{"id":86551,"date":"2022-04-05T19:17:31","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T10:17:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=86551"},"modified":"2024-02-27T20:03:35","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T11:03:35","slug":"ryokan-traditional-japanese-accommodation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/ryokan-traditional-japanese-accommodation\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Ryokan? Discover this Traditional Japanese Accommodation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Experiencing an authentic aspect of traditional Japan is a dream come true for any fan of Japanese culture. While traveling around Japan, you may have many occasions to witness its deep-rooted culture<\/strong>, such as a matsuri<\/em> (festival) or tea ceremony<\/a>. But if you want to immerse yourself in a complete experience that includes several of these traditional aspects, it’s worth making arrangements to stay at a ryokan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Ryokan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A ryokan<\/em> (\u65c5\u9928) is a traditional Japanese accommodation<\/strong> with tatami floor rooms, sliding doors (shoji<\/em> \u2014 \u969c\u5b50), and futons for sleeping<\/a>. This is a place where you can sleep in traditional Japanese style, as well as a quiet space for guests to enjoy a relaxing moment<\/strong> with a unique experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying at a ryokan can be a pleasantly indulgent for both foreigners and Japanese, so many of these accommodations are in high demand throughout the year. It’s best to reserve far in advance<\/strong>, especially during a holiday season (such as Golden Week or the New Year<\/a>) and on weekends in spring (March \u2013 April) and autumn (October \u2013 December). Note also that prices can vary greatly during busy periods and high seasons!<\/p>\n\n\n

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A typical ryokan room with tatami mats, low tables, and shoji<\/em>. Photo: Derek Yamashita<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

What is so Special about Staying in a Ryokan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For me, staying in a ryokan is like being in an alternate world. It’s a place to disconnect from your life<\/strong> and focus on your immediate surroundings<\/strong>: a forest, a small town, or an onsen village. It’s not a typical accommodation to leave your bags and go; a ryokan is an experience in itself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of relaxing in Japan, don’t miss bathing in a traditional onsen<\/em> (hot springs)<\/strong>. If you stay at a ryokan, a yukata<\/em> (a summer kimono<\/a>) will be waiting in your room so that you can enjoy Japanese-style comfort. But often you can also wear it directly to the nearest onsen<\/em> for a soak in hot spring waters. Some ryokan have their own onsen<\/em>, including rotenburo<\/em> (outdoor bath). Depending on the ryokan and the grade of luxury you choose, you may even have a private bath inside your own room! Each ryokan is a unique experience. Keep in mind that many rooms have no shower, <\/strong>as it’s customary for guests to either enjoy the onsen or large public bath on site.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A sublime private rotenburo<\/em> at Tensui ryokan in Oita prefecture. Photo: Maria Pe\u00f1ascal<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Another typical feature<\/strong><\/strong> of many<\/strong> ryokan is exquisite cuisine<\/strong>. Dinner and breakfast are included in most room rates, so you can indulge in these Japanese-style (washoku<\/em> \u2014 \u548c \u98df) delicacies, made with local ingredients. In addition, many ryokan offer kaiseki<\/em> cuisine<\/a> (\u61d0\u77f3\u6599\u7406) for dinner, a set menu of various dishes carefully prepared to capture the essence of the place and the moment. Don’t forget the complete breakfast, also featuring many Japanese-style favorites, to start the day off full of energy. As an international foodie, I highly recommend dining in a ryokan<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Kaiseki dinner at Goushikan Inn ryokan in Niigata prefecture. Photo: L\u00e9o<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Last but not least, at a ryokan you will receive typical Japanese hospitality<\/strong> (omotenashi<\/em> \u2014 \u304a\u6301\u3066\u6210\u3057). In Japan, omotenash<\/em>i goes beyond a simple welcome, the aim is to make guests feel at home and maintain a completely harmonious atmosphere<\/strong>. The staff pays very close attention to all guests, covering all your needs down to the smallest detail. At a ryokan, omotenashi<\/em> might include picking you up at the train station, offering you a small snack upon your arrival, introducing each dish of your meal at dinner, or simply treating you so perfectly that you feel you’re in another world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We can learn a lot about hospitality from Japanese omotenashi<\/em>! Photos: Cl\u00e9mentine Cintr\u00e9<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What are the Origins of Ryokan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The earliest vestiges of ryokan-like lodgings date from the Nara period<\/strong> <\/a>(710-784). Fuseya<\/em> (\u4f0f\u5c4b) were free inns where travelers could spend the night.<\/strong> In ancient Japan, traveling between different towns was dangerous. Due to an increase in mortality among travelers, these humble lodgings were created to offer shelter for the night and a place to eat. One of the best-known individuals who built several fuseya<\/em> was the Buddhist Monk Gyoki<\/a>, who also constructed bridges and roads in dangerous locations to improve travel conditions for people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the Heian period<\/strong> (794-1185) shukueki<\/em> (\u5bbf\u99c5) appeared, also called shukuba<\/em> (\u5bbf\u5834), post-towns for pilgrims and wealthy travelers<\/strong>. Shukueki <\/em>were former private houses of aristocrats and religious institutions that provided accommodation and care for horses. Then during the Kamakura period (1185\u20131392), kichin-yado<\/em> appeared, consisting of a simple accommodation where travelers paid only in firewood to prepare their own food.<\/p>\n\n\n

