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 visitors to Japan, as it offers the opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Typical rates for ryokan range between 8,000 and 30,000 yen per night, per person. There are some no-frills establishments that 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.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the overnight stay, except at some no-frills establishments. Some ryokan serve meals in the guest room, while others serve them in separate dining areas. Both meals are in Japanese style and often feature regional and seasonal specialties.

A yukata (Japanese robe) 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. The yukata provided at Western style hotels, unlike those provided at ryokan, are not supposed to be worn outside of your room.

Room

Dinner

During your stay, you will 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. Elsewhere on the site is a guide on how to take a bath.

Ryokan guests sleep in the traditional Japanese style by using a futon, which is spread out on the tatami floor. The ryokan staff will prepare the futon for you before bed time. At inexpensive ryokan, you may 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.