Is Staying in a Ryokan Worth It?

I’ll be honest, I love ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). My answer to Is it worth it to stay in a ryokan? is a resounding YES! Stay in a ryokan when you go to Japan! In this article I’ll cover where, why, and how you should stay in a ryokan.

What is a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, most commonly found outside the urban centers of Japan. Really, they were the world’s original hotels, back in the days before long-distance travel was common. The oldest ryokan opened in Japan in the eighth century!

Usually, ryokans aren’t affiliated with big chain hotels, so you won’t often see elite status or room upgrades. These tend to be boutique hotels that are individually owned. They’re not usually very big, and can be as small as only 2-3 rooms, up to maybe 50 rooms.

What are the accommodations like in a ryokan?

Traditionally, ryokans were pretty bare-bones, but these days ryokans can range anywhere from spartan to luxurious. Although shared bathrooms were common in the past, they’re usually private these days.

Part of what makes it worth it to stay in a ryokan is the unique accommodations. Rooms often include Japanese-style beds, which are mattress pads directly on the floor with plush blankets on top of them. They’re also usually separate, so each person has his/her own individual twin-size-like pad. This is just how the rooms are, so don’t expect to see king-sized beds! (If your ryokan describes a room as having “Western-style beds,” you can assume it’s the “usual” bed frame and large mattress setup.)

Another common characteristic of a ryokan room is the tatami floor. You should take off your shoes when you enter your room, before setting foot on the tatami floor.

Most ryokans offer breakfast and dinner as part of their normal accommodations. Typically, they will ask you your desired mealtimes within certain windows. For example, when I stayed at the Aura Tachibana, I was given the choice of breakfast at 6:30a, 7:30a, or 8:30a. (Check out the details of the exquisite food they served me in my full Aura Tachibana review!)

Some ryokans also have onsen (Japanese baths) onsite, that you would share with others staying at the property. Usually, there are separate facilities for men and women, but not always. You should read about how to enjoy a Japanese bath before going!

Some ryokans even allow guests to purchase rooms that have their own private onsen! When we stayed at the Aura Tachibana, we sprung for a room with our own private hot spring on our open-air balcony.

What do you do in a ryokan?

First, take off your shoes and wear the provided clothes and/or slippers. Most ryokans provide guests with yukata when you check in. You should plan to wear the yukata while you’re in the common areas of the ryokan. Actually, they’re extremely comfortable – it’s kinda like wearing pajamas all day, and you don’t have to think about your outfits. Most ryokans provide instructions on how to wear the yukata, but it’s pretty easy to figure out (or check YouTube).

Wear the provided slippers and/or socks everywhere except for the entranceway of the ryokan. In Japan, wearing shoes indoors is really frowned upon. Many times, the bathrooms in Japan have their own slippers, and you’re never supposed to wear the bathroom slippers when you’re anywhere other than the bathroom. When in doubt, look around you at other guests.

You should attend mealtimes (if provided) when you’re supposed to. Usually there are specific mealtime hours, and often you “sign up” for your seating time in advance. This is typically arranged when you check in.

Why should I stay in a ryokan?

You should stay in a ryokan because it is a very unique experience in Japan – and because there are many different ryokans out there, so you’re bound to find one that fits your travel style! Some of the reasons it’s worth it to stay in a ryokan include:

• The experience: You won’t have an experience like this in other countries. Hotels are more or less the same in all developed nations, but ryokans are truly unique to Japan. This is part of what makes it worth it to stay in a ryokan!
• Relaxation: Ryokans are mostly found in beautiful Japanese towns rather than bustling cities, and the whole point is to relax and watch the scenery. Enjoy the hot springs, eat the traditional Japanese meals, and explore the sleepy, quaint towns. In my guide to booking a luxury trip to Japan for cheap, I advocated hopping off the plane from Tokyo and going straight to Hakone. Hakone is close to Tokyo by train, but it feels very far removed. It’s a great place to get over your jet lag on the first couple days of your trip.
• Variety: Ryokans can be cheap or expensive, spartan or luxurious, ancient or updated. It really depends. Check the reviews!

How do I choose a ryokan?

Since ryokans are usually independent and not part of chains, you’ll have to rely on reviews and individual websites to help make your choice. I highly recommend the Aura Tachibana, which I stayed in and absolutely loved. If you want a high-end experience, you should go there; it’s my favorite of the 4 ryokans I’ve visited.

Hotels.com and Tripadvisor tend to provide accurate user reviews and pictures. Finally, I actually recommend checking out the website of the ryokan itself. Google Translate works wonders. I simply emailed a question or two to the Aura Tachibana and received a prompt and professional reply, so that’s an option for you too.

Before you book: Keep in mind, if two people are staying in the room, make sure your reservation is for TWO people! Japanese hotels in general, and ryokans in particular, really care about this. Since ryokans are smaller properties on average, you should make sure you’re arriving at a time when there will be a front desk agent on staff to check you in.

How much does a ryokan cost?

This varies widely from USD ~$50 – $900+ per night. It depends on the following factors:

• How luxurious the ryokan is;
• Whether your breakfast and dinner are included; and if they are, whether they’re simple buffets or served and plated individually;
• The number of guests per room (one person is charged less than two, which is unique in Japan);
• Whether your room is a suite and/or includes a private onsen;
• The season (cherry blossom season is always more expensive in Japan).

So is it worth it to stay in a ryokan? You should pay close attention to the room and board descriptions you’re considering before booking, and email the ryokan ahead of time if you don’t understand. Japanese hospitality is incredible. If your hosts can speak English, and many ryokan operators can, they will be happy to provide you with a lot of information. (And if they don’t speak English and you don’t speak Japanese at all…. Well, just be ok with the language barrier when you arrive!)

Bottom line

I love ryokans and enjoyed writing this guide. I hope you decide that it IS worth it to stay in a ryokan, and consider adding one to your trip to Japan. And if you need any help planning, I wrote a guide with my full itinerary, including how I took a two-week luxury trip worth $53,000 with my partner for only $400/person! Also feel free to email me with any questions. I LOVE Japan and can help you figure out how to get around.