• Staying at a Ryokan
• Check-in
• Tipping
• Rooms
• Amenities
• Toilets
• Baths
• Dinner
• Exploring the Area
• Breakfast
• Checking out
• Quick Reference

Staying at a Ryokan?

Any visit to Japan requires a stay at a traditional Japanese inn or ryokan as they can provide an intimate glimpse into traditional Japan. Most ryokan are located in scenic areas and are often the main destination for travelers.

Ryokan have held an important place in Japanese history over the centuries. During the Edo period, the lifestyle of the middle classes improved and they began to have the time and resources for leisure and travel. As a result, taking a holiday to visit a ryokan has become a national pastime.

Originally, ryokan were simple in design, often just a spare room in a house where guests were welcome to stay and cook their own meals. In modern-day Japan, ryokan offer first-class accommodation, exquisite cuisine and exclusive access to some of the most beautiful hot springs, or onsen, in the world.

Choosing the right ryokan will depend on your destination and budget. There are various classes of ryokan in Japan and rates vary accordingly. Prices range from 5,000 to over 100,000 yen per person per night.

If you’re on a tight budget, try to book your trip in the off-season or on weekdays. The three major holiday seasons in Japan are the New Year Holiday, Golden Week, from the end of April through the beginning of May, and Obon, which is held in the middle of August. If you do your research and plan ahead you’ll be more satisfied with your stay as some popular ryokan are booked several years in advance.

Rates are charged per person, rather than per room, and include both dinner and breakfast. Reservations are required and many ryokan may only accept cash. Be sure to inquire whether they accept credit card payments at check-in.