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Ryokans are well known as traditional Japanese accommodations. But to foreign travelers looking to visit Japan, they may appear a bit daunting and mysterious. The unknown customs and practices may be intimidating, but that is not the intent. In reality, a ryokan is all about peace, quiet, and relaxation.
For travelers in Japan looking for a day or two of simple relaxation, a ryokan will be perfect for them. A ryokan is all about unwinding, so here's what there is to do during a stay.
What Is A Japanese Ryokan?
A popular destination for local travelers and foreign tourists alike, Ryokans are found all across Japan. They are a style of Japanese inns that are especially prevalent in hot spring resort destinations, but they can be found in other locations as well. They offer travelers the opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle. They are a place to travel to and relax. There are many aspects to staying at a ryokan, but all parts revolve around helping travelers have a quiet and catered experience. They are as close to an authentic look into the past as many travelers will get. They offer tatami rooms, futon beds, Japanese-style baths, and local dishes in the form of a fully prepared dinner and breakfast.
Partake In Traditional Japanese Customs
Ryokans are not all the same, and some have modernized more than others, yet 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.
There are also a standard set of rules that will to some degree be adhered to. It should be expected by travelers that they will spend most of their time in slippers, with their shoes left at the door. There will also be rules about sound and even rules about when it is appropriate to sleep. There is also a fully catered breakfast involved, so there will be an expected wake-up time.
The purpose of these rules isn’t to be rigid but to offer a truly authentic experience and to help travelers relax. These are destinations sought after by those seeking to leave the noise of the city and unwind. They are very often located in the scenic countryside and near hot springs. These are not locations for lively late nights, but for those truly wishing to discover some peace and quiet.
Travelers should also be aware that many parts of their stay are time-sensitive and that these are destinations for relaxation. An example is how they will intricately prepare an entire meal for you to be delivered at 6 pm. Arriving late puts them in a difficult situation as the meal is tedious to prepare. If travelers keep the ten things below in mind, they should have an excellent experience at a ryokan.
- Arriving At An Acceptable Time / Checking-In
- Taking Off Your Shoes And Luggage Etiquette
- Futon Bedding
- Wearing The Yukata
- Onsen Bathing
- Exploring the Neighborhood
- Peace & Quiet
- Bedtimes
- Waking Up For Breakfast
- Checking Out
Soak In An Onsen
Not all ryokan includes an onsen but many do. It is worth prioritizing finding a Ryokan with onsen to get the most out of this experience. Onsens, like ryokans, are an example of traditional Japanese accommodations. They are hot spring baths and their surrounding facilities. They are quite common all across Japan. Japan is a volcanically active country, so hot springs are prevalent. This has led to onsens becoming an important part of traditional culture. Onsens are often found in conjunction with ryokans, so travelers can take advantage of relaxing in both.
- Recommendation - Don’t bathe again, immediately after leaving the onsen.
Enjoy Authentic And Seasonal Japanese Food
One of the most sought-after aspects of a stay at a ryokan is the kaiseki ryori dinner and the traditional breakfast which are the meals that are served to the patrons of the ryokan. They are also the primary reason why it is important for travelers to arrive on time.
Both meals are full of local and seasonal specialties with a beautiful and colorful presentation. Visitors will either be served in their private room or semi-private common dining room if it is for a party. Every ryokan will serve its meals in a slightly different manner. They will all contain a variety of local produce as vegetables are an important part of them. The vegetables will be served in a variety of ways including fresh, fermented, and pickled. Fish also play an important role in these meals and are often caught in nearby rivers. There will likely also be some meat and traditional staples such as miso soup and rice.
Dinner
The traditional kaiseki ryori is a multi-course high-class dinner, The meal has evolved some from its origin as a simple vegetarian meal and tea ceremony. Over time, it has become more sophisticated with courses being added and adjusted. However, it still maintains much of its roots as it is a healthy vegetable-rich meal.
It consists of a great variety of beautifully arranged small dishes. The emphasis of the meal is more on the variety of flavors and balance rather than volume. Variety is especially important for this meal. Visitors will quickly notice the diversity of not only taste but appearance, color, and texture.
The meal usually includes an appetizer of soup, sashimi, and other small dishes. After that, visitors will be greeted with dishes prepared in a variety of manners. These methods may include boiling, deep-frying, steaming, pickling, and fermenting. And according to tradition, the meal will be joined by dishes of rice, miso soup, and pickles. The desert is usually fresh fruit.
- Fresh and local vegetables
- Locally caught fish
- Variety of cooking methods
- Small dishes
- Some meat
- Miso soup
- Rice
- Pickles
Breakfast
For breakfast, travelers can expect a traditional Japanese-style breakfast. Japanese breakfast, like dinner, consists of a variety of small plates and bowls. Breakfast may vary a bit between ryokan, but some dishes often included are miso soup with freshly cooked rice, grilled fish with rolled egg omelets, nori, fresh vegetables, and pickled vegetables.
- Miso soup
- Freshly cooked rice
- Grilled fish
- Rolled omelets
- Nori
- Fresh vegetables
- Pickled vegetables