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Ryokan Experience
Staying at a ryokan is a must for your Japan trip!
Ryokan is a traditional accommodation style in Japan unlikely to be found in any other countries.
More than just a place to sleep, you have the opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, and elements such as tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style baths and local cuisine. All these things make this a great way to experience uniquely Japanese lodging.
- “Washitsu” - Japanese Rooms
- Rooms at a Ryokan are mainly furnitured in Japanese style, the floor is made of tatami and a quilted Japanese-style mattress called “Futon” is laid out on the floor to sleep on. In the daytime, Futons are folded up and stored away in a closet. At some of the ryokans, the staff will make the futons for you in the evening, usually while you are having your meal in the dining hall.
Besides traditional Japanese rooms, there are some accommodation offering also Japanese-Western mixed style rooms equipped with a bed.
- “Onsen” - Hot Spring
- Open-air baths and large public bath facilities are available at most Ryokan. You can enjoy the natural landscape in the open-air baths and have an experience of going into a large bath.
The hot spring water used in the onsen contains distinctive minerals with various kinds of positive effects on your health when you take a sink into the onsen.
- “Kaiseki” - Japanese Traditional Meals
- “Kaiseki” are traditional course menus which are made up of several small dishes with different tastes and textures. It is known for its meticulous preparation, fresh seasonal ingredients and artistic display.
Dining styles include using table and chair, or sitting at a traditional Japanese table either on tatami or on a bench directly embedded in the floor. Some ryokans have private dining rooms, so if you want to have a peaceful time just for your group, please make a request when you book the ryokan. Note that additional charge may apply when booking a private dining room.
“Omotenashi” - Hospitality
Staying in a ryokan is also a way to experience Japan's Omotenashi culture.
Omotenashi is a thought of hospitality that goes well beyond the standard refrain of “customer first”. Friendly staff like “Okami” (“landlady” of the ryokan) welcomes guests warmly, and in some ryokans, sweets and tea can be found on the table in your room as a greeting of your stay.
“Yutaka” - Traditional Japanese Wear
“Yukata”, a casual version of “Kimono”, were first made as clothing to wear in steam baths in the 800s. Over the years, it has evolved into casual clothing to wear at home. It also branched out and became fancy clothing to wear to Matsuri held during the summer.
In Ryokans, “Yukata” will be prepared for every guest as loungewear. Some people may feel slight discomfort in wearing a Yukata, but this is a good chance to experience Japanese culture!
Before your stay
- There are Ryokan where guest rooms are not equipped with a bathroom and toilet. In this case guests are asked to use the public bath and shared toilets in the ryokan.
- In some traditional ryokans, there are no non-smoking rooms but the rooms are cleaned and deodorized.
- There are cases where taking a public bath is prohibited for people with tattoos.
