The Surprising Differences Between Ryokan and Hotels

Out of the many things you can enjoy in Japan, staying at a “旅館 ryokan,” must be something that many of you are looking forward to do.

However, what is your image of a ryokan? If your answer is “a Japanese style hotel,” that is not wrong, but it is not a sufficient answer either.

So today, I would like to explain about the definition of a ryokan, and the three main differences between a ryokan and a hotel in Japan. Also at the end of the video, I will give you advice on how to choose the perfect ryokan for you.

By watching this video, you will be able to select the perfect stay for your trip to Japan, and remember your ryokan experience even more.

[Time codes]
0:00 Let's START!
1:27 The 3 main differences between RYOKAN and HOTEL
9:52 3 points to on how to choose the right RYOKAN
13:47 Today's conclusion

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#japaneseryokan #japanesehotel #wheretostayinjapan #howtostayataryokan #ryokanhoteldifferences

[joancatala]

I've been like 4 times in Kyoto, one of them for my honeymoon, and every time I've been in a Ryokan. I'm not traveling half of the world to miss the japanese lifestyle! :D

[kakashiroks]

I wasn’t thinking the same thing, but when Shogo did the bit about “OK I’ll close the video now“ I burst out laughing.

Also even if literally the only difference was the aesthetic and the Decour, I would still choose to stay at a Ryokan. I’ve stayed at Western hotels dozens upon dozens of times in the US.

[isaiahstruve]

We stayed in a ryokan in Kyoto. It was a mixed experience. We felt like we were intruding on the owners. But the room, food, yukata and onsen were awesome!

[missmarsh]

I considered a ryokan stay when I planned a vacation with my husband a few years ago, but when I laid out the options for him, he was not interested in ryokan at all! The idea of naked bathing with strangers and sleeping in a futon on the floor turned him off completely. So I booked business hotels and hostels instead. IMO business hotels are the best option for first-time solo travelers and couples: the rooms are small and boring, but business hotels offer great amenities at a low price. Business hotels also tend to be in the middle of cities, close to train stations, so they're much more convenient if you have a lot of tourist activities planned. Many business hotels offer an on-site sento, so you can even get the hot spring bathing experience without paying ryokan prices. If you want the ryokan experience, I would recommend a split stay: 1-2 nights in a ryokan, hotels for the rest of the stay.

[evanmcclellan]

Thanks for the awesome videos!! I was born in Japan but my family's work visa expired when I was two. I have always wanted to know more about the place I was born. Your videos have given me a connection to the culture that only exists in my unconscious memory.

[f]

First time I went to Japan I was focused on going to places I've shortlisted to visit so hotel (or even hostel) fit better because I leave before breakfast and back very late.

Next time I visit I will be more relaxed and ryokan will fit better.

[eoagr]

I would love to stay 1or 2 nights at a ryokan for the experience itself. But a hotel where I could just go to sleep after a full day of sightseeing would be ideal for the rest of my stay.

[nonwayneful]

I've been watching your videos with a weird sense of deja vu. I just realised that you were probably at the Shishin Samurai Restaurant when we were in Kyoto! Our friend was a vegetarian and struggling to find something to eat in Kyoto, and the restaurant made it easier for her! If I'm right, you were really great!

[alcidesdossantosfreitas]

Dear Shogo, you know, it was with great happiness that I watched your last video ... It's a real paradise! If I had the chance to go to your beautiful Japan, I would definitely go to a RYOKAN. Really we dream in your videos, it's a very relaxing moment and rich in culture. Well done Shogo and Kazu! With my best friendly feelings

[WanJae]

Great video. Just a note that there are all kinds of places that call themselves 'ryokan', and at all price levels. At the low end, there is no onsen, there is nobody to setup your futon each night, and there is no food. You don't have to worry about where you can wear yukata, because there's nowhere to go in the ryokan except your room or maybe to visit the front desk. You must check websites carefully, and price will tell you a lot. If you're worried about international compatibility, a basic test is whether the website has English content. If they do, then they are certainly expecting international guests, but even if they do not, be adventurous! Most innkeepers would welcome any polite, interested tourist.

[chevelledc]

I always wonder why your videos say to adjust the speed at the beginning, I like the canter of your voice at normal speed. Something about your voice is very relaxing and reassuring. Hope you and your sweet little family are doing well 💕 Thank you for making such thoughtful and informative content! 😊

[YajuShinki]

I know that it's suggested to speed the video up, but I feel that your slow, deliberate style of talking is quite comforting and soothing, and has become a defining factor of your videos

[MrHerrebrugh]

Ryokan prices are a bit litle higher than the inexpensive hotels, But there are resonably priced ones, that are worthwhile.
A hotel is moore of a place just fort the night, A Ryokan is more like a place to restup and enjoy your stay, make sure to take your time,
I like to arive early after a day of travel , restup change in to my yukata, soak in the onsen and get redy for dinner.
If you have never done so, you have to ejoy public onsen and experinace sleeping on tatami en futon with you family

[TimothySielbeck]

I think I would stay at both depending on what I was intending to do. But the ryokan definitely would be my preference. It's been 55+ years since I left Japan and I still miss it, it's people, and the culture.

[Simon_Electric]

Ryokan. The main reason Im visiting Japan is to experience the culture. My partner and I work very long hours and have not been on vacation in almost 10 years. This is going to be an opportunity for us to relax and enjoy ourselves. Add in the historical sites, onsen and tea ceremony this will be the perfect getaway 😊.

[CodeZero]

My dream is to take my mother with me to Japan to explore museums and get a chance to really relax. I would love to stay at a ryokan and I think my mother would like the experience as well even though she is very used to American hotels.

[fuujinmugen]

Thank you Shogo 🤘😎

When in Tokyo or Kyoto I stay in Hotels (Prince Park)

If I’m traveling the Countryside then I will stay in Ryokan 👌

Two very nice Ryokan I have stayed at are
Iya Onsen - Shikkoku
Hinanoza - Hokkaido (Lake Akan)
Both are highly recommended.

Thank you again, regards from South Africa 👍

[whitewave]

I would like to try both when I visit Japan! Thanks for this video -- you made it easy for me to understand.

[ddrhero]

I went to a ryokan in hakone and it was lovely. I absolutely hated the dinner and still get a shudder down my spine when thinking about the fish. I don't eat fish, but I was afraid of offending my host. I ate everything and hated 90% of it. I may try one in gunma next time I go as I love the mountains and the roads on a motorcycle.

[claudiocarrara]

thanks Shogo for this valuable information. it is my great desire to visit your country. I am fascinated and in love with Japanese history, culture, tradition and people. if I ever manage to come to Japan, I would like to stay in ryokans. I prefer hospitality to the privacy and security of hotels. I would choose a ryokan in the mountain area, especially for the food, since I don't like fish.