What do you think of when you hear the word “ryokan” (Japanese inn)? In Japan, ryokan is not just a place where you sleep on futons instead of beds. Ryokan is a place where you can fully enjoy the history and culture that has been nurtured and cherished in Japan since ancient times, including the Japanese spirit of hospitality, Japanese cuisine, Japanese architecture, etc. Ryokan is a special place where you can relieve your daily fatigue in an extraordinary environment. In this article, I would like to share with you the charms of ryokan for those who are interested in them.
Let me tell you what a Ryokan is, specifically comparing it to a hotel.
First of all, legally speaking, a ryokan is “a business with facilities that are mainly Japanese-style structures and equipment, and includes so-called station ryokan, onsen ryokan, tourist ryokan, and kappo ryokan. Minshuku may also be included in this category.” In a ryokan, you can take off your shoes and wear a yukata. And, you can eat in your room or at a designated place as a nakai (waitress) brings you food. In addition, bathing facilities such as large baths are usually attached or located nearby.
The benefits of ryokan include “no trouble in arranging meals,” “excellent service at meals,” and “excellent baths.
Possible disadvantages include “inn staff usually enter and leave the room for service”, “many opportunities to interact with people”, and “the rules of each ryokan are often stricter than those of hotels”.
In contrast, hotels are usually indoors with shoes on or with slippers provided. Basically, bathing is done in the guest room, and if meals are not included in the plan, you may eat out or at a restaurant attached to the hotel.
Therefore, the advantages are “privacy is maintained” and ” high flexibility”. On the other hand, disadvantages include ” less interaction with others” and “you may have to arrange your own meals”.
Compared to hotels, a Japanese ryokan is an accommodation where you can interact with local Japanese people and experience more of the Japanese hospitality spirit through Japanese food, etc.
Omotenashi” is a famous word that is part of Japanese culture and was used to attract the Tokyo Olympics. When people actually come to Japan for sightseeing, there are so many people who are impressed by the spirit of Japanese hospitality. The hospitality of ryokan is so much appreciated by Japanese and foreigners alike, and the polite service is a big attraction of ryokan. In a large ryokan, each floor or room may have its own nakai-san (waitress) who is in charge of carrying luggage, serving meals and preparing the room.
A traditional ryokan is an important place to convey the beauty of Japan. Sukiya style and other Japanese houses are now precious places where you can witness the techniques of craftsmen. In the historic ryokans that have kept and passed down buildings from the Meiji era or earlier, you will be able to experience Japanese architecture to the fullest with their wooden rooms, tatami mats, and Japanese gardens.
In Japan, volcanic activity has been active since ancient times, so there are many hot springs. Many Japanese people also come to ryokan to enjoy hot spring baths, as it is a relaxing time where they can experience something extraordinary.
Japanese food, with its delicate and beautiful food presentation, variety of ingredients, and many other appealing features, has been attracting a lot of attention since it was registered as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
First of all, Japanese food is good for your health. It has a good balance of ingredients such as meat, fish, and vegetables, and has an excellent nutritional balance with low calories and low fat. And also the flavor of the broth allows the taste to be determined even with less salt, so you can feel satisfied even with a small amount. Another attraction is the custom of eating seasonal dishes and celebrating events. Osechi (New Year’s Day), Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival), Toshikoshi-soba (New Year’s Eve), etc. Japanese food is deeply connected to traditional Japanese events. Feeling the seasons while tasting seasonal ingredients is one of the fun things of traveling in Japan.
Be sure to keep check-in and check-out times. In ryokan, the staff are assigned tasks according to the arrival and departure times of guests, and various preparations and cleaning are done based on a plan.
If you are going to be arriving later than the check-in time you have told the ryokan, please let them know and try to arrive before the last check-in time. Also, please keep the check-out time.
When it’s time to eat, the staff will bring you your food in the order of the courses, regularly prepare refills for your drinks, and serve you a bowl of white rice, giving you a very satisfying experience.
It is a good idea to basically leave things to them and tell them if you have any requests or don’t need anything.
For those who are not in the habit of taking a long soak in a bathtub, the onsen at a Japanese ryokan may be a bit confusing. Since ryokan are visited by many tourists, it is important that each and every one of you observe good manners. The general rules for onsen is as follows;
・Take off your shoes and slippers, and enter the changing room barefoot.
・Wash your whole body in the washing area to remove dirt before entering the bathtub.
・Apply hot water from the end of your body to your head to get used to the temperature of the water.
・Do not jump into the bathtub.
・When taking a full-body bath, float your body and move your arms and legs to promote blood circulation.
・Get out of the bathtub when your forehead is sweaty. Do not rinse off your body to maintain the warmth of the bath.
If you are staying in a tatami room, the ryokan will lay out the futon for you while you are taking a bath or eating dinner at a different place. Put your valuables in a safe and keep all your luggage in one place as much as possible. If you are uncomfortable with people entering your room without permission, just let the front desk know in advance.
