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Ryokan Guide: Staying at a Traditional Japanese Inn

Ryokan Guide

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Staying at a ryokan — a traditional Japanese inn — is one of the most memorable things you can do in Japan. Here’s what to expect and how to choose one.

What is a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional inn with tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal or private hot-spring baths, and often exquisite multi-course meals. It’s less a hotel than a full cultural experience — hospitality (omotenashi) is the whole point.

What’s usually included

  • Kaiseki dinner — a seasonal multi-course feast, often served in your room or a private dining space.
  • Breakfast — a traditional Japanese spread (grilled fish, rice, miso, pickles).
  • Onsen access — public baths and sometimes private ones. Tattooed? See our tattoo & onsen guide.
  • Yukata — a cotton robe to wear around the inn.

Ryokan etiquette

  • Remove shoes at the entrance; wear the provided slippers (and separate toilet slippers).
  • Wash thoroughly before entering the shared bath; no swimsuits.
  • Meals and baths often run on a schedule — check times at check-in.
  • More in our etiquette guide.

How much does it cost?

Ryokan are typically priced per person, including dinner and breakfast — often 15,000–40,000+ yen per person. Luxury ryokan go far higher; simpler ones and minshuku (family-run) are cheaper. See our Japan budget guide.

Where to stay in one

  • Onsen towns like Hakone, Kinosaki, and Beppu — see best onsen towns.
  • Kyoto for machiya-style inns; Takayama and Kanazawa for tradition.
  • Book early — good ryokan fill up. Compare on Booking.com and Agoda .

Tips for first-timers

  • Book at least one ryokan night — it’s a highlight of any trip.
  • Arrive by mid-afternoon to enjoy the bath before dinner.
  • Pack light; use luggage forwarding to send big bags ahead.

Weave a ryokan night into our 7-day itinerary.

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