Traditional Ryokan Stays: What Every Traveler Should Know Before Booking

Spending a night in a traditional Japanese ryokan is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a cultural experience rooted in centuries of hospitality, seasonal cuisine, and deep relaxation. But for American travelers, it can also be a little intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. From etiquette to pricing to choosing the right ryokan, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before booking, so your stay feels immersive and stress-free instead of confusing or awkward.

A ryokan (旅館) is a traditional Japanese inn that usually features:

• Tatami-matted rooms (woven straw flooring)

• Sliding doors (shoji or fusuma)

• Low wooden tables and floor seating (zaisu or zabuton)

• Futons instead of Western beds

• On-site communal baths (often onsen)

• Seasonal kaiseki meals (multi-course dinners made with local ingredients)

Ryokan culture is rooted in omotenashi , Japan’s unique brand of deep, anticipatory hospitality. It’s not just about staying somewhere—it’s about being cared for, even if you never say a word.

Ryokan stays are slower, more intimate, and more ritualized than hotel experiences. There’s a rhythm to the stay:

• You’ll remove your shoes at the entrance .

• A host (often in kimono) will escort you to your room and serve tea.

• Meals are served at set times—usually in your room or in a private dining area.

• Baths are shared, and soaking is part of the culture.

If you’re looking for 24/7 front desk service, breakfast buffets, or lots of nightlife, a ryokan might not be the right fit. But if you want peace, beauty, and deep cultural immersion—it’s unmatched.

Many American travelers experience sticker shock when first pricing ryokan. A standard hotel might be $90–150 a night, while ryokan can range from $150 to $600+ per person per night. But it’s not a ripoff—here’s what you’re getting:

• Dinner : Multi-course, often 8–12 seasonal dishes (kaiseki style).

• Breakfast : Usually a traditional Japanese breakfast with fish, rice, and miso soup.

• Room : A spacious, serene tatami room with futon bedding.

• Service : Attentive, personalized hospitality.

• Baths : Access to onsen or private bathing facilities.

• Basic amenities, may share bathrooms.

• Simpler meals, less elaborate presentation.

• Beautiful garden or mountain setting, full kaiseki meals.

• Private toilets, but shared onsen.

• Better English-speaking support.

• Private open-air bath (rotenburo), chef-prepared kaiseki.

• In-room dining, higher-end linens, and more staff attention.

Tip: Ryokan pricing is per person , not per room. Double-check before booking to avoid surprise charges.

You’ll find ryokan across Japan, but not all areas offer the same experience.

• Pros: Historic ambiance, easy access to temples, many options for all budgets.

• Cons: Often booked out in peak season, can feel touristy.

• Best for: First-timers looking for a ryokan + city combo.

• Pros: Close to Tokyo (~90 min), natural hot springs, great views of Mt. Fuji.

• Cons: Pricey during weekends and holidays.

• Best for: Nature + onsen lovers on a short itinerary.

• Pros: Classic onsen town with multiple public baths, wear yukata in town.

• Cons: Slightly out of the way, requires planning.

• Best for: Full onsen-town experience.

• Pros: Edo-era post towns, very atmospheric.

• Cons: Rural, limited English, simple meals.

• Best for: Hikers, history buffs.

• Pros: Affordable options, volcanic hot springs, less touristy.

• Cons: Less accessible unless you’re already in Kyushu.

• Best for: Off-the-beaten-path adventures.

When you check into a ryokan, things move at a slower pace—and that’s intentional. Here’s how it typically goes:

• Remove your shoes in the entrance (genkan). You’ll wear provided slippers inside.

• You’ll be greeted with a bow and warm towel , and escorted to your room.

• Tea and a sweet (usually wagashi) will be served. This is a signal: relax, unwind.

• Staff may explain the dining schedule and onsen etiquette , especially if you look like a first-timer.

Don’t expect to drop off your bag and run out the door. Ryokan stays are meant to be savored.

