Table of contents:
Summary
Ryokan is a traditional Japanese hotel offering unique accommodations that reflect the rich culture of Japan. Found across the country, especially in resort towns near hot springs (onsen), ryokans range from small family-run inns to larger establishments with hundreds of rooms. Staying at a ryokan provides an authentic experience, as guests enjoy a typical Japanese ambiance, complete with exquisite meals featuring kaiseki cuisine—a multi-course gourmet dining experience that highlights local and seasonal specialties. Average rates are between 120 and 200 euros per night, which generally includes dinner and breakfast. Guests can expect to find tatami mats, futon beds, and low tables in their rooms, along with private bathrooms and beautiful gardens. A traditional yukata, a cotton kimono-like robe, is usually provided for use within the ryokan and during meals. With various price ranges, ryokans cater to different budgets, making them an unforgettable part of the Japanese travel experience. Notable recommendations include Ryokan Ichinao in Tokyo, which offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to local attractions.A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style accommodation—a kind of traditional Japanese hotel, so to speak. You can find Ryokans all over Japan, both in big cities like Tokyo and in small villages. However, you’ll most often find Ryokans in resort towns near Onsen (the famous hot springs; here we have a post about them).
There are many different types of Ryokans, from small family-run inns to Ryokans as large as hotels, with several hundred rooms.
Why should I stay in a Ryokan?
Ryokans are perfect for experiencing Japanese culture first-hand! They are usually furnished in the typical Japanese style, and authentic dishes are typically served as well. The atmosphere here is truly unique. This traditional accommodation is equally popular among Japanese people looking for relaxation and among tourists—and for good reason! Even budget travelers should not miss out on this unforgettable experience!
How expensive is it to stay in a Ryokan?
Of course, there are Ryokans in various price ranges, from budget options to luxury accommodations. On average, a night at a Ryokan costs between 120 and 200 Euros per person. However, meals (dinner and breakfast) are included in this price!
What food do you get in Ryokans?
Usually, both dinner and breakfast are offered. Ryokans are known for their excellent food and serve “Japanese gourmet cuisine” (Kaiseki Ryori). This usually consists of several courses with a variety of dishes. The menu features local and seasonal specialties—often, you’ll get dishes in Ryokans that you can’t find in other regions of Japan. Dinner is typically served between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For breakfast, there is a classic Japanese assortment of rice, miso soup, tsukemono (pickles), grilled fish, tofu, fried egg or onsen-tamago (hot spring egg), salad, vegetables, natto, and tea. In some cases, a “Western-style” breakfast may also be offered. By the way, if you want to know exactly what’s on the table at a typical Japanese breakfast, we have a post for you here:
How are Ryokans furnished?
In your room at the Ryokan, you won't find Western-style furniture, but rather tatami mats on the floor and futons instead of a bed. There is usually also a low table in the center of the room. In Ryokans, you typically have your own private bathroom. Often, there is also a beautiful bath or spa area as well as a carefully maintained garden. Larger Ryokans sometimes also have a restaurant, a bar, a karaoke or game room.
Yukata – The right clothing for Ryokans
In Ryokans, a particular traditional garment is usually worn: a robe similar to a kimono, but lighter and made of cotton. This robe is called a yukata, and it’s typically provided by your Ryokan. The yukata can be worn both in the spa area and as loungewear. In Ryokans, guests also wear it to breakfast, dinner, and even for walks outside—although the latter is mainly in Onsen resort towns.
Ryokans we can recommend to you
Ichinao, Tokyo
Ryokan Ichinao welcomes you in Tokyo, 100 m from Belle Salle Shinjuku Park and 200 m from Geino Kadensha, with air-conditioned rooms and a shared bathroom. This accommodation is close to sights such as Shinjuku I Land, Belle Salle Shinjuku Grand Hall, and the LOVE Obhousing. The Ryokan offers family rooms. Each room at the Ryokan is equipped with a wardrobe. Source: booking.com
Toemu Nozawa, Nozawa Onsen
This accommodation is only a 10-minute walk from the Nozawa Onsen ski resort. The rooms in this cozy Ryokan are furnished with tatami mats and futon beds. There is also a low table and a television in the room. Guests can relax in a large public bathhouse. There are barbecue facilities on the rooftop terrace. - Source: Booking.com
Oyado Koto No Yume, Takayama
Hotel Oyado Koto No Yume welcomes you just a 2-minute walk from Takayama Station. Enjoy Japanese-style rooms with colorful interiors. The hotel features hot spring baths, a restaurant with breakfast, and free Wi-Fi throughout. This Ryokan is featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
The rooms are equipped with tatami mats and traditional futon beds. You can expect a 40-inch flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a set with green tea. Each room also has a bathroom with a shower, a bathtub, and toiletries. - Source: Booking.com
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