Ryokan: Traditional Japanese Inns Experience

Ryokan [旅館] are Japanese inns that maintain the tradition of accommodations from the Edo Period. In this lodging, everything is traditional, from its structure to the customs and environment.

Among the traditional aspects of Ryokan, we have its construction, garden, rooms, bedding, onsen, food, and more. It’s like traveling back in time and experiencing the charm of ancient Japan.

This accommodation is a great gem of relaxation popular among the wealthy for hundreds of years; today there are Ryokan with prices accessible to everyone as well as chic and traditional inns that offer numerous experiences for a high price.

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What are ryokan like?

There are different types of Ryokan, varying greatly in terms of size, cost, and style. Some are small family-run establishments with few rooms, while others are large, with hundreds of rooms.

Visitors sleep in rooms named after flowers, on a Futon on Tatami, wearing the traditional Yukata. Everything in the Ryokan is harmonized with nature. Unfortunately, this experience can be expensive.

The daily rates include breakfast and a typical dinner, served in the room. Many have communal or private hot springs, making it a perfect place to spend a honeymoon with your loved one.

The doors are sliding, the entrance is relatively large, with sofas and chairs for guests to sit and chat. The food served is usually a traditional Kaiseki.

Also read: Kaiseki: The Japanese art of food

Traditions in Ryokan

Yukata is an essential piece in Ryokan and Onsen, which in these traditional houses can even be mixed bathing. In some inns, they usually offer various Yukata prints.

It is very common to wear this clothing after bathing in the Onsen, and it is also quite common to go out in this clothing in the middle of the night. These inns offer a huge landscape and gardens, in addition to their beautiful architecture.

The meals are typical dishes with different colors, textures, and flavors, served on fine Japanese porcelain and ceramics that delight the guests.

In addition to typical dishes like tempura and Sashimi, local specialties from the region are served. For breakfast, also traditional, rice, fish, and Misoshiru (soybean paste soup) are usually served.

In short, there is a whole welcoming environment that makes guests feel at home. It is a unique cultural experience! Each inn has its own differentiators, so it is difficult to describe what a Ryokan can offer.

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How much does a Ryokan cost?

Generally, a Ryokan can have a daily rate of up to 100,000 yen (3,000 reais). It all depends on the location, popularity, and service involved. It is possible to find them for 10,000 yen, but they are usually in the range of 30,000;

There are inns that are quite similar to a ryokan, even offering onsen, but that do not have all that charm and tradition. These places can usually be found for less than 5,000 yen.

You can also visit one without needing to stay in it. Generally, some are open to the public due to the onsen. I myself went to a mixed onsen in Izu, where the accommodation cost only 19,000 yen.

Although it may seem like a steep price, it is worth remembering that it includes the yukata outfit, onsen, kaiseki meals, and room service. Generally, just the onsen in these open mountains and forests costs more than 3,000 yen.

Ryokan

Minshuku and Guesthouses – Alternative Accommodations

If you do not want to spend a lot of money but want to experience traditional Japanese lodging, we also recommend Minshuku [民宿] or traditional family-run guesthouses.

They are cheap alternatives where the rooms usually follow the same style as a Ryokan; you can usually find the same services offered in these places at a lower price.

Guesthouses tend to have a higher cost than a Minshuku; families that inherit or have a large house in the Japanese style usually create their own lodging. Staying in a guesthouse can even be a better experience.

Depending on the location, you may have direct contact with the family or residents of the place. It might be a good option to make friends and learn a little about Japanese culture.

The Best Ryokan in Tokyo

Experience staying in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) without breaking your budget. All these ryokans mentioned in this article welcome foreign visitors and can be easily booked online.

Homeikan – An authentic ryokan located right in the center of Tokyo. The rooms feature traditional furniture and there is even a Japanese garden.

Ryokan Eishinkan – This family-run ryokan underwent a complete renovation in 2011. It is located right in the center of Tokyo, so there are numerous attractions within walking distance, including the Akasaka Palace and the Shinjuku National Garden.

Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu – A family ryokan next to the traditional shopping street Nakamise-dori and Senso-ji Temple. It has Japanese and Western-style rooms, and a large public bath on the top floor.

Sukeroku-no-Yado Sadachiyo – All rooms have traditional tatami style and private bathrooms. There are also two large public baths, one made of cypress wood and another of black granite. Japanese antiques are on display to recreate the atmosphere of the samurai era, and Senso-ji Temple is just a few minutes’ walk away.

