Let\’s Visit Asia

The Ryokan Experience

by Ruth on February 1st, 2008

The following is a contribution from guest blogger, Kala, who is currently based in Qatar. She has lived in the Philippines and France, and plans to visit 15 more countries before she turns 30.

Wanting a taste of traditional Japanese lifestyle, my recent trip to Japan included booking several nights at a ryokan in Kyoto. A ryokan is a Japanese-style inn, an experience that must not be missed when in Japan, according to my Japanese friends.

The first sight that greeted us at the ryokan was a sea of brown slippers, neatly arranged at the entrance. You are required to remove your shoes and use a pair of slippers within the premises.

Ryokans usually have curfews, so it’s best to ask the front desk what time the door closes. Usually, you are required to leave your key with them whenever you leave the ryokan for the day.

After check-in, our hostess showed us our room. She opened the shoji (sliding paper door) to reveal two futons, a low table, cushions for sitting (called Zabuton), and a tea set.

I stepped on to the tatami mats with my slippers, to the horror of my hostess, who bowed politely and informed me that I would need to remove them before stepping on to the tatamis. Lesson learned.

We were provided with yukata, a robe that you can wear while walking around the ryokan. Since it was winter, we were also given a Tanzen (a heavier outer robe) to be worn over the yukata.

Outside our window was a view of the ryokan’s Japanese garden. The sound of the tiny waterfall made us relax and forget about the day’s whirlwind tour.

While there are some expensive ryokans, you will be surprised to find ones that are within the traveler’s budget. It is also advised that you book a room well in advance, as popular ryokans tend to be fully booked especially during the Cherry Blossom season, or in the fall.

A helpful site you can use is Japanese Guests Houses, where you can reserve a room at a ryokan based on your budget and destination. The Japanese Inn Group also gives you a list of ryokans, as well as ryokan descriptions, photos and comments from guests.

Since there are a number of family-run ryokans, check beforehand if the establishment accepts credit cards, or if payment must be made in cash.

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POSTED IN: Asia Travelogues, Asian Hotels and Resorts, Japan