{"id":7374,"date":"2015-02-02T15:59:54","date_gmt":"2015-02-02T15:59:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/insidejapanblog.com\/?p=7374"},"modified":"2021-03-03T03:40:33","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T03:40:33","slug":"why-you-havent-been-to-japan-until-youve-stayed-in-a-ryokan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/02\/02\/why-you-havent-been-to-japan-until-youve-stayed-in-a-ryokan\/","title":{"rendered":"Why you haven&#8217;t been to Japan until you&#8217;ve stayed in a ryokan"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>You only need to spend a few minutes reading through our website or talking to one of our staff members before you begin to hear the word <em>ryokan<\/em> being bandied about. But what does it mean?<\/p>\n<p>Essentially, a\u00a0<em>ryokan<\/em> is a traditional-style Japanese inn \u2013 and you haven&#8217;t been to Japan until you&#8217;ve stayed in one. Trust us.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30236 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Lanterns shine in front of a traditional inn, next to a small copse of bamboo trees\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/015.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What should you expect?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><em>Ryokan<\/em> come in many different shapes and sizes, from the very low-budget to the super-exclusive,\u00a0but they all share a set of similar features. Guest rooms are always be carpeted with <em>tatami<\/em>: a traditional Japanese flooring made with rice straw and woven soft rush straw. They usually also have sliding <em>shoji<\/em> screens made from translucent rice paper and a lattice of wood or bamboo.<\/p>\n<p>During the day, there may be a low table and some floor cushions laid out with tea-making equipment \u2013 that is, until the evening, when an attendant will come to lay out your futon bedding on the mats (usually while you are at dinner). .<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30242 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional Japanese tatami room with low chairs and a circular window\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/311.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A feature of <em>ryokan<\/em> that visitors are sometimes surprised \u2013 and even disappointed \u2013 about is the spareness of the rooms, even in very high-end establishments. Decoration often consists of little more than an <em>ikebana<\/em> flower arrangement or one or two judiciously chosen ornaments. There will be precious little furniture besides a table, and perhaps a couple of floor cushions.<\/p>\n<p>Though this may seem bare to Western tastes, this style reflects the traditional Japanese aesthetic principles of subtlety and simplicity. A lack of opulence should certainly not be taken as a sign that the <em>ryokan<\/em> you are staying in is somehow sub-par.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30224 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-720x479.jpg\" alt=\"Modern take on a traditional tatami room, with two low chairs and expansive views of the bay\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-564x375.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3-510x339.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kaihourou3.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>There&#8217;s nothing in my room? What on earth am I paying for?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>For Japanese visitors, the quality of a <em>ryokan<\/em> is not judged by what can be packed into the guest rooms. Instead, it is measured by the quality of the included meals, the communal <em>onsen <\/em>baths, and the hospitality of the hosts.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Meals<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>For most Westerners, the idea of &#8220;included meals&#8221; conjures toe-curling images of all-inclusive buffet dinners, and forcing down oxtail soup while the woman next to you stuffs bread rolls into her handbag (or maybe that&#8217;s just me). But in Japan this couldn&#8217;t be further from the truth.<\/p>\n<p>Dinner at a Japanese <em>ryokan<\/em> is a real treat. If you&#8217;re anything like me you may find that it&#8217;s one of the highlights of your holiday. Meals are typically served in <em>kaiseki<\/em> style, which means lots of courses consisting of lots of small dishes. Each is beautifully presented and carefully prepared using local, seasonal produce.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30212 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-720x482.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional kaiseki meal, with lots of different small plates and types of food\" width=\"720\" height=\"482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-564x378.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-1200x803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-900x602.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-1440x964.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1-510x341.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/104029-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Baths<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Communal bathing is another phrase that tends to send unpleasant shudders down the spine of most Western travellers. Naked? With strangers? <em>No thank you very much<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30215 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202-720x479.jpg\" alt=\"Man in Japanese bath looks peacefully at the camera, with blue colors as background\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202-564x375.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202-510x339.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Simon-Urwin_Onsen-Bather_800x1202.jpg 795w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Everyone at InsideJapan\u00a0felt the same way the first time we tried an <em>onsen<\/em> (a communal bath supplied by natural hot spring water), but there isn&#8217;t a single one among us who wouldn&#8217;t strongly advise you to take the plunge! <em>Onsen<\/em>-bathing is an integral part of Japanese culture. There is even a term for the bond of friendship formed in an <em>onsen<\/em>: <em>h<\/em><em>adaka no tsukiai<\/em>, or &#8220;naked communion&#8221;. You will undoubtedly feel awkward at first, but it&#8217;s such an ordinary part of life in Japan that you&#8217;ll find that you soon relax.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30221 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Open air hot spring bath next to a river full of rocks in the evening\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/J-%E9%9C%B2%E5%A4%A9%E9%A2%A8%E5%91%82%EF%BC%88%E7%94%B7%E6%B9%AF%EF%BC%89.