A ryokan is a traditional inn: tatami rooms, futon beds laid out while you're at dinner, a hot spring bath and a long multi-course dinner and breakfast made from local food.
It's one of the experiences people remember most from Japan, and one night is enough to see why. Many are family-run for generations.
When to goAll year. Winter is the best season for onsen ryokan; autumn and spring book up fastest.
Where to go
-
HakoneKanagawa · 神奈川Ryokan with private baths, close to Tokyo. -
KyotoKyoto · 京都Historic city inns near Gion and the old streets. -
KinosakiHyogo · 兵庫Inns that give you a free pass to all seven public baths. -
Takayama and GeroGifu · 岐阜Mountain inns and one of Japan's famous hot springs. -
YufuinOita · 大分Quiet countryside ryokan with outdoor baths. -
Kaga OnsenIshikawa · 石川Grand old inns near Kanazawa.
Good to know
- Check-in is usually from 3 pm and dinner is at a set time; let the inn know if you'll be late.
- Leave shoes at the entrance, and wear the yukata to dinner and the baths.
- Prices are per person and normally include dinner and breakfast.