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Ryokans are traditional and often sought-after Japanese accommodations. Often found in hot spring resort areas, ryokans offer a great opportunity for travelers to relax. However, despite some ryokans becoming more modern there are often a set of traditional rules that their visitors are expected to adhere to.
This may sound quite intimidating to a foreign traveler who may know much about traditional Japanese culture. However, that shouldn’t make a ryokan inaccessible to them. Here are a few things to keep in mind and to look forward to when visiting a ryokan.
Partake In Traditional Japanese Customs
A ryokan is traditional Japanese accommodation. Though not all ryokans are the same, as some have modernized more than others, they all still adhere to some basics of tradition. Even the most modernized and stylish ryokans adhere to a few staples including keeping the tatami mat flooring and shoji sliding doors. This also includes a standard set of rules that will to some degree be adhered to. Here are some simple dos and don’ts for staying in a ryokan.
Do: Arrive At An Acceptable Time / Checking-In
Though there is usually some flexibility to the standard three o’clock check-time not usually a lot. It is extremely important for travelers to do their best to make it for check-in as so much of the stay at the Ryokan is time-sensitive. The meal they prepare is especially time-sensitive as it is an elaborate multi-course meal that begins promptly at 6 pm.
Don’t: Be Late For Dinner Or Wake Up Late For Breakfast
Once travelers check into their rooms, they will have until about 6 pm to unwind before dinner. However, guests should make sure that they are ready when it is time to start the meal. The meal will last about an hour and is included in the price of the meal. Alcohol is not included in the price of the meal, but many Ryokans do offer some at an additional cost. It is not usually necessary to wear the Yukata, though most will choose to wear it for dinner.
Do: Wear The Yukata
The Yukata is a light summer kimono that is worn in casual settings such as summer festivals and nearby bathhouses. They are unisex and quite comfortable to wear. They are the traditional attire for those at guest houses and will be provided to the guests for their comfort. They can be worn as westerners wear bath robes on the way to bathing. They are also commonly worn during dinner and breakfast.
Don’t: Wear Shoes Inside The Ryokan
Quite a few Ryokans will require visitors to remove their shoes before entering the ryokan. The rest will require visitors to remove their shoes before entering their rooms. Slippers will be provided for guests to wear. It is important for travelers visiting a ryokan to pay attention to the rules of their specific ryokan, so they can be sure they aren’t accidentally breaking any rules. Wearing slippers is quite comfortable, so travelers shouldn’t find this rule too demanding.
Do: Sleep On The Traditional Futon Bedding
The rooms of a ryokan are not equipped with the standard accommodations of a western-style hotel. Visitors will have traditional futons laid directly on a tatami floor to sleep on. These beds are often rolled up and put away during the day then placed back out at night. Visitors shouldn't have to worry much about this practice as the ryokan’s staff will handle this.
Don’t: Make Much Noise
Visitors to ryokans should understand that their entire purpose is to help their guests relax. This means that guests making loud and disruptive noises won’t be tolerated. Those who wish to visit a ryokan are usually there to relax and unwind, so this shouldn't be much of an issue either. If travelers are conscious of themselves and simply take the time to soak up the relaxing pleasures of a ryokan there shouldn’t be any issues.
Do: Bathe In The Onsen
Many ryokans include or are in proximity to an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring. These are excellent locations for visitors to spend a few hours soaking up and enjoying the health benefits provided by these volcanic hot springs. A piece of advice to visitors is to not shower immediately after leaving an onsen. To do so washes all the beneficial minerals from the skin preventing their benefits from being truly enjoyed.
Don’t: Stay Up Past The Bedtimes
Visitors will be expected to be awake and ready for breakfast at an early hour, so it’s important to adhere to, or at least not stay up too long past, the ryokan’s bedtimes. These bedtimes also mark the hard end of what might have been tolerated noise. If visitors do stay up past these times it is a firm recommendation that they do not make any sounds as that would be incredibly disrespectful.
Do: Explore The Neighborhood
Ryokans are usually located in the countryside or in scenic mountainous areas as they often have proximity to natural volcanic hot springs. This often means that they are in aesthetic and tourist-friendly villages that are absolutely worth exploring. Travelers visiting a ryokan should definitely take the time to see what they can discover in the area and perhaps find a delicious location for lunch as that is a meal not included at the ryokan.
Don’t: Check-Out Late
This again ties into how incredibly time-sensitive the operation of a ryokan is. By checking out late, the staff has less time to prepare for their next guests which put more stress on them as they also need to make sure all the preparations for the next dinner have been made. Overall, during a visit to a ryokan, the only thing travelers need to pay extra close attention to is time. As long as they met the reasonable schedule of their ryokan, they will have an excellent experience.