Arai Ryokan is an ryokan in Shuzenji, Shizuoka Prefecture, with guest rooms that were built between the late Meiji and early Showa periods and are nationally registered cultural properties. It is a precious place where you can enjoy the changing times of Japan. The guest rooms reflect the atmosphere of each era, and many wonderful works of Japanese painting and literature have been created at this ryokan. You can also take a tour of the ryokan and hear about the various episodes of the time.
In this place loved by many famous people, you can enjoy the Momoyama architecture, which is designated as a national registered cultural property. In the private dining room, you can enjoy the special Japanese cuisine, and after dinner, you can also enjoy the evening in the lounge with modern arts. The large bathrooms with different tastes are also attractive, and you can take a bath in the five hot springs and admire the craftsmanship of the buildings. So, you are sure to be impressed.
Ryokan is a place where you can fully enjoy the Japanese hospitality, Japanese cuisine, Japanese architecture, and other aspects of the history and culture that have been cherished in Japan since ancient times. Moreover it is a wonderful place to relax and relieve your daily fatigue in an extraordinary environment. If you visit Japan, why don’t you stay in those ryokans?
Contents
What is a ryokan?
Let me tell you what a Ryokan is, specifically comparing it to a hotel.
First of all, legally speaking, a ryokan is “a business with facilities that are mainly Japanese-style structures and equipment, and includes so-called station ryokan, onsen ryokan, tourist ryokan, and kappo ryokan. Minshuku may also be included in this category.” In a ryokan, you can take off your shoes and wear a yukata. And, you can eat in your room or at a designated place as a nakai (waitress) brings you food. In addition, bathing facilities such as large baths are usually attached or located nearby.
The benefits of ryokan include “no trouble in arranging meals,” “excellent service at meals,” and “excellent baths.
Possible disadvantages include “inn staff usually enter and leave the room for service”, “many opportunities to interact with people”, and “the rules of each ryokan are often stricter than those of hotels”.
In contrast, hotels are usually indoors with shoes on or with slippers provided. Basically, bathing is done in the guest room, and if meals are not included in the plan, you may eat out or at a restaurant attached to the hotel.
Therefore, the advantages are “privacy is maintained” and ” high flexibility”. On the other hand, disadvantages include ” less interaction with others” and “you may have to arrange your own meals”.
Compared to hotels, a Japanese ryokan is an accommodation where you can interact with local Japanese people and experience more of the Japanese hospitality spirit through Japanese food, etc.
The charm of Japanese inns
The following are some of the main things you can experience when staying at a ryokan in Japan.Omotenashi(Hospitality)
Omotenashi” is a famous word that is part of Japanese culture and was used to attract the Tokyo Olympics. When people actually come to Japan for sightseeing, there are so many people who are impressed by the spirit of Japanese hospitality. The hospitality of ryokan is so much appreciated by Japanese and foreigners alike, and the polite service is a big attraction of ryokan. In a large ryokan, each floor or room may have its own nakai-san (waitress) who is in charge of carrying luggage, serving meals and preparing the room.
Japanese architecture
A traditional ryokan is an important place to convey the beauty of Japan. Sukiya style and other Japanese houses are now precious places where you can witness the techniques of craftsmen. In the historic ryokans that have kept and passed down buildings from the Meiji era or earlier, you will be able to experience Japanese architecture to the fullest with their wooden rooms, tatami mats, and Japanese gardens.
Onsen (hot spring)
In Japan, volcanic activity has been active since ancient times, so there are many hot springs. Many Japanese people also come to ryokan to enjoy hot spring baths, as it is a relaxing time where they can experience something extraordinary.
Japanese food
Japanese food, with its delicate and beautiful food presentation, variety of ingredients, and many other appealing features, has been attracting a lot of attention since it was registered as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
First of all, Japanese food is good for your health. It has a good balance of ingredients such as meat, fish, and vegetables, and has an excellent nutritional balance with low calories and low fat. And also the flavor of the broth allows the taste to be determined even with less salt, so you can feel satisfied even with a small amount. Another attraction is the custom of eating seasonal dishes and celebrating events. Osechi (New Year’s Day), Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival), Toshikoshi-soba (New Year’s Eve), etc. Japanese food is deeply connected to traditional Japanese events. Feeling the seasons while tasting seasonal ingredients is one of the fun things of traveling in Japan.
A treasure trove of flavors, exploring the deep charm of Japanese food
Etiquette at Japanese inns
Japanese ryokan is a little different from hotels. If you usually stay in hotels, you may be confused. To avoid this, learn the minimum manners.Booking a room
Be sure to keep check-in and check-out times. In ryokan, the staff are assigned tasks according to the arrival and departure times of guests, and various preparations and cleaning are done based on a plan.
