What is Onsen Ryokan
What is Onsen Ryokan?
A traditional Japanese hotel/inn with hot springs (onsen) is called Onsen Ryokan. Inside a ryokan, you will find the unique beauty of Japanese culture and custom. So a ryokan is not just a place to stay but also a place for experiencing the authentic traditional Japan. A sojourn at ryokan is sure to make your trip to Japan truly unforgettable.
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
5 highlights to be experienced at ryokan:
- Living in a room with Tatami (straw mat) flooring
- Wearing a Yukata (robe) before and after taking an onsen bath
- Sleeping on a Futon (bedding) put down directly on the Tatami floor
- Taking an Onsen (hot spring) bath for relaxation
- Enjoy a typical Japanese Ryokan dinner with fresh local ingredients
1. Tatami
When it comes to experiencing the Japanese way of living, staying a night on tatami should be a must.
The floor of major sections of the ryokan room is typically covered with tatami (Japanese floor straw mat). During the daytime, the tatami area is used as a living and dining room, and at night, as a sleeping room.
2. Futon
When it comes to experiencing the Japanese way of living, staying a night on tatami should be a must.
The floor of major sections of the ryokan room is typically covered with tatami (Japanese floor straw mat). During the daytime, the tatami area is used as a living and dining room, and at night, as a sleeping room.
3. Yukata
Yukata is a light cotton kimono worn at home for relaxation or at summer festivals.
When you are staying at ryokan, yukata is available for you to wear before and after taking an onsen bath for relaxation and for sleeping as well. The yukata is lent temporarily to the guests for free.
4. Onsen Bath
Onsen is definately the highlight of onsen ryokan that you can never miss it. Generally, onsen ryokan offers public onsen baths partitioned into male and female sections.
If you are not used to be naked in public onsen, you can choose ryokan which offers private family onsen bath or guestrooms with private onsen attached.
For more information about onsen, see our page What is Onsen and Onsen Etiquette.
5. Ryokan Dinner
To enjoy the best experience ryokan stay, remember to book a plan including with dinner which is another highlight of ryokan. At some high-end ryokan, a multi-course Japanese haute cuisine called Kaiseki ryori will be served. Otherwise, an elaborate ryokan dinner inspired by Kaiseki ryori will be served.
Generally, a ryokan dinner consists of multi courses cooked with local and seasonal specialties which can let you indulge with high quality of food. Depends on different arrangement, you will dine in your own room or in a communal dining area.
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