Ryokan Experience Guide

What’s Included in a Ryokan Stay

The room:

• Tatami mat flooring
• Low table with cushions for sitting
• No Western-style furniture (some modern ryokans have hybrid rooms)
• Futon bedding laid out by staff each evening
• Yukata (light cotton robe) — worn for dinner, around the property, and sometimes to the onsen
• Tabi socks often provided
• Slippers for corridors (different slippers for toilet — important!)

Meals:

Most ryokans include dinner and breakfast (MAPs — Modified American Plan). This is usually the best part.

• Dinner (kaiseki): Multi-course seasonal meal. 7–12 courses. 90+ minutes. One of the finest dining experiences in Japan.
• Breakfast: Traditional Japanese breakfast — grilled fish, rice, miso soup, pickles, egg. Often extraordinary.

Onsen:

Communal hot spring bath. Separate areas for men and women. Usually accessible from early morning until late night.

What’s typically NOT included:

• Drinks with dinner (ordered separately at considerable cost)
• Alcoholic beverages
• In-room WiFi (varies — most modern ryokans have it)

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Ryokan Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know

Arrival

• Remove shoes at the entrance (genkan) and step up into the building
• Slippers are provided — wear them everywhere except tatami rooms (remove slippers before entering tatami)

Yukata

• Yukata is worn right side over left (left over right is for funerals — important distinction)
• Tie the obi (sash) around the waist
• Wear it to dinner, around the property, and to the onsen if permitted
• Don’t wear it off the property

Dinner Service

• Dinner is usually at a specific time — 6pm or 7pm is typical
• You’re served in your room or a private dining room
• Staff kneel to serve — it’s considered respectful to slightly bow in acknowledgment
• Don’t rush — kaiseki is meant to be experienced over 90 minutes+
• Order drinks separately if desired

The Onsen

• Wash thoroughly before entering the bath — shower first, wash all soap off, then enter the communal bath
• No swimwear — onsen are entered completely unclothed
• Hair up or covered — don’t let hair touch the water
• Don’t put your towel in the water — carry it folded on your head
• Tattoos: Many traditional onsen ban visible tattoos. Check before booking if relevant.
• Typical hours: 3pm–midnight and early morning (6–10am)

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Ryokan Price Guide

Level	Price per Person	What You Get
Budget ryokan (no meals)	¥8,000–15,000	Room, onsen, basic facilities
Mid-range (dinner + breakfast)	¥20,000–35,000	Full kaiseki, good onsen
Quality ryokan	¥35,000–60,000	Exceptional kaiseki, private onsen possible
Premium ryokan	¥60,000–150,000+	Private onsen in room, extraordinary kaiseki

Note: Prices are per person, not per room. For two people sharing, double the figure.

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Best Regions for Ryokan Stays

Kyoto: The most prestigious ryokan destination. Gion area is particularly special.

Hakone: Mountain ryokans with Mount Fuji views and natural onsen.

Nikko: Mountain setting, historical atmosphere.

Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture): Entire onsen town — stay at a ryokan and walk between seven public bath houses in your yukata.

Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma): Japan’s top-ranked onsen town. Yumomu ceremony is unique.

Beppu (Kyushu): Multiple “hells” (jigoku) — dramatic volcanic springs. Good ryokan options.

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Related Guides

• Where to stay in Kyoto
• Where to stay in Tokyo
• Hakone day trip guide
• Japan travel costs
• Japan travel tips