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On the ancient routes between Tokyo and Kyoto, there were accommodations for travelers. Photo: L\u00e9o<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

During the Edo period<\/strong>, commercial routes within Japan increased thanks to a new class of merchants, along with therapeutic trips to hot springs called toji<\/em> (\u6e6f\u6cbb). In response to the increasing demand for accommodations for these travelers, hatago <\/em>(\u65c5\u7c60) were created<\/strong>. At the same time, upper-class inns called honjin<\/em> (\u672c\u9663) were designated by daimyo<\/em> (feudal lords) and reserved exclusively for people with high positions and influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the Meiji Restoration, these two types of accommodation hatago<\/em> and honjin<\/em> eventually combined to create ryokan.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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 A room at the Goushikan Inn with some futons. Photo: L\u00e9o<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

What to Keep in Mind at a Ryokan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although there are no established rules in these accommodations, keep in mind that in Japan there are some important unwritten rules<\/a> that exist to maintain a smooth and harmonious relationship between staff and guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Wear the Yukata<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When should you wear the yukata? It will depend on the ryokan. Although it is recommended to wear yukata when you go to the onsen or large public bath, there are also spaces where yukata are not allowed<\/strong>. Restaurants are one example, as diners may include people who are not staying at the ryokan. There is usually a sign saying “yukata ok”, so be sure to check before entering or ask the staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s prohibited to take the yukata or large towels from the ryokan with you when you check out. However, you are welcome to keep the small towel<\/strong> with the name of the ryokan on it as a souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Yukata<\/em> are ready with all the accessories. Photo: Mika Senda<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Each Ryokan has its Own Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that many ryokan <\/em>close their doors at night<\/strong>. So if you are planning a late check-in, it’s best to notify reception beforehand so that the door won’t be locked. It is also advisable to ask in advance if your ryokan accepts credit cards, or if payment can only be made in cash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your dinner or breakfast consists of a buffet, it’s preferable to go back to the table several times for more helpings rather than to leave any food on the plate<\/strong>. This is considered a very rude offense to the staff. Tipping is unnecessary, but if you want to acknowledge the staff’s efforts, they will always appreciate your own efforts to say nice words such as arigatou gozaimashita<\/em> (\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f \u2014 Thank you very much) or gochisousama deshita<\/em> (\u3054\u99b3\u8d70\u69d8\u3067\u3057\u305f \u2014 Thank you very much for the food).<\/p>\n\n\n

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Some ryokans offer a buffet meal. Be sure to eat everything on your plate! Photo: Maria Pe\u00f1ascal<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As mentioned earlier, you must wash yourself thoroughly before entering the bath<\/strong> <\/em>(this general rule applies everywhere). Although in the West we use bathtubs for washing, bathing in an onsen<\/em> is specifically for relaxing. You are expected to enter the restorative spring water with a squeaky clean body. If you have long hair, tie it up with a clip or a towel so that it doesn’t touch the water. And of course, taking photos is strictly forbidden in a shared onsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another rule to keep in mind at a ryokan is related to tattoos<\/a><\/strong>. As you may already know, there are some traditional places in Japan where you can’t enter with a visible tattoo. So if you have a tattoo, when making your ryokan reservation, be sure to ask if you can go inside the common bathing area with a tattoo, as well as any requirements, such as covering it with a bandage.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Voyapon’s Mika enjoys a relaxing bath. Photo: Mika Senda<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

“Don’ts” to Keep in Mind Inside the Room at a Ryokan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At a ryokan, the futon is usually folded inside the closet, and the nakai<\/em> (\u4ef2\u5c45) is the staff in charge of preparing it for you. So unless instructed otherwise, don’t prepare the futon or put it back inside the closet.<\/strong>*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t drag your suitcase across the tatami<\/strong>, as it may damage the floor. If possible, put your luggage in a corner out of the way<\/strong> of the staff when they enter your room. Bear in mind that some closets are only large enough to store the futon, so can’t be used to hang clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t<\/strong> bring any food to eat inside your room<\/strong>. As a ryokan stay usually includes dinner and breakfast, there is no need to bring in any outside food. This also helps to prevent strong smells or soiling the room. If you want to eat something extra, go outside the ryokan and eat at a shop or a conbini<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Dinner at a ryokan in Hokkaido. Photo: Joachim Ducos<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Although there are other unwritten and unspoken rules, don’t worry<\/strong>. No matter how many questions you have, the ryokan staff are happy to help you if you ask<\/strong> (if not in Japanese, through English, drawings, signs, or a translator)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n