◆What is a Ryokan?

Ryokan is a lodging facility with a Japanese-style structure and facilities that are unique to Japan, providing services that give you a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality. Under Japanese law, there is no clear difference between a ryokan and a hotel, but many people have an image that “hotels = Western style” and ” ryokans = Japanese style”.

At a ryokan, the hotel staff is called “Nakai-san.” The Nakai prepares meals, lays out futons, and is there for you if you have any problems.

In addition, the often-heard term “Okami-san’ is the person in charge of the ryokan, who oversees the waitress and is equivalent to the general manager or manager position at a hotel.

◆How to Spend Time at a Typical Ryokan?

1. Enter the room

After checking in, the staff will escort you to your room.
Please take off your shoes at the entrance to your room.
Please stay barefeet indoors or on tatami mats. Please use the slippers provided in the shoe rack at the entrance inside the ryokan.

2.Relaxation

Free tea and snacks are provided in the room for guests to enjoy.
*The drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic drinks) in the refrigerator are charged. Payment will be required at check-out.

★Why are tea sweets offered?

Is it because it goes well with tea? For hospitality? As welcome sweets? The actual answer is that these sweet treats are made for the guests taking a bath in the hot springs. Bathing in a hot spring can easily lower your blood sugar and blood pressure, which can make you feel unwell. By having sweets before entering a hot spring, you can raise your body’s blood sugar level slightly and prevent you from feeling unwell. For the same reason, bathing in a hot spring on an empty stomach is not recommended.

3.Leisure in the ryokan

We recommend spending your free time before dinner browsing souvenirs and crafts at the ryokan shop, enjoying the hot springs, or entertaining options such as karaoke or table tennis.

Feel free to wear the yukata when taking a stroll around the facility or having meals!

4.Dinner

You can enjoy Japanese cuisine (Kaiseki cuisine) in the guest room or at the dining venue. *Depending on the facility and accommodation plan, dinner may be served in buffet-style or as a set menu.
*Click here to learn how to enjoy Kaiseki cuisine.

5.Bathing

Warming up your body 1 to 2 hours before bedtime will allow your body temperature to drop gradually, making it easier to fall asleep.

*Click here for instructions on how to use the hot springs.

6.Going to bed

At a ryokan, guests sleep on tatami mats. This is a culture unique to Japan. During dinner (or after dinner if you choose to dine in your room), the nakai will lay out the futon in your room.
*Depending on the facility, guests may be asked to lay out futons themselves.

7.Morning bath

Taking a bath in the morning will raise your body temperature. This promotes sweating and increases metabolism. It also activates the sympathetic nervous system, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed.

8. Breakfast

Like dinner, breakfast will be served in your room or the dining venue. Breakfast is often served in a set meal of Japanese dishes or buffet.

★”Washoku” (Japanese cuisine) was registered as an intangible UNESCO cultural heritage in 2013. Japanese breakfast generally consists of one soup and three side dishes. It comes with miso soup, rice, and three side dishes using fish, meat, eggs, and vegetables prepared in your preferred method.

9.Check-out/Payment

Most ryokans accept major international credit cards. If you plan to go sightseeing around the area after check-out, you can leave your luggage at the front desk.

This is the typical experience at a Japanese ryokan. If you have a chance, be sure to experience Japan’s unique ryokan culture, relax your mind and body, and enjoy your trip!