Staying at a Traditional Japanese Inn | Ryokan & Onsen Etiquette | japan-guide.com

Learn more about how to stay at a ryokan:

Ryokan are more than just a place to sleep, they are also a unique opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, incorporating elements such as tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style baths and local cuisine.
In this video we will show you everything you need to know to fully enjoy your stay at a ryokan.

- Timeline -
0:00 Introduction
1:16 Reservation
1:57 Arrival
3:38 Your room
5:32 Things to do
7:40 Meals
9:03 Check out
9:37 Outro

- Video Credits -
Narrator: Raina Ong
Videographer: Charles Sabas
Producer: Stefan Schauwecker

[美由紀-me]

I live in Japan and a Japanese. I like it too and almost every month I'll go there. Millions Ryokan exist in every area . It's ok even no meal stay if you wanna save money or just like to visit new area where you wanna go. Because the hot spring is best doing in the Ryokan. You could get nice meals even around your area, and bring drinks into the room. Please enjoy Japanese Ryokan.

[hidekigomi]

I hope this video doesn’t intimidate visitors even more by showing all the rules. As long as you remember to take off your shoes, you will be OK, follow the flow! Come visit us! 😊

[DriverM]

I didn't think of staying in a Ryokan when planning my trip to Japan (I didn't even know about them) but after noticing them on a hotel booking website I decided to try it out. It was amazing and one of my favorite things I did whilst in Japan! I would say a trip to Japan isn't complete without staying in a Ryokan.

[thatweirdgirl]

I love how every time I see Japanese people talking about tourists in a video/commenting on a video they’re all so nice and welcoming. “Please come to Japan! You’re always welcome!” You’re all so sweet ☺️

[Jcremo]

Who else is living vicariously through YouTube?

[jjsamuelgunn]

Honestly, this experience is amazing. I can't explain but just staying there is so much better than staying in any fun time holiday resort. It seems so simple but the entire experience is so very peaceful and relaxing. I hate it when there is too much hustle and bustle. I think it is how they bring the garden and nature into the entire setting. You immerse your entire body in warm waters at the hot spring. And eat clear simple food. And then a nice cosy sleep in the futon. You just totally clear your mind.

[LetsaskShogo]

I'm Japanese,
but we rarely have any occasions to stay at Ryokans too, so this video was great!

[zousan.sapporo]

As a Japanese, I think it's a key trick for non-Japanese to acquire taking off your shoes while entering inner floor without making a false step on dirt floor.

[ggdatboi]

I kind of just want to sleep in a hot spring for like 6 hours

[madotee]

Stayed in Noboribetsu onsen village in Hokkaido, would absolutely recommend!

[My_Japan_Days]

Ryokans are absolutely great during the winter! Choose ones that have open air hot springs, those usually are surrounded by a beautiful Japanese style garden. It feels magical to see trees covered with a snow while soaking in a hot hot bath ♨️

[url]

Staying in a ryokan is a must when you visit Japan. I’ve been to Japan more than 20 times and I always stay in at least one ryokan in each visit. I enjoy everything about it. Hope I can go again soon. 😭😭😭

[sdcrdc]

Went with my SO to Japan in Sep 2018, stayed in Tokyo and Osaka in Western hotels. As my partner's birthday coincided with our trip I decided a surprise stay in a ryokan near Mt. Fuji would make me the "best boyfriend" ever! :D Not only was it marvellous, but the attention and hospitality was amazing. From our room we had an unimpeded view of the mountain, for 1 full day. But that, as we were told is part of what happens in early September. Let me stress, that the attention and hospitality weren't only in Fujikawaguchiko, but during the whole of our stay in Japan (we visited Tokyo, Kamakura, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Hirohsima), which in other words means we still have about 98% of Japan to see! Ryokan come in all price ranges but are worth trying out, even for one or two days. If you are thinking of travelling to Japan, think no more. Do it! Make plans, study about where and whay you'd like to go & see... and travel there! Our Suica cards are valid until 2028, so we're definitely returning :D!

[Winterking]

I went to a ryokan years ago it was without a doubt the best more traditional experience of my entire life, i fully studied the etiquette beforehand and it made the experience even more incredible i really hope to go again, just once doesn't seem like enough

[expatjourneys]

We are American planning to visit Japan in 2022. We been in Japan 15yrs ago. We visited castles, sharines and the city life. We stayed in a typical hotel. We are now seniors lots of walking will be a struggle. But we want to experience the Japanese culture this time. We will booked on some hot spring resort. Thank you for the upload. Wonderful presentation.

[maylewis]

The meals are like a work of art. It’s so nice and relaxing

[ckmak]

Don't forget to change out of the Yukata before leaving unlike that guy! :)

[bluerexplaysgames]

I didn't stay in a Ryokan as it was outside of my budget, but I did get to experience an onsen during my time in Japan. I've dreamed about it ever since. If you're going to Japan, do whatever you have to do to spend even just a moment in an onsen.

[Wolf_Khain]

Also Important to mention is, that if you have tattoo's, which is quite common nowaday's, most Ryokan will not let you use the public bathing accomidations, instead, you have to book an option with a private bath. This rule affects foreigners as well as japanese people.

[diannahimi]

Such serenity, peace and beauty. Everything is clean and perfect. I hope I don't sound rude, but Japanese people are so lucky to be living on that mystical land. I would love to be able to live there myself and wear those elegant yukata or even a more stylish kimono.