basic information

Ryokan are Japanese style inns. They come in all sizes and are found across Japan. A stay at a ryokan is highly recommended to all foreign visitors of Japan, as it offers the opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Typical rates for ryokan range between 6,000 and 20,000 Yen per night and person, but some no-frills establishments offer rooms for less.

Guests stay in Japanese style rooms with tatami floor and a low table. Shoes are usually removed at the ryokan's main entrance, where slippers will be kept ready. You are supposed to remove even your slippers before stepping onto tatami mats.

Except in case of inexpensive ryokan, dinner and breakfast are included in the overnight stay. At the better ryokan, meals are served in the guest room, while common dining rooms are to be used elsewhere. Both meals are typically Japanese style and often feature regional specialties.

A yukata (Japanese dress) is provided to be worn during your stay at the ryokan. The yukata can be used for walking around the ryokan and as pajamas. In many onsen resorts, it is also okay to take a walk outside of the ryokan in your yukata. Note, however, that unlike the yukata provided at ryokan, the yukata provided at Western style hotels are not supposed to be worn outside of your room.

Room

Dinner

During your stay, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a Japanese style bath. Most ryokan come with a gender separated, communal bath, but in many cases it is also possible to use the bath on a private basis (by reserving a time slot). In hot spring resorts, the ryokan's bath water is directly supplied from the hot spring. Read more on how to take a bath.

Last but not least, ryokan guests sleep in traditional style, using a futon, which is spread out on the tatami floor. The ryokan staff will prepare the futon for you before bed time, except at inexpensive ryokan, where you have to do it by yourself. During the day, the futon is kept in a closet.

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Recommended Guide Book: Lonely Planet Japan Lonely Planet Japan is the best guide book on Japan for budget travelers, in part due to its superior accommodation listings.