Ryokan 101: What It Is, Rates, and How It Differs from Hotels

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Ryokan, or traditional Japanese inns, are one type of accommodation travelers should try. With tatami rooms, exquisite food, yukata robes, and onsen, a ryokan is a great way to experience uniquely Japanese lodging. In this article, we introduce what to expect, along with prices and tips on manners.

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MATCHA

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Picture from Arima Onsen Day Trip -Top 3 Recommended Hot Springs

Ryokan are a traditional style of Japanese hotel. They are often in buildings with a lot of history and commonly found in popular onsen towns, like Hakone and Arima.

With their classic Japanese style, they are ideal for travelers who want to experience something unique. This article provides a basic guide to staying at ryokan, from the cost each night to manners to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

1. Average Room Prices
2. Experience Traditional Style Japanese Rooms
3. The Seasonal Aesthetic of the Tokonoma
4. Low Tables and Zaisu Chairs
5. Futon in Ryokan
6. Receive Japanese Hospitality
7. Relax in Yukata
8. Savor Local Cuisine
9. Manners and Things to Know When Staying at a Ryokan
10. Stay at an Onsen Ryokan to Enjoy Hot Springs!

10 Ryokan from Popular Onsen Towns
1. Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso
2. Gora Kadan
3. Atami Izusan Karaku
4. Atami Sekitei
5. Nishimuraya Honkan
6. Ginka
7. Hana Beppu
8. Kannawaen
9. Gekkoju Yufuin
10. Yufuin Gettouan

Average Room Prices

The average cost for one night at a ryokan is roughly 15,000 yen per person. Costs can reach upwards of 50,000 yen per night for high-class ryokans or those that established during the Meiji Period. However, there are many reasonably priced ryokans as well, so please choose according to your budget.

Ryokan typically cost more than business hotels in Japan, but they offer first-rate service and delicious meals, creating a relaxing experience for guests. We make reservations on Booking.com, which has a category for ryokan, allowing you to search and find specifically traditional inns.

Find Ryokan in Japan on Booking.com

What Exactly is a Ryokan?

Experience Traditional Style Japanese Rooms

Picture courtesy of Ginzanso

The rooms are different from an average hotel room. Equipped with tatami, classic sliding doors, and toko no ma, ryokan give you the chance to experience staying in a traditional Japanese room.

In a ryokan, it's customary to remove not only your shoes but also any indoor slippers when walking on tatami mats. Tatami is a delicate and easily damaged material made from soft rush grass. By walking barefoot or in socks, you can fully appreciate the unique texture and fragrance of the tatami. Historically, tatami has been regarded as a sacred space, and maintaining cleanliness is of utmost importance. Therefore, removing your footwear to protect the tatami and keep it clean is considered good manners.

The Seasonal Aesthetic of the Tokonoma

Japanese Ryokan Guide: Room Rates, Manners, And Suggested Lodgings

Photo by Pixta

The tokonoma is an essential space in a traditional Japanese room that expresses the beauty of the room and the changing seasons.

The scrolls and flowers displayed in the tokonoma change with the seasons. For example, cherry blossoms or plum blossoms may be featured in spring, while motifs of bamboo or water may symbolize coolness in summer. In autumn, you might see displays of colorful leaves, and in winter, pine or plum branches are often showcased. This seasonal decoration allows guests to experience the charm of each season, offering a fresh perspective every time they visit.

Low Tables and Zaisu Chairs

Photo by Pixta

In the guest rooms of ryokans, you will traditionally find low tables (known as chabudai or zataku) and zaisu chairs. The chabudai is designed for sitting directly on the tatami, allowing you to stretch your legs comfortably while enjoying meals or tea.

Zaisu are chairs without legs but with a backrest, enabling you to relax with your legs extended on the tatami. These pieces of furniture are designed low to preserve the spaciousness of the room and symbolize traditional Japanese living. When sitting in a zaisu, it is considered polite to sit up straight, though you can relax freely in more casual situations.

Futon in Ryokan

The sleeping style is also Japanese. Most rooms are equipped with futon mattresses you can lay on the tatami floors to sleep on. Certain ryokan also have beds, so if you wish to sleep in one, please check when you make a reservation.

Rooms are also equipped with TVs, power sockets, and kettles for a comfortable stay. However, some ryokans are in very rural areas and may not have Wi-Fi connection in some cases. Please check the lodging's official website before staying in order to avoid any inconvenience.

Receive Japanese Hospitality

Photo by Pixta

At a Ryokan, the okami is the head proprietress, responsible for managing the overall operation and ensuring guest satisfaction.