Sakura Ryokan – Close to Ueno Park and Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple – two of Tokyo’s most popular tourist spots. It is located in a quiet residential neighborhood that still retains much of the old Tokyo atmosphere.

Ryokan Asakusa Mikawaya Honten – Just a 1-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and right next to the historic shopping street Nakamise-dori, this ryokan makes a great base for sightseeing. It has traditional tatami-mat rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa – Located in the center of Asakusa, just a 30-second walk from Nakamise-dori, where you can buy traditional Japanese souvenirs, and a 5-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple.

Chiyoda Inn – This modern ryokan has Japanese and Western-style rooms. It is located north of central Tokyo, making it a good base for exploring the city.

Shin-Okubo Sekitei – All rooms in this elegant modern hotel are Japanese style and en-suite. It is very close to Shinjuku.

Hotel Fukudaya – Just a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station, this ryokan is perfectly situated for Tokyo’s fashion, nightlife, and youth scene. Harajuku, Daikanyama, and Ebisu are just a 15-minute walk away.

Ryokan Maizuru – Located north of central Tokyo, all rooms have futons and tatami mats, and there is a small Japanese garden. A Japanese-style bath is available for private use.

Ryokan Fuji – A friendly family ryokan, conveniently located for central and eastern Tokyo. The spacious rooms have traditional tatami mats and are en-suite. Western and Japanese-style breakfast is available.

The Best Ryokan in Kyoto

Now let’s look at the most accessible Ryokan for foreigners in the Kyoto region:

Nagomi Ryokan Yuu – This ryokan is a great choice if you want to experience Japanese culture. You can try on an old kimono and participate in a tea ceremony. The rooms are in Japanese style with futons in an 80-year-old location.

Ryokan Hirashin – A modern ryokan located in the center. Nijo Castle and the Gion Geisha district are both a 20-minute walk away. The traditional rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and there are also large public baths available.

Uoiwa Ryokan – Located directly across from the world heritage Nishi Honganji Temple, this ryokan features authentic Japanese cuisine. It has en-suite rooms and a large public bath.

Kyoto Watazen Ryokan – The Pontocho and Gion geisha districts are both a 15-minute walk away. Some of the Japanese-style rooms are en-suite, but all guests have access to the large traditional baths.

Guest Inn Chita – This ryokan is located in front of Higashi Honganji Temple. The owners offer a service where you can try on a Yukata and take photos.

Ryokan Wajimaya – A cozy and welcoming ryokan run by a family. It is just a 3-minute walk from Higashi Honganji Temple and close to other important tourist spots. The rooms are spacious, and there is a Japanese-style bath.

Daiya Ryokan – Located in the heart of Kyoto, Higashi Honganji Temple and Nishi Honganji Temple are just a 3-minute walk away. The surrounding area consists of streets built during the Taisho and Showa eras and is full of gift shops and interesting places.

Capsule Ryokan – The two most unique styles of Japanese accommodation are capsule hotels and Ryokan, and you can experience both at the world’s only capsule Ryokan.

Station Ryokan Seiki – A friendly family ryokan, with Japanese-style en-suite rooms. It is in a very convenient location, really close to Kyoto Station.

Ryokan Sanki – Ryokan Sanki is over 100 years old and is built in the traditional Kyoto style. A stay in one of its Japanese-style rooms gives you the opportunity to savor the atmosphere of ancient Kyoto.

Gion Maifukan – Located in Gion, which is famous for its geishas, this ryokan is just a two-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine and is surrounded by temples. It has Western and Japanese-style rooms and a rooftop terrace.

Ryokan Sakanoue – A luxurious traditional ryokan just a minute’s walk from Yasaka Shrine and four minutes from Kodaiji Temple. It has an attractive garden and serves traditional Kaiseki cuisine. The rooms have futons and Japanese-style wooden bathtubs.

Seikoro Ryokan – A luxurious ryokan with exquisite kaiseki cuisine served in your room. The traditional rooms have futons and Japanese-style wooden bathtubs. The Higashi Honganji and Sanjusangendo temples are both a 15-minute walk away.

Hotel Honnoji – This ryokan is just a few minutes’ walk from the Gion Geisha district and is close to Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace. It has Japanese-style rooms with futons and gigantic public bathrooms.

Guest House Itoya Kyoto – A guest house in a traditional wooden house with shared dormitories (women only) and double rooms. This is the place to come to experience the atmosphere of ancient Kyoto firsthand.

Also read: Geisha – Who are they really? History and Curiosities