The kaiseki dinner is a big part of your stay—so don’t eat a big lunch beforehand.

Meals usually include:

• Appetizers (seasonal vegetables, pickles)

• Sashimi

• Grilled fish or wagyu beef

• Steamed dishes

• Soup

• Rice + dessert

Vegetarian or vegan? Call or email ahead. Some ryokan can accommodate special diets, but many cannot do last-minute changes.

Pro Tip: Breakfast is also Japanese-style—think grilled fish, miso soup, seaweed, and rice. If you want Western options, look for larger ryokan or hotel-style hybrids.

Most ryokan include a communal bath (onsen), and it’s a highlight of the stay. Here’s how to do it right:

Do:

• Shower thoroughly before entering the bath.

• Enter nude—no bathing suits allowed.

• Tie up long hair.

• Relax and enjoy the soak quietly.

• Dry off before re-entering the changing room.

Don’t:

• Bring towels into the bath.

• Swim, splash, or be loud.

• Use your phone or camera.

• Enter if you have open wounds or are intoxicated.

Have tattoos? Some ryokan prohibit them in baths (due to yakuza associations). Choose one that’s tattoo-friendly or book a room with a private onsen .

Sleeping on the floor might sound rustic, but Japanese futons are high-quality and comfortable if you know what to expect.

• The staff lays out your futon bedding while you’re at dinner.

• It's placed directly on tatami, with a mattress pad, sheets, and fluffy duvet.

• It's low to the ground—but not “camping” uncomfortable.

Tip: If you have back issues, request extra padding in advance. Many ryokan will happily accommodate.

Provided:

• Yukata (cotton robe)

• Slippers

• Towels

• Toiletries (shampoo, body soap, toothbrush)

• Tea set and snacks

You Should Bring:

• Warm layers (ryokan are often in mountain areas and can be chilly)

• Swimsuit (if using a mixed-gender onsen that allows it)

• Phone charger (Japanese outlets are Type A)

Don’t bring large rolling suitcases if the ryokan is in a rural or hilly area. Send your bags ahead via takkyubin luggage delivery services.

Booking platforms:

• Rakuten Travel

• JAPANiCAN

• [Booking.com] (filter by “ryokan” property type)

• Some ryokan also allow direct booking via email —especially high-end or remote inns.

When to book:

• 3–6 months in advance during sakura season (late March–early April) and autumn (October–November)

• Weekdays often cost less than weekends

What to check in the listing:

• Are meals included? (Look for “half board” or “2 meals”)

• Is there a private bath or only shared?

• English support?

• Check-in time (often earlier than Western hotels—around 3 PM)

• Arrive by 4:00 PM so you can enjoy tea, the onsen, and relax before dinner.

• Don’t tip. In Japanese culture, service is included—tipping can be confusing or even awkward.

• Be mindful of noise. Most ryokan are designed for peace and quiet.

• Always greet the staff with a bow and a smile. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, a simple "arigatou gozaimasu" goes a long way.

A traditional ryokan stay can be one of the most enriching parts of your Japan journey—offering a deep dive into hospitality, tradition, and tranquility you just can’t get from a Western hotel. By understanding the rhythm, expectations, and cultural touchpoints of a ryokan, you’ll not only avoid missteps but elevate your travel experience in a way that lingers long after the trip ends.

Take your shoes off, slip into a yukata, savor that first sip of tea, and enjoy the art of slowing down—Japan-style.

If you're planning a ryokan stay as part of a broader spring adventure, timing and logistics matter. Use our Cherry Blossom Forecast Hacks to align your booking with peak bloom in Kyoto or the countryside. Make travel between towns effortless by learning How to Use the JR Pass to Maximize Your Japan Adventure , and explore lesser-known regions with character-rich inns by diving into Discover Rural Japan: 12 Off-the-Beaten-Path Villages Every Tourist Should Visit .