Are you familiar with the traditional Japanese lodgings known as ryokan?
Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns. They are steeped in tradition and Japanese culture, particularly ‘hospitality culture’ or omotenashi, as it’s known in Japanese.
Omotenashi can be felt as soon as you step off the plane in Japan. It is a culture that aims to provide the utmost service and thoughtfulness to its guest, while still showing humility and without expectation of indebtedness.
Both travel and routine daily life in Japan can be so bustling and on-the-go. It is important to remember to take time out to stop and take a look around you, be one with yourself and your surroundings.
A ryokan is the perfect place to do so, which is why it is a go-to stay for Japanese people and tourists alike!
What is a ryokan?
A ryokan (旅館 / りょかん) is best described as a traditional Japanese-style inn. The word itself is made up if the kanji 旅 for ‘travel’ and 館 for ‘building’.
They are quite different to the hotels and B&Bs we may know. Rather than a quick and simple place to crash for a night, a ryokan stay is for a more intentional and relaxing purpose.
Ryokan have been a part of Japanese culture for over a thousand years. Back in the day, they used to serve as lodging for travelling monks, samurai and daimyo (feudal lords).
With the expansion of transport routes across Japan naturally came an increase of travel, with ryokan becoming popular tourist stays.
Ryokan are easily visually distinguishable from any other hotel. They often sport that quintissential, traditional Japanese natural white stone wall and wooden cladding design.
They often have a traditional Japanese garden and onsen (hot spring baths) on site.
Upon entering the building you can expect to find sliding doors, tatami floors and low-to-the-ground furniture along with cushions!
Its minimalist design aims to give the guest an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Staying at a ryokan is the perfect way to really feel Japanese culture and traditions for yourself.
Upon arrival you will be greeted with great hospitality and care by the staff. They will often show you to your room and explain to you how things work at the establishment over Japanese tea and sweets.
They will give you slippers to wear while indoors and even a traditional Japanese casual kimono (yukata) to lounge around in!
What to expect at a Japanese ryokan stay
Staying at a ryokan is a truly unique experience, which in turn means that it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
They are steeped in tradition, and in order to stay true to their roots, many establishments cannot stray from their usual practices just to accommodate western folk.
Here’s a list of a few things you should definitely take into consideration before booking your stay:
Futon beds
No bed frames here! Ryokan beds usually come as a traditional futon (a thin mattress placed directly on the tatami flooring).
All the bedding will be folded up and placed out of the way during the day. Staff will prepare the futon for you before it’s time for lights out.
They will also fold them back up in the morning and store them in a closet in the room, providing a spacious room for during the day.
These futons are actually more fluffy and cushion-y than you might think. They are quite comfortable, but if you have trouble mobility wise it may not be so easy getting in and out of bed.
Kaiseki meals
Another staple of a traditional Japanese inn is its kaiseki, or ‘multi-course’ meals!
Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, your meal will generally be made up of multiple tiny dishes which change based on the season and local ingredients.
In traditional Japanese fashion, these meals tend to be made up of dishes such as fish, tofu and pickled vegetables (yes, even breakfast).
If you have any particular dietary needs, make sure to check with the staff before booking your stay. Some ryokan cannot offer alternative menus, so be sure to research before you let yourself go hungry!
Quiet environment
You may know that in most public places in Japan, keeping volume levels to a minimum is very important in order to not disturb those around you. The same is true while staying at a ryokan.
Although it may feel ‘private’ in your room, remember that you are often only separated from others by paper sliding doors!
With the main aim of a guests’ stay at a ryokan being to relax, it is imperative that you follow this rule.
Onsen etiquette
One of the main attractions of a ryokan is its tranquil hot springs. After a long day of sightseeing, spending time soaking in the mineral-rich hot water will help soothe your aching body.
If you want to learn the full ins and outs of a Japanese onsen, make sure to check out this post!
The main rule you ought to know is that it is generally not permitted to wear bathing suits in an onsen, only your birthday suit!
Some places offer private onsen sessions, but it is common for them to be shared spaces with the other guests, so be sure to inquire about this if it’s something that you know you will not be comfortable with.
How to book your stay
The ‘rules’ mentioned above are true of very traditional establishments, but you can of course find more modern and accommodating inns that are happy to make changes for tourists.
Once you find your perfect ryokan, make sure to book your stay quite a bit in advance! Compared to hotels which can have hundreds of rooms, ryokan are generally smaller and therefore much more limited, which means they sell out fast!
Especially during Japanese holidays like Golden Week and Obon, it is super popular for Japanese people to enjoy ryokan trips with friends and family.
You can book your stay online on the usual booking sites, and there is usually a ryokan filter to help you find what you are looking for!
While browsing online, be sure to check for the rules of the establishment and see if they are doable for you.
You can choose to add a breakfast or evening meal or both to your stay (highly recommended!).
It should also be noted that ryokan can be pricier than a typical hotel, but you do get what you pay for! The hospitality and caring service of the staff is second to none, and the amenities such as the delicious grub and relaxing gardens and baths makes it all worth it.
Key ryokan-related vocabulary
| English | Kanji | Hiragana | Romaji |
| Traditional Japanese Inn | 旅館 | りょかん | ryokan |
| Traditional Japanese hot spring | 温泉 | おんせん | onsen |
| Futon (floor bedding) | 布団 | ふとん | futon |
| Tatami (flooring) | 畳 | たたみ | tatami |
| Casual kimono | 浴衣 | ゆかた | yukata |
| Ryokan host | 中居さん | なかいさん | nakaisan |
| Breakfast | 朝食 | ちょうしょく | choushoku |
| Dinner | 夕食 | ゆうしょく | yuushoku |
| Traditional Japanese multi-course meal | 会席料理 | かいせきりょうり | kaiseki ryouri |
| Japanese hospitality | おもてなし | おもてなし | omotenashi |
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Hannah is a half Irish/half Japanese girl living in Ireland. Her love for Japan and the Japanese language led her to studying languages and translation in university where she specialised in Japanese. She spent a year studying abroad at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. In her free time, Hannah enjoys using her sewing machine to upcycle clothes and create new pieces!