Stay at a Traditional Japanese Ryokan Inn in Tokyo: Experience Culture and Comfort

Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

Tokyo, the bustling metropolis that fuses the old and new, offers a plethora of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to casual hostels. However, for those seeking a more intimate and culturally immersive experience, there’s nothing quite like staying at a ryokan. These traditional Japanese inns offer a window into Japan’s rich history, where you can enjoy the serene ambiance of tatami flooring, sleep on futon bedding, don a yukata (a casual kimono), and experience unmatched hospitality. Staying in a ryokan provides more than just a place to sleep; it’s an opportunity to connect with Japanese culture on a deeper level.

What’s the Difference Between Hotels and Ryokans?

While hotels are large establishments with many rooms, often Western in style, ryokans are typically smaller and offer a more personalized stay. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Rooms: Ryokans are usually furnished with tatami mats (woven straw flooring) and sliding paper doors, offering a distinctively Japanese aesthetic. Most ryokans provide futons for sleeping, though some may offer western-style beds. In contrast, hotels often feature Western-style rooms with beds and private bathrooms.

• Atmosphere: Ryokans are all about tranquility and tradition, with an emphasis on hospitality and personal interaction. The rooms are designed to provide a calm, retreat-like atmosphere, often overlooking beautiful gardens or scenic views. Many ryokans also feature shared bathing areas, including hot spring baths (onsen), which is a staple of the ryokan experience.

• Meals: Unlike hotels, many ryokans offer meals as part of the stay, often serving kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal that showcases the best of Japanese seasonal ingredients. The meals are carefully prepared and presented, offering a true taste of Japanese culinary tradition.

While the lines between hotels and ryokans have blurred in recent years, with some hotels offering ryokan-style rooms and experiences, the essence of a ryokan lies in the intimate, welcoming environment it provides.

Etiquette to Remember in a Ryokan Room

Ryokans have their own set of cultural etiquettes, and adhering to these customs enhances the experience and ensures respect for the tradition. Here are some important things to keep in mind during your stay:

• Avoid dragging suitcases with wheels on the tatami floor, as this can damage the delicate straw mats.

• No need to set up or fold the futon yourself—the staff typically prepares it for you, either in the morning or during the evening. This is part of the experience and contributes to the seamless, thoughtful service of the ryokan.

• Try not to step on the sliding door thresholds or the edges of the tatami mats, as this is considered disrespectful.

• Refrain from stepping on the zabuton (floor cushions). These are meant for sitting, and stepping on them can be seen as impolite.

• Take off slippers before stepping onto the tatami mats. Tatami is considered sacred in Japanese culture, and wearing slippers on it is considered disrespectful. Ryokans will typically provide a set of slippers for indoor use and another set for the bathroom.

How to Use Common Bathing Areas and Onsen Etiquette

A major highlight of staying at a ryokan is the opportunity to bathe in a shared bath or onsen (hot spring bath). Here are some key points to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone:

• No swimsuits or underwear are allowed in the bath. Before entering the communal bath, disrobe completely in the changing room.

• Rinse your body thoroughly before entering the bath. Known as “kakeyu,” this is a vital step where guests wash themselves clean in the shower areas before soaking in the communal bath.

• Do not bring towels into the bath. Small towels are provided to wash and rinse, but they should not be brought into the water.

• Tie up long hair to avoid it touching the water and keeping the bath clean for everyone.

• Refrain from swimming or splashing in the bath. The hot spring baths are meant for quiet relaxation, so avoid loud behavior.

• Dry yourself off before returning to the changing room. Once you’ve finished your bath, be sure to dry off fully before leaving the bathing area.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the onsen or sento (public bath), making your ryokan stay a rejuvenating experience.

Why Stay at a Ryokan in Tokyo?

Tokyo offers a wide range of experiences, from its neon-lit streets and high-tech districts to its serene temples and gardens. Staying at a ryokan lets you experience the city in a unique way—through its culture, hospitality, and traditional customs. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing or want to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese hospitality, a ryokan provides an unparalleled opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.

While ryokans are often associated with countryside escapes, there are several modern ryokans located in the heart of Tokyo, offering a combination of convenience and tradition. They allow you to enjoy the vibrancy of the city while retreating to a peaceful and culturally rich environment each evening. Staying at a ryokan in Tokyo is not just about the accommodation—it’s about embracing the Japanese way of life and experiencing a side of Tokyo that many travelers overlook.

Whether you're visiting Tokyo for the first time or returning to explore its many layers, a stay at a traditional ryokan will provide you with a deeper understanding of Japan’s unique cultural heritage and the warmth of its hospitality. Ready for the ultimate Tokyo experience? Book a ryokan stay for an unforgettable blend of relaxation, culture, and comfort.