Staying at a Traditional Japanese Inn | Ryokan & Onsen Etiquette

Summary

This video guide introduces viewers to the experience of staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan. It covers essential aspects like making reservations, check-in etiquette, and room details, highlighting the importance of cultural practices such as wearing a yukata and using proper bath etiquette. Guests are encouraged to enjoy local cuisine, including multi-course meals and seasonal breakfast options. The video also explains the various amenities and the relaxing atmosphere provided by ryokan, including hot spring baths. A perfect guide for first-timers wanting to immerse themselves in authentic Japanese hospitality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a deep cultural experience, combining hospitality, local cuisine, and hot spring baths.
• 😀 Ryokan accommodation options range from small family-run inns to large hotel-like facilities, with varying budgets, from ¥4,000 to over ¥50,000 per person per night.
• 😀 The typical rate for a ryokan stay is around ¥15,000 per person, which includes dinner and breakfast.
• 😀 Ryokan reservations can be made online via hotel reservation websites, and most ryokan charge per person rather than per room.
• 😀 Upon arrival, guests should remove their shoes at the entrance (genkan) and follow the proper etiquette regarding indoor footwear and socks.
• 😀 The check-in process varies, but guests will typically be welcomed, given tea and snacks, and assigned a staff member who will attend to their needs during their stay.
• 😀 Ryokan rooms are typically furnished with tatami mats, low tables, and a Japanese mattress (futon), and may have shared facilities in older establishments.
• 😀 Guests are provided with a yukata (casual kimono) to wear during their stay, and there are specific instructions on how to wear it properly.
• 😀 Ryokan stays are all about relaxation, with many facilities offering gender-segregated indoor and outdoor baths, some of which are private or mixed-gender.
• 😀 The hot baths (onsen) are an important part of the ryokan experience, and guests should follow bath etiquette, such as washing before entering the bath and drying off before returning to the changing room.
• 😀 Meals at ryokan are a highlight, often featuring a multi-course Japanese meal (kaiseki), with dinner typically served in the room or a private dining area, and breakfast being either Japanese or Western style.
• 😀 Check-out typically happens between 10 and 11 am, with guests receiving assistance to put on their shoes as they leave, while the staff bids them farewell with a bow.

Q & A

What is a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture and hospitality. It provides accommodation, local cuisine, and often relaxing hot spring baths, making it popular among both Japanese and foreign tourists.

How much does it typically cost to stay at a ryokan?

The cost of staying at a ryokan varies, but the typical rate is around 15,000 yen per person, which includes dinner and breakfast. Prices can range from 4,000 yen to over 50,000 yen per person, depending on the ryokan's offerings and facilities.

What are the general check-in procedures at a ryokan?

Check-in at a ryokan is similar to a regular hotel, but it often includes additional personal attention. Guests may check in at the lobby, reception desk, or even directly in their room. Staff typically offer tea and snacks, and guests should arrive at least 1-2 hours before dinner, which usually starts around 6 or 7 pm.

What should guests do with their shoes upon entering a ryokan?

Guests are required to remove their outdoor shoes upon entering the ryokan, leaving them in the genkan (entryway). It’s polite to turn the shoes to point toward the door. In some ryokan, shoes may not need to be removed in the room but should still be left neatly outside the tatami area.

What is a yukata, and how should it be worn?

A yukata is a casual traditional Japanese garment that guests are provided with during their stay. To wear it, put it on over your underwear, fold the right side over the left, and tie the obi (belt) around your waist. The obi for men rests lower on the hips, while for women it is tied higher at the waist.

What types of baths are available at a ryokan?

Ryokan typically offer hot spring baths, with many having both indoor and outdoor gender-segregated options. Some may offer mixed-gender or private baths, known as kashikiriburo, which require reservations. Some ryokan even offer private hot spring baths in guest rooms.

What is the proper etiquette when using a bath at a ryokan?

Guests should use two towels when bathing: a small towel to wash and rinse themselves, and a larger towel to dry off afterward. Bathing is done naked, and guests should not bring their small towel into the water. It is also customary to wash or rinse thoroughly before entering the bath.

What is the typical meal style served at ryokan?

Meals at ryokan are often served as kaiseki, a multi-course Japanese meal with a variety of dishes such as raw dishes, soup, grilled items, deep-fried dishes, and pickles. Dinner is typically served in the room, a private dining room, or a communal area. A Japanese-style breakfast, including rice, miso soup, and seasonal dishes, is also commonly served.

Can ryokan accommodate special dietary restrictions?

Yes, most ryokan can accommodate special dietary restrictions. It is important to notify the ryokan about any dietary needs prior to your arrival so they can adjust the menu accordingly.

What happens during checkout at a ryokan?

Checkout typically occurs between 10 and 11 am. After settling the bill (in cash at smaller ryokan or by credit card at larger ones), staff will help guests put on their shoes and bid them farewell with a bow. The entire checkout process is focused on making guests feel well taken care of.