Ryokans in Japan: A virtual tour
In today Japan Travel Q & A we answer questions on in ryokans remain of Eryn in New York city:
"What is the difference in a Ryokan and a hotel between staying"
do not feel watching a video, how? Read below for today's answer!
Good question, Eryn!
Staying in an ryokan - a traditional Japanese style inn - is a good opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the traditional Japanese culture
But for non-Japanese, can there be many surprises when they stay at a ryokan, because it is. very is different from staying in a hotel.
So in addition to all the information below, make sure that our Tour virtual ryokan observed in the video above. It is a step-by-step walk through the ryokan experience and will help you to really see what the experience is like.
Gora Kadan, a luxury ryokan in Hakone, Japan
differences between Ryokans & Hotels
These are some of the main differences between ryokans and hotels are -. and we go into much more detail below (as well as in the video) [1945004[
- your minimalist tatami mat rooms
- The trade with the shoes and "normal" clothes for yukata - a Japanese-style robe - and slippers
- Onsen (hot springs) and the Japanese bathing culture and etiquette
- My multi-course kaiseki dinner and traditional Japanese breakfast
- traditional Japanese futon beds
Please note that not everything that we apply for every single ryokan will describe. However, give these common elements, you have a good understanding of what it's like to stay in a ryokan.
There are some other things you want to know, will also as you read (or see the video above) for more details.
Ryokan Kurashiki, a wonderful traditional ryokan
Japanese Ryokan Basics
As with hotels and pensions in each country, each of ryokan, unlike ,
They range from modest and basic characteristics pensions to very luxurious ryokans where you will experience the best in Japanese hospitality similarly.
most people associate tend ryokans with the country of Japan -. and this is definitely the quintessential way to experience a ryokan stay
city dwellers in rural ryokans retreat to relax and rejuvenate for a few days. The grounds are very generally quiet, with a focus on nature and the beautiful gardens, or have a look at streams and mountains around
But Kyoto and other Japanese cities are also home to some beautiful, traditional ryokans -. Also Tokyo has a handful - so if you experience zealous an "urban" ryokan, then Kyoto is the best place to do this
Arrival by boat to Hoshinoya Kyoto
by Ryokan arrival
your ryokan upon entering, the first thing you need to do your shoes should be removed in the specified area, and slip on the slippers, which for you were provided.
One of the first things you will notice is that most hotels usually ryokans are much smaller. They are often family run, and in many cases have been generation to generation.
check-in formalities at a ryokan are much faster and easier than in a hotel generally. Let yourself be guided by the Nakai-san to your room - your personal travel companion -., The You
If you get polite way
in the room, you will take your slippers - They do not wear slippers on tatami mats (you can wear socks or simply barefoot). If you are not sure if the slippers off, will be the Nakai-san happy to show youHe or she will give you your yukatas (robes.) - Change in this, as soon as they leave the room. You will be wearing these comfortable robes for the duration of your stay!
Often Japanese sweets will be beautifully laid on the central table for you in the room, and your Nakai-san can be your first cup of green tea to prepare for you. All you have to do - just enjoy the hospitality and the aromatic scent of tatami mats
. Tip: Before you leave the room Nakai-san, ask him or her to show you how to work to the electric water heater, your room of the heating system (especially when it comes in the night too cold), and the Japanese toilet - with all its buttons - as instructions for this are in English not always available
tatami mats
rooms in a traditional Ryokan
In traditional Japanese style ryokan enter space, you may be surprised at what you find - or not find
Unlike hotel rooms, traditional Japanese style ryokan rooms have very little furniture !. In fact, if you convert into opportunities that all you see a low table in the middle, and some traditional zaisu (chairs without legs).
The flooring is tatami that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to walk, sit or lie on. But you may be wondering ,: Where are the beds? Do not worry, we are in traditional Japanese style beds discuss below
As for the bathrooms. If you want to stay in a luxury ryokan, you will have your own bathroom have, as you would expect.
But with many very traditional ryokans (even when some are quite luxurious), not have your room with a private bathroom. This is very important for many travelers, so if you make sure any doubts, need to ask before making a selection ryokan.
Onsen Hotel Kazurabashi, Iya Valley, Shikoku, Japan
Baden at ryokans. Onsen
Bathing is an important part of Japanese culture, and perhaps nothing is more fun - and potentially confusing - to non-Japanese travelers than the bathing experience in a ryokan
We get some useful advice have included , so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest - but it is best to accept that no matter how much you prepare, you are probably an etiquette mistake (or two) make [
do not worry ! Japanese are very understanding - the key is to always be only respectful, and if you do not know what to do, ask -. Even literary works sign (our article on Japanese etiquette see more about tips and taboos)
Onsen Basics
In addition to the traditional hospitality (and food), hot springs - called onsen in Japanese - are one of the biggest reasons why travelers make the journey to the rural ryokans.
