jigoku are a five-minute drive away, bordered by walking trails through the national park.
The rooms
Traditional tatami rooms look out onto Oshidori Pond, and eight accommodations have private open-air baths fed by thermal springs.
The onsen
Soak slowly.
Indoor cedar and stone baths look across Oshidori Pond, fed by free-flowing geothermal springs across three temperature zones.
At the table
Dining tables look past the covered terrace toward Oshidori Pond, serving multi-course breakfasts and seasonal local dinners.
Unzen
More like this
Ryotei Hanzuiryo
“Forested onsen ryokan”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.