Why You Should Stay at a Ryokan When Visiting Japan
If you are looking for an authenticate experience, then staying in a Ryokan Hotel in Japan is as genuine as it gets. Ryokan hotels are traditional Japanese hotels that offer a unique experience that will certainly be a highlight from your trip to Japan.
Staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan is a cultural experience that typically includes meals, a Yukata to wear, hospitality, and an onsen (public bath). I’ve stayed at several Ryokan hotels throughout Japan and want to share my love of Ryokan hotels with you.
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Ryokan hotels come in all shapes and sizes and are found throughout Japan. The Ryokan is loosely defined as a traditional Japanese inn that offers its guests a unique experience, Japanese culture, omotenashi (hospitality), and a relaxing stay.
Ryokan hotels are found all throughout Japan and can be located anywhere from small mountain villages to large cities like Kyoto.
Ryokan hotels are much different then your typical western or business hotel that is popular in Japan like APA or Toyoko Inn, which I love.
Apart from the experience itself and exceptional hospitality, some key features that separate a Ryokan from a business hotel are the full tatami rooms where you sleep on a futon on the floor, onsens, Kaiseki meals, and the provided yukatas.
Reasons you Should Stay at a Ryokan Hotel in Japan
For that quintessential Japanese experience, I recommend staying at a Ryokan hotel while visiting Japan. If anything, stay at least one night at a Ryokan during your visit to Japan just to say you’ve done it.
Ryokans come in all forms and at a variety of price ranges but no matter what, I promise you it will be a unique experience.
If you want to experience culture, onsens, taking photos in a yukata, or just want to relax, then staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan is a must, below are a few reasons why staying in a Ryokan offer a better experience then a regular hotel in Japan.
Cultural Experience
Most people book a Ryokan for the cultural and unique experience. A Ryokan hotel is something unique to Japan and you can’t really find this style of inn anywhere else.
Staying at a Ryokan is much more then just staying overnight at a hotel in Japan. It’s more of an immersive experience into Japanese culture and hospitality.
Most Ryokans will have traditional decor, tatami-matted rooms, shoji screens, and comfortable futons to sleep on.
Meals
As someone who loves food, of course the meals, both breakfast and dinners served at Ryokan hotels are always a highlight.
The meals served at Ryokan hotels are known as Kaiseki. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal that is usually served in your room, a private dining area, or a communal space.
The Kaiseki comes in many different ways. It is popular to have a whole table spread of small dishes that include an appetizer, sashimi, fermented vegetables, grilled fish, steamed rice, miso soup, and a dessert.
A few Ryokans I’ve stayed at, include a buffet option. The buffets are always outstanding with a huge variety.
So far, Nikko Tokanso in Nikko has had my favorite Kaiseki while Yukai Resort Koshinoyu in Wakayama Prefecture has had the most outstanding dinner buffet.
Onsen (Public bath)
Another big draw to staying at a Ryokan is the onsen or public baths. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and are found all around the country.
Natural onsens are rich in minerals and heated by volcanic activity. Sometimes the onsens are so hot it’s almost unbearable. But it’s all about relaxation and healing.
Most of the Ryokans I’ve stayed at have both public and private onsens. Private onsens are great if you want to enjoy the experience with your partner or have tattoos and cannot go to the public onsen.
Typically, private onsens, you have to pay extra and need to check the times at the frond desk of the Ryokan.
Depending on the Ryokan, some have onsens on site, in the room, or public baths around town.
Wearing a Yukata
If you are visiting Japan, I am sure wearing a kimono crossed your mind. How about a Yukata? A yukata is basically a casual kimono and most Ryokan hotels come equipped with them.
The yukata will be placed in your room or can be found at the front desk. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear your yukata while dining in the Ryokan, walking to and from the onsen, or just lounging in your room.
If you are staying in an onsen town, you can even wear your yukata out and about.
Relaxation
Besides the meals, I love staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan because it is a relaxing and peaceful experience.
Ryokans are meant to have a relaxing ambience and are generally set in natural locations whether it is in a mountainous area or quiet street set back a few blocks from the busy city districts.
It doesn’t get more relaxing then slipping into a yukata, enjoying the onsen, or just spending time in your room.
Conclusion
Staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan combines culture, food, and atmosphere. I promise you will get a one of a kind and memorable experience staying at a Ryokan. Some of my best and most memorable overnight stays in Japan have all been at a Ryokan. While visiting Japan, even if it is just for one night, ditch that generic hotel room and book a Ryokan hotel, you won’t regret it.
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