Not all ryokans natural hot springs, as well as a traditional bathing experience and etiquette tips below apply also offer those without onsen.
a Japanese onsen is about therapeutic, relax - and fascinating. It can be a bit confusing for the first time, but when one is down, the system fun and incredibly rejuvenating
Hanamaki Onsen, Osawa, Iwate, Japan (Photo credit :. Ghost of Kuji about Compfight cc)
Baden & Onsen etiquette Tips
These tips apply to both onsen and regular baths.
- no swimsuits allowed. some onsen gender separated, and some are shared. Regardless, swimsuits are simply not allowed. If for any reason you do not sound appealing, another option is a ryokan with private onsen -. A great solution for many travelers
- Wash thoroughly before entering . If an onsen go, first you will pass through a locker room where undress you and your clothes (everything but your little onsen towel) placed in the basket available. Then go into the shower room, where you shampoo, conditioner and body wash find. Instead of standing while showering, sit on a short stool and shower there. Once you have thoroughly bathed, then it is time, the onsen is to head out.
- not the small towel in the onsen water be . You will be given two towels: one large and one small. The big one is for full drying after relaxing bath (it is left in the locker room). Take the small towel with you to the onsen, but it is important not to let the towel touch the water. Most people use the small towel discreetly to cover herself while in the shower area to the onsen water walking, and then place it on the head, they bind to their foreheads, or it was somewhere near the edge of the bath. There is no hard and fast rule as others to keep the onsen out.
- tattoos are not always accepted . Tattoos are not common in the general Japanese population and have traditionally been seen as a symbol of the Japanese underworld. As such, many onsen regulations that prevent the entry of people with tattoos. While this does not always work on non-Japanese if you have a tattoo and another guest complained, you can ask to leave the bathroom. If possible, to prevent this, we recommend that you cover the tattoo with a bandage or large bandage. If this is not possible, but you really want to experience onsen, may be the best solution, a ryokan select which provides private onsen -. this
Kaiseki at KAI Matsumoto in the restaurant are quite common Fortunately eating
Eat & drink in ryokans
When staying ryokan at a, Its main tasks are in onsen, nature viewing enjoy drinking green tea in your tatami-lined room, take a nap, relax, and take of incredible, unforgettable meals.
cuisine is an integral part of the ryokan experience, and for most people one of the highlights. Most ryokan stays including breakfast and a kaiseki dinner, both of which typically presents a feature beautifully and colorful range of local and seasonal specialties.
The kaiseki dinner is a multi-course affair, served either lined in the privacy of your tatami room, or - in many ryokans - in a common dining room. Be sure to bring your camera, and the appetite
While every ryokan different, dinner usually featuring .:
- Local vegetables, both grown and foraged
- the premium of the sea, and many local rivers
- local meat
- , the staples of Japanese cuisine, such as miso soup and of course rice
- drinks, including local Sake or shochu, beer and tea
This beautiful festivals are an unforgettable culinary experience and a great way to sample Japanese food, you can never get to experience again.
The breakfast is just as colorful: at breakfast you will usually have a variety of traditional Japanese dishes - fish, rice, miso soup - as well as an egg, toast occasionally and tea and / or coffee
. Tip: If you have any dietary restrictions, food allergies or other important needs, you should make as far in advance as possible known as ryokans plan their meals in advance and last minute requests can always take not.
Kaiseki cuisine at Ryokan Kurashiki
traditional futon bedding
The word futon is originally a Japanese word and refers to the type of bedding you most ryokans experience. Do not let yourself be misled by the word, such as Japanese-style futon are quite unlike futons in Europe or America!
As you have noticed, when you first enter your room (described above), enter on a traditional Japanese style rooms, you will not see all of the beds.
While you're at dinner, enjoy your kaiseki hard, ryokan staff visit your room discreetly and layout of your plush, Japanese-style beds for you
for most travelers the futon mattress surprisingly plush and comfortable, and the comforter is also very warm -. making for an extremely good night for most.
but if you are concerned about this type of sleeping arrangement, it is worth noting that many high-end ryokans have incorporated some Western-style elements started - as Western-style beds - in their rooms. If a western-style bed is a priority for you, simply take it to consider if a ryokan Select.
Takefue Ryokan, Kurokawa Onsen, Japan
willing to stay in a ryokan?
For most of our customers, we usually recommend spending 1-2 nights in a ryokan, although most people fall, when visiting your time for the first Japan.
self in love with the experience, it is not always for everyone. But even among those who do not love it, one night is usually worthwhile, if only for the fascinating cultural experience.
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