Does anyone have recs for a great open air private onsen? I'm spending two weeks inTokyo + Kyoto and am looking for an in-between 2 nighter at a ryokan (or nearby to either city). I have a large tattoo, so was hoping I could stay at one where we can book a private onsen. I've been looking in Hakone, and Toyooka. Open air preferred.

Thanks in advance.

Have you tried searching japaneseguesthouses?
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/hot-springs/

Yes, I have. I've been in contact with one of their agents as well- such a great site. I am moreso looking for recs from some of the regulars here (being that there's such a wide range on the site).

I am a regular. Beniya Mukaya at Yamashiro Onsen may fit your requirements. Pricey, but situated between Tokyo and Kyoto. We went there by train from Kanazawa and before Kyoto, so can't advise on the logistics for you. Excellent food and excellent service. Nice open-air private bath on a deck outside our room in a forested area, but near a nondescript city. We only spent one night but it was great...

@craig: ah, that sounds amazing! exactly what I'm looking for. Its my honeymoon, so I think we can do one night splurge.

I'm visiting the much-loved Hakone Ginyu on our spring 2016 visit, which has gorgeous tubs in each room, as well as the larger baths.

It's on The Ryokan Collection site, and they have several you might enjoy - high end, rather special for a honeymoon and several will have family rotenburo / baths - baths that can be booked out (usually for an hour) for use by a group / family.

Hmmmmmm nice suggestion of Hakone Ginyu above. Gora Kadan would also fit the bill but ohhh the bill

We stayed here a few years back http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/r...=Hotel+Konanso

Nice hotel type ryokan with a killer view of Fujisan from our outdoor rotenburo. Nice price, nice place, great food would go back here in a heartbeat

Aloha!

I have holds on both of these already @hawaiiantraveler + @kavey! Great to hear you enjoyed. And yes.... as much as I want to splurge on a room, perhaps anything over $600 for a night is a bit too steep (considering the other 2 weeks worth of hotel rooms- eek).

We will be staying at Kozantei Ubuya in Kawaguchiko in about a week. Right at the base of Lake Kawaguchiko across from Fujisan. This is location is in-between Kyoto and Tokoy.

The rooms are pricey. We reserved a room with a private open air onsen on the balcony! Seems like it will be a great place to relax.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ure_Chubu.html

Will give a review after we return!

William, just to clarify, I've not stayed at Hakone Ginyu before - it will be my first visit but I chose it after reading glowing recommendations from MANY fellow Fodorite Japanophiles!

I ended up booking Yama No Chaya in hakone. Ginyu was (of course) all booked up. thanks all. cant wait!!

Ooh yes that one is also in The Ryokan Collection, I remember looking at it, it looks really lovely!