If you are going to be arriving later than the check-in time you have told the ryokan, please let them know and try to arrive before the last check-in time. Also, please keep the check-out time.
Meals
When it’s time to eat, the staff will bring you your food in the order of the courses, regularly prepare refills for your drinks, and serve you a bowl of white rice, giving you a very satisfying experience.
It is a good idea to basically leave things to them and tell them if you have any requests or don’t need anything.
Onsen(hot spring)
For those who are not in the habit of taking a long soak in a bathtub, the onsen at a Japanese ryokan may be a bit confusing. Since ryokan are visited by many tourists, it is important that each and every one of you observe good manners. The general rules for onsen is as follows;
・Take off your shoes and slippers, and enter the changing room barefoot.
・Wash your whole body in the washing area to remove dirt before entering the bathtub.
・Apply hot water from the end of your body to your head to get used to the temperature of the water.
・Do not jump into the bathtub.
・When taking a full-body bath, float your body and move your arms and legs to promote blood circulation.
・Get out of the bathtub when your forehead is sweaty. Do not rinse off your body to maintain the warmth of the bath.
Introducing recommended hot spring（Onsen） resorts in Japan
Bedtime
If you are staying in a tatami room, the ryokan will lay out the futon for you while you are taking a bath or eating dinner at a different place. Put your valuables in a safe and keep all your luggage in one place as much as possible. If you are uncomfortable with people entering your room without permission, just let the front desk know in advance.
Recommended inns where you can enjoy Japanese culture
Here are six Japanese ryokans registered as Tangible Cultural Properties, where you can fully enjoy Japanese history and culture and experience something extraordinary that you cannot experience in a regular hotel.Ochiairou (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Ochi Airou (Shizuoka Prefecture) is a ryokan where many cultured people were soothed by the scenery and the murmuring of the Kano River, which led to the creation of many cultural works. The beauty of the craftsmanship throughout the ryokan, the complex kumiko shoji screens, and the history of the sukiya style house make it a perfect place to stay. The scenery has never changed over the years, and continued to fascinate you. This is a ryokan where you can experience the beauty of Japan with delicious meals and soothing hot springs.Arai Ryokan (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Arai Ryokan is an ryokan in Shuzenji, Shizuoka Prefecture, with guest rooms that were built between the late Meiji and early Showa periods and are nationally registered cultural properties. It is a precious place where you can enjoy the changing times of Japan. The guest rooms reflect the atmosphere of each era, and many wonderful works of Japanese painting and literature have been created at this ryokan. You can also take a tour of the ryokan and hear about the various episodes of the time.
Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Bansuiro Fukuzumi (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Bansuiro Fukuzumi has an old building that has been designated as an important cultural property. There are two buildings, the Meiji Building and the Showa Building, where you can enjoy the beauty of Japanese architecture. In particular, room 15 in the Meiji building is a special room where you can listen to the murmuring of the river in front of you and look up at the ceiling to see 48 ceiling paintings. You will have the luxury of being in an extraordinary place and experiencing a relaxing time.Shinshu Yudanaka Onsen Yorozuya (Nagano Prefecture)
The guest rooms are made of Sukiya-style architecture with attention to detail, making it a valuable place with historical value. Enjoying authentic kaiseki cuisine in the beauty of the wooden architecture will be a wonderful experience. In addition, the “Momoyama Bath,” a large bathhouse with a purely wooden architecture of the early Showa period, has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property.Ryotei Ryokan Yatsusankan (Gifu Prefecture)
Ryotei Ryokan Yatsusankan is an ryokan in Hida Takayama with 160 years of history. Of the three buildings designated as tangible cultural properties by the government, the lobby of the Shogetsuro, built in 1905, has a beautiful atrium. Many people must have relaxed and conversed in this refreshing lobby that reminds us of the times. The large bathroom also features bathtubs with different tastes. There is also an outdoor bath, kama(kettle) bath, and a sake bath called the sake brewery doburoku bath, all of which are reputed to make your skin smooth.Sekizenkan (Kasshotei, Sanso) (Gunma Prefecture)
In this place loved by many famous people, you can enjoy the Momoyama architecture, which is designated as a national registered cultural property. In the private dining room, you can enjoy the special Japanese cuisine, and after dinner, you can also enjoy the evening in the lounge with modern arts. The large bathrooms with different tastes are also attractive, and you can take a bath in the five hot springs and admire the craftsmanship of the buildings. So, you are sure to be impressed.
Let’s stay at a ryokan
Ryokan is a place where you can fully enjoy the Japanese hospitality, Japanese cuisine, Japanese architecture, and other aspects of the history and culture that have been cherished in Japan since ancient times. Moreover it is a wonderful place to relax and relieve your daily fatigue in an extraordinary environment. If you visit Japan, why don’t you stay in those ryokans? 
