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Ryokan

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Staying at a Japanese ryokan is an extraordinary cultural experience you will never forget. Anyone going to Japan should stay at least one night at one of these traditional Japanese inns.

Ryokan can be found everywhere in Japan, from hot spring towns to populated cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. They are relaxing, comfortable, and offer a truly authentic Japanese experience.

How to Enjoy Your Stay at a Japanese Ryokan

Family-run Ryokan on Kumano Kodo – Wakayama (2013)

Family-run Ryokan on Kumano Kodo - Wakayama

Price Range

A ryokan is the Japanese version of a bed and breakfast. The price includes dinner and breakfast, and the rates are charged per person and not per room.

Temple Stay – Mt. Koya, Wakayama

Temple Stay - Mt. Koya, Wakayama

There are a variety of ryokan in Japan. They can range from small, family-run buildings with just a few rooms to very large luxurious hotels. Depending on the type of ryokan, the prices range from 10,000-25,000 yen per person per night.

Slippers in the Foyer (Genkan)

Slippers in the Foyer (Genkan)

Photo by Andrea Hale / CC BY-NC

Arriving at the Ryokan

When you arrive at a ryokan, you must take off your shoes in the foyer, or genkan, and put on a pair of slippers. You can leave your shoes at the entrance or put them in a locker, if provided.

Green Tea in Guest Room

Green Tea in Guest Room

An attendant will show you to your room and serve you tea and Japanese sweets. At the entrance of your room, you take off your slippers and leave them by the door.

Ryokan Guest Room

Ryokan Guest Room

Guest Rooms

The guest rooms are very simply decorated. The flooring is made of traditional tatami mats, which is comfortable for sitting and sleeping. The furniture includes a low table and cushions on the floor. The futon beds are rolled out at night. Rooms may or may not include a private bathroom.

Wearing a Yukata (2005)

Wearing a Yukata

Clothing

In your room, you will find a cotton robe called a yukata. You are expected to change into the yukata and wear it throughout your stay. You don’t need to wear fancy clothing at a ryokan, even if dinner is outside the room.

If it is cold, you will also be provided a jacket to wear over the yukata.

Communal Bath – Unazuki Onsen, Toyama

Communal Bath - Unazuki Onsen, Toyama

©JNTO

Bathing

The bathing area is shared with the other guests. There are separate bathing areas for men and women. Many luxury ryokan have natural hot springs or onsen.

Bathing Area for Men – Takeo Onsen, Saga

Bathing Area for Men - Takeo Onsen, Saga

©JNTO

In the changing area, you must disrobe completely. You can cover yourself with the provided hand towel, but do not put the towel into the bath water. Wash your body completely before getting into the bath water.

Dinner at Ryokan (Kaiseki Ryori)

Dinner at Ryokan (Kaiseki Ryori)

Dinner

Dinner is included with your stay and can be quite an experience. The attendants may serve dinner in your room or dinner may be served in a dining room. Dinner includes multiple courses and features local cuisine and seasonal specialties. The food is beautifully presented and worthy of pictures.

Futon Beds on Tatami Floor

Futon Beds on Tatami Floor

Sleeping

After dinner, the attendants clear the dishes and prepare the bedding. Futon beds are placed on the floor for sleeping. The futon beds are quite comfortable on the tatami flooring, and down comforters keep you very warm.

My Parents Ryokan Experience (1999)

My Parents Ryokan Experience

Breakfast

In the morning, an attendant puts away the bedding and sets up the room for breakfast. Breakfast usually consists of rice, miso soup, and fish. Some Japanese ryokan accommodating foreign tourists will also provide eggs and toast.

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About

Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists

Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!

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Highlights of Japan Tour

Fall 2019 – Takayama Festival

Day 1

ARRIVE IN JAPAN

Becki or Shawn will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

Free time to explore the area and view the architecture of Tokyo Station.

Day 2

TSUKIJI MARKET / ASAKUSA

Start your adventure off by visiting Tsukiji’s lively and historic Outer Market with vendors selling fresh seafood and produce.

Then head over to Asakusa to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645 AD.

Included Welcome Dinner at a Japanese Izakaya.

Day 3

NIKKO

Ride the Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen, one of the three fastest trains in the world.

Take a day-trip to Nikko and see the elaborately decorated tomb of Tokugawa at Toshogu Shrine. The World Heritage Site is covered in beautiful wood carvings and gold leaf.

View the vermillion painted Sacred Bridge.

Day 4

MOUNT FUJI

Travel to Lake Kawaguchi to view the magnificence of Mount Fuji. Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, soak in a mineral-rich hot spring onsen (private bath available upon request), and have an authentic Japanese Kaiseki dinner. This will be a very memorable experience!

Included Dinner at Ryokan.

Day 5

MATSUMOTO

Travel to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle, one of only five original castles in Japan and a National Treasure.

See the nicely preserved shopping streets of the historic Nakamachi District.

Optional Homestay Dinner with a Japanese family (if available).

Day 6

KANAZAWA

In the morning, visit Zenko-ji Temple, founded in the 7th century, and experience a Buddhist morning service.

Then, head to Kanazawa to see the restored Geisha entertainment district of Higashi Chaya, the Nagamachi Samurai district, Onomichi Market, and the Kenrokuen Garden, one of three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan.

Day 7

KISO VALLEY

Slip back to earlier time and enjoy the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago in the Kiso Valley. The towns used to serve travelers on the Nakasendo Trail, the route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.

Walk a section of the Nakasendo Trail through the countryside of Japan with bamboo forests, rice terraces, and waterfalls.

Day 8

KYOTO

Take a day trip to Kyoto. Visit the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu Temple and walk the Higashiyama District with old wooden houses and shops.

Then, visit the geisha district of Gion and enjoy a delicious Included Kaiseki Dinner with geisha.

Included Farewell Dinner.

Day 9

TOKYO

Travel back to Tokyo and enjoy some free time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs.

Day 10

NARITA AIRPORT

Check out of the hotel and head to Narita Airport.

 

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