The staff (called nakai in Japanese) at ryokan communicate actively with customers to accommodate their needs. They are responsible for guiding guests to their rooms, serving meals, and preparing futons. The nakai pay careful attention to ensure guests have a comfortable stay.

After dinner or once you've finished bathing, it is common for the nakai to prepare the futons for sleeping. While the futons are being set up, you can either move to the living space or enjoy the onsen during this time, which is typical. You don't need to lay out or put away the futons yourself, as this is part of the hospitality provided by a ryokan.

Relax in Yukata

Photo by Pixta

Instead of regular loungewear or pajamas, you will find yukata available at ryokans. Unlike pajamas, however, you can wear your yukata while taking a stroll around the local area or when going for dinner. Rules for yukata vary depending on where you are staying, so if you are concerned check with the ryokan staff.

Picture from Meet The Snow Monkeys At Shibu Onsen, Nagano! Access, Inns And More (Picture courtesy of Nagano Tourism Association)

When visiting an onsen town in Japan, you will find areas lined with hot spring establishments, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Put on your yukata and explore the onsen district.

Savor Local Cuisine

Basic lodging plans at ryokan include a two-meal option. One of the best aspects of staying at a ryokan is exquisite meals. Dinner is called gozen* in Japanese. It includes an assortment of five to ten dishes made using local ingredients.

The food is served on an array of elegant dishes making it a feast for your eyes as well as your stomach.

*Gozen: an honorific word for a meal. Generally used to refer to a menu of five to ten high-quality dishes served at a traditional Japanese restaurant.

Photo by Pixta

Depending on the plan you have, the staff may bring the dishes to your room along with rice and tea.

It’s common for ryokan to serve a traditional Japanese breakfast of rice, miso soup, tsukemono, cooked fish, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), and other side dishes. The staff usually serve each dish individually so you can leisurely enjoy your meal.

Manners and Things to Know When Staying at a Ryokan

Photo by Pixta

There are some rules and etiquette that are best to know about when staying at a Japanese ryokan.

1. Please Call Ahead if You are Running Late.

Depending on the lodging, the staff will be waiting at the reception at your expected arrival time, and or will have set preparations for your evening meal for that time. So if you are running late, it is always a good idea to let the ryokan know in advance.

2. Take Your Shoes Off At The Entrance.

Take your shoes at the ryokan entrance. There will be slippers available to wear instead of shoes. Please leave your footwear at the front and change into the slippers provided.

3. Take Care Where You Put Your Suitcase

Please take care if traveling with wheeled suitcases. Tatami mats can be easily damaged by suitcase wheels so avoid rolling them onto the tatami. Also, the area in the room known as toko no ma is considered a sacred space, so please refrain from placing suitcases there too.

Instead, place your luggage away from the toko no ma alcove or leave it near the entrance to the room. Again, if you are concerned about anything, don't hesitate to ask the staff.

4. Restrooms May Be Japanese Style

Western-style restrooms are common, but occasionally you may have a Japanese style toilet where you have to squat. In that case, it’s important to learn how to use one.

5. Check Your Room Before Leaving

When checking out from the ryokan, it’s good manners to do clean it lightly. Fold your yukata and make sure any wet towels are returned to the bathroom. The staff will tidy up the zabuton so it’s fine to leave them as they are.

Find Ryokan in Japan on Booking.com

Stay at an Onsen Ryokan to Enjoy Hot Springs!

Picture from Kusatsu Onsen Guide: Hot Springs, Things To Do, And Access From Tokyo (Picture courtesy of Kusatsu Onsen Boun)

When staying at an onsen ryokan you can enjoy hot springs indoors and rotemburo (outdoor baths). Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap, razors, and hair-dryers are provided so you need not worry about bringing your own. Towels are provided in your room.

Hot Spring and Bath Etiquette at a Ryokan

There will be other people using the public bath, so it's important to follow certain rules. Wash your body before getting in the bath, tie up any long hair and be polite. This ensures everyone can enjoy the onsen together.

You can always ask the staff if you have any questions.

People with Tattoos May Not Be Able to Use Hot Springs and Public Baths

Since you’re staying at a ryokan, you will, of course, want to experience the onsen and public baths. However, please be aware that in Japan, certain onsens, public baths, and even pools don’t allow people with tattoos to enter or use them. Please make sure to double-check the rules on tattoos before making any reservations. In some cases, they allow tattoed bathers to wear a sticker or seal that covers up the ink.