Additional dinners at a ryokan?

We are visiting relatives in Atagawa. We would like to have the experience of staying in a ryokan. More importantly, we want to visit with our relatives. Is it possible to pay additional fees to the ryokan to allow our relatives (2 people) to eat with us in a ryokan?
Is the elaborate ryokan dinner considered a treat to locals? Would they enjoy the ryokan meal?
Or is it better to stay at a regular hotel and eat dinner together in a restraunt?
Thanks,
Laura

I don't think Ryokans accept it.
Ryokans and hotels normally don't permit visitors to step inside the room. They can be met at the front desk lounge.
You can be stayed at Ryokan stay at night without meals. Then you can have a dinner with your friends or relatives at different places.

Thank you for your insight. We will plan accordingly.