Ryokan hotel
What's Ryokan hotel?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn characterized by tatami (woven-straw mat) floors, sliding paper doors, low furniture, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Ryokan are known for preserving traditional Japanese aesthetics, architecture, and customs, and they emphasize hospitality and attention to detail.
Many ryokan provide guests with an experience that includes:
・Traditional Japanese Rooms:
Ryokan rooms typically have tatami flooring and minimalist decor with futon bedding that is placed on the floor. Furnishings are sparse, with low tables,
cushions, and often a tokonoma (decorative alcove) displaying seasonal items or artwork.
・Onsen (Hot Spring Baths):
Many ryokan feature natural hot spring baths, both indoor and outdoor, where guests can enjoy a relaxing soak. Onsen are popular in ryokan located in hot
spring areas like Hakone, Beppu, and Atami.
・Kaiseki Dinner:
A multi-course Japanese meal, known as kaiseki, is often served to ryokan guests. This meal is prepared with seasonal ingredients and served in the room or
dining area, depending on the ryokan. Kaiseki meals are known for their elegant presentation and refined flavors, offering an authentic taste of Japanese
culinary traditions.
・Personalized Hospitality:
Ryokan staff provide personalized care and attention, welcoming guests with tea on arrival, explaining how to use room amenities, and assisting with meals
and other services. Guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life, embracing the ryokan’s atmosphere.
How to stay at Ryokan
Staying at a ryokan follows certain customs, which add to the unique experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the most of a ryokan stay:
1. Arrival and Check-in
When you arrive, ryokan staff typically greet you with warm hospitality, often offering a cup of green tea and a small snack, like a seasonal sweet. Shoes are removed
at the entrance, and you will be given indoor slippers to wear in shared areas, while socks or bare feet are preferred for tatami floors in your room.
2. Room Layout and Tatami Etiquette
In your room, you’ll notice the tatami mats, low tables, and minimal furniture. It’s customary to avoid stepping on the tatami with shoes or slippers—only socks or bare
feet are acceptable.
3. Bathing in the Onsen
If the ryokan has an onsen, it’s an essential part of the experience.
4. Dining
Most ryokan stays include a kaiseki dinner and a traditional Japanese breakfast. Meals are often served in the guest’s room, but some ryokan have communal dining rooms.
Kaiseki dinners are multi-course, including seasonal ingredients in dishes such as sashimi, grilled fish, tempura, and rice.
For breakfast, expect dishes like rice, miso soup, grilled fish, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and pickled vegetables. Meals are part of the ryokan experience and offer
guests a chance to try authentic Japanese cuisine.
5. Sleeping Arrangements
After dinner, staff will set up the futon in your room. The futon bedding includes a thick mattress, sheets, a duvet, and a pillow. Futons are comfortable and provide a
traditional sleep experience on the tatami mats. In the morning, the staff will usually come by to store the futon and prepare the room for daytime use.
Ryokan accommodation costs
Staying at a ryokan can range from moderately priced to very luxurious, depending on the location, the amenities, and the level of service.
・Budget Ryokan:
Prices for budget-friendly ryokan typically range from ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 (USD 55 to 100) per person, per night. These ryokan may offer shared bathing facilities, and the meal
options may be simpler or limited to breakfast only.
・Mid-Range Ryokan:
Mid-range ryokan typically cost ¥15,000 to ¥30,000 (USD 100 to 200) per person, per night. They include both breakfast and kaiseki dinner and generally offer private bathing
facilities and access to onsen baths.
・Luxury Ryokan:
High-end ryokan, especially those with renowned kaiseki meals and private onsen options, can cost upwards of ¥30,000 (USD 200) per person, per night. These ryokan provide an
exceptional experience, often with personal service, elegant decor, and a unique atmosphere, typically located in scenic areas.
Most ryokan rates are quoted per person, as they include meals. Ryokan stays are typically more expensive than Western-style hotels, but the cost reflects the value of the
all-inclusive experience and personalized service.
Tips for enjoying your stay
* Reserve in Advance:
Some ryokan have limited rooms and may require reservations months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (like cherry blossom season and autumn).
* Learn Basic Etiquette:
Knowing basic Japanese etiquette, such as removing shoes at the entrance and observing quiet in common areas, enhances the experience for all guests.
* Respect Quiet Hours:
Ryokan are usually quiet and tranquil places, so guests are encouraged to keep noise to a minimum and embrace the calm atmosphere.
* Embrace the Yukata:
Wearing the yukata provided is part of the ryokan experience, and it’s acceptable to wear it while walking around the ryokan, dining, or heading to the onsen.
* Understand Meal Times:
Meals are typically served at specific times, and arriving on time is appreciated to ensure the best dining experience.
