Know Before You Book! The Characteristics of Japanese Ryokan

Ryokans (Japanese-style lodging) in Japan are different from hotels in many ways.

If you end up staying in a ryokan without even knowing anything about it, you might get disoriented with those differences.

Below is a discussion on the services and points you have to know about ryokans.

The differences between hotels and ryokan lie in the design of their guestrooms, lodging style, and available services. Below are the general characteristics of hotels and ryokans.

Ryokan

・Accommodation packages are mainly good for two or more guests, with two meals included
・Most guestrooms are Japanese-style rooms that come with futons (quilted mattresses that are laid on the floor)

Hotel

・Accommodation packages generally have breakfast included, and can be availed by even one person
・Most guestrooms are Western-style rooms that are equipped with a bed

There’s been an increase of modern ryokans that offer Japanese-style rooms with beds in recent years in a bid to address the various needs of guests. There are even places where single guests can stay, as well as places that allow you to stay the night without any meals. Furthermore, ryokans are premised on having a public bath within their premises, so they have no shower rooms in the guestrooms. In exchange, they would draw onsen (hot spring) water into their baths or build open-air baths that will let their guests enjoy Japan’s bath culture. For those who don’t really want to soak in a large public bath, there are many inns that offer open-air baths annexed to guestrooms, as well as private baths that can be rented, so try to look out for them!

Characteristics of a Ryokan’s Services

Hotels provide services that “respond to the needs of guests”, but ryokans basically offer Japanese-style “omotenashi” (hospitality). During your stay in a ryokan, your bags will be brought to your room and tea will automatically be served by the staff. They leave nothing to be desired when it comes to services! The staff – called “Nakai-san” in Japanese – will basically wait on you hand and foot.

If you are not used to staying in ryokans, then one thing that might surprise you is that the futon is laid out at night and then put away in the morning. They will fix your room and lay out the futon while you are busy dining in another room.