The Private Japan Standard.
We believe true luxury isn't found in a database. It is found in the steam of a 400-year-old onsen, the silence of a hidden valley, and a deep respect for tradition. We exist to bridge the gap between discerning travelers worldwide and Japan's finest sanctuaries—effortlessly.
Extreme Curation
We ignore 99% of the market. If a property does not meet our standards for privacy, history, and service, it is not listed.
Uncompromising Clarity
No vague descriptions. No hidden surprises. Every listing includes detailed information about privacy, onsen type, and what makes each property authentic. You'll know exactly what you're booking before you arrive.
Cultural Stewardship
Guided preparation on Ryokan etiquette (Reigi) is coming soon. We believe that the finest experiences are built on mutual respect and deep understanding of tradition.
From Frustration to Inspiration.
Private Japan was born from a singular pursuit: the perfect honeymoon. We discovered that finding a truly private, in-room onsen was not a matter of budget, but a matter of clarity. What should have been an exciting experience quickly turned into an exercise in frustration and confusion.
Legacy booking platforms lacked the nuance required for such a sacred tradition; descriptions were vague, and the essential privacy we sought was often lost in translation. We found ourselves lost in vague descriptions, unable to tell if a room offered an open-air or a semi-open-air onsen, or if the private bath was actually shared or required booking for only short time slots. We didn't want to risk losing out on the full experience, or discover on arrival that we'd misunderstood what we'd booked.
What we really wanted was simple: an easy, reliable way to see which rooms offered a true private onsen, and clear explanations about the differences. But there was nowhere online that offered this clarity, trust, or respect for the traditional ryokan experience.
That struggle inspired us to create Private Japan. We believe everyone should be able to access and enjoy the special, sacred art of Japanese hospitality, and to grow in appreciation and respect for the culture and traditions that make ryokan stays so unique. Our mission is to make it effortless for travellers like us to discover, understand, and immerse themselves in these extraordinary places of rest and rejuvenation.
Proudly Australian-owned and operated, based in Sydney.
For Ryokan Owners & Managers: Private Japan is a registered Australian business dedicated to high-value, respectful tourism. To discuss direct partnerships or verification visits, please contact our trade liaison.