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Every <em>ryokan<\/em> has communal baths (one for men and one for women \u2013 mixed bathing is rare), and there are usually both indoor and outdoor (<em>rotenburo<\/em>) baths. The better the <em>ryokan<\/em>, the larger and more lovely the baths. You may even find that there are a variety of different styles of bath, as well as saunas, sand baths and even spa treatments in the very high-grade <em>ryokans<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>If you can&#8217;t pluck up the courage to bare all in an <em>onsen<\/em>, you don&#8217;t have to miss out! Many <em>ryokan<\/em> guest rooms boast private <em>onsen<\/em> baths, or have a public bath that may be booked for private use.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30218 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Square open-air hot spring private bath surrounded by greenery\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/tatami-roombedroomopen-air-bath-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Your hosts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The final (and perhaps most important) arbiters of <em>ryokan<\/em> quality are your hosts. Nobody takes hospitality and good service (called <em>omotenashi<\/em>) as seriously as the Japanese. At a good <em>ryokan<\/em> you will be received in flawless courtesy and treated like royalty for the duration of your stay, as your hosts pull out all the stops to ensure that your needs are met.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;And that&#8217;s why you haven&#8217;t been to Japan until you&#8217;ve stayed at a <em>ryokan<\/em>!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30227 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-720x488.jpg\" alt=\"Staff are prepared to welcome guests in a traditional Japanese ryokan\" width=\"720\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-720x488.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-1024x694.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-768x520.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-564x382.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-1536x1040.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-1200x813.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-900x610.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-1440x975.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-390x264.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-780x528.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3-510x345.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Lobby-3.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s TwoToTokyo and their MTV Cribs-style introduction to a <em>ryokan<\/em>: the Tanabe in Takayama.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[youtube=http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?x-yt-ts=1422579428&amp;v=Fn02hB51QcE&amp;x-yt-cl=85114404]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Some tips to remember during your <em>ryokan <\/em>stay:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Always remove footwear of any kind before walking on tatami \u2013 on pain of death. (Not really, but your hosts will not be pleased if you forget this one!)<\/li>\n<li>You will notice that there is usually a raised floor in the &#8216;<em>genkan<\/em>&#8216; entrance to a <em>ryokan<\/em>. You should slip out of your shoes and straight onto the raised floor. Leave your shoes neatly side by side and step into some slippers to walk through the <em>ryokan<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>Japanese breakfast food is often what might be thought of as &#8220;dinner food&#8221; in the West. If the idea of being served fish and rice in the morning isn&#8217;t your cup of tea, don&#8217;t forget to ask for the Western-style option (if they have one) \u2013 or, they might be able to do something for you if you tell them in advance. It is polite to at least turn up for your breakfast.<\/li>\n<li>You may also hear the word <em>minshuku <\/em>in reference to traditional Japanese accommodation. A <em>minshuku <\/em>is similar to a <em>ryokan <\/em>in that the rooms are traditional in style, but they are generally smaller and simpler than a <em>ryokan <\/em>\u2013 and probably family-run, with just a handful\u00a0of rooms.\u00a0In other words, it could be called\u00a0a sort of Japanese-style B&amp;B.<\/li>\n<li>There are lots of rules to remember when using an <em>onsen<\/em>, but the most important is that you are expected to wash yourself thoroughly before bathing to keep the water clean. For this purpose, there are shower heads positioned next to the baths, with a stool to sit on while you wash. Be sure to get rid of all the soap before you get in!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30230 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-720x479.jpg\" alt=\"Triangular communal hot spring bath in a luxury hotel in Hakone\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-564x375.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007-510x339.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/007.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Enjoy the ambience of your traditional <em>ryokan<\/em>. This is a truly Japanese experience that you will not be able to have anywhere else in the world, so we recommend staying in a <em>ryokan<\/em> for at least one night on your Japanese adventure. A <em>ryokan<\/em> stay is included for at least one night on all our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays-all\/\">Self Guided Adventures<\/a>, but we can tailor more in if you can&#8217;t get enough.<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7374\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! You only need to spend a few minutes reading through our website or talking to one of our staff members before you begin to hear the word ryokan being bandied about. But what does it mean? Essentially, a\u00a0ryokan is a traditional-style Japanese inn \u2013 and you haven&#8217;t [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2362],"tags":[2039,2137,2236],"class_list":["post-7374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-places-and-where-to-stay-in-japan","tag-ryokan","tag-staying-in-a-ryokan","tag-traditional-japanese-stay"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7374"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7374\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30809,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7374\/revisions\/30809"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7374"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7374"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}