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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.