When visiting Japan, make sure to spend at least one night at a Ryokan.

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

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Traveling to Japan, don't forget to stay at a Ryokan for at least one night.

Ryokan is the name for traditional Japanese inns, and once you set foot in the Land of the Rising Sun, you should experience it.

Traveling to Japan, don't forget to stay at a Ryokan for at least one night.

Ryokan emerged around the 17th century. Back then, these inns mainly served travelers along Japan's highways. A distinctive feature of Ryokan is that they typically have about 5 rooms per inn, each room about 7m², with shared bathrooms and some communal areas where guests can wear traditional yukata robes, interact, and socialize.

Ryokan offers large single rooms, without partitions, with tatami mat flooring and the only furniture in the room being a low table. Room doors are sliding panels made of leaves and paper, providing a cool atmosphere and reducing light in the room. Guests sleep on futon mattresses laid out in the evening, while daytime activities take place on the tatami mats and around the low table.

At Ryokan, guests must remove their shoes before entering, and they must wear indoor slippers while inside. Afterwards, shoes must be placed outside the room door, and guests will go barefoot or wear socks when entering the kitchen.

What sets Ryokan apart are its communal baths, designed separately for men and women. Unlike typical hot spring resorts, which are often built around natural hot springs, a day at Ryokan includes two meals: a dinner featuring local specialties and a simple breakfast, both served in-room. After dinner, staff return to clear the table and prepare bedding for guests. Ryokan also provides Yukata robes in various sizes for guests to wear.

Ryokan are not commonly found in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, but they remain abundant in places like Kyoto. Accommodation rates at urban Ryokan tend to be higher compared to regular hotels. To cater to tourists, many Ryokan establishments are purposefully located amidst pristine natural landscapes, nestled in mountains or by the seaside.

According to Tâm Anh from Ngôi sao

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour

MytourAugust 30, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique features distinguish traditional Ryokan from regular hotels?

Traditional Ryokan offer unique features such as tatami mat flooring, sliding paper doors, communal baths, and the experience of wearing yukata robes. Unlike regular hotels, they emphasize Japanese culture and hospitality.

Why should travelers experience staying in a Ryokan in Japan?

Travelers should experience staying in a Ryokan to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture. Staying at a Ryokan allows guests to enjoy local specialties, relax in communal baths, and appreciate unique architectural styles.

What meals are typically included during a stay at a Ryokan?

During a stay at a Ryokan, guests typically enjoy two meals: a dinner featuring local specialties and a simple breakfast, both served in the comfort of their rooms for an authentic experience.

Where are the best locations to find Ryokan accommodations in Japan?

The best locations to find Ryokan accommodations are often in serene natural landscapes like Kyoto, where they are abundant. These inns provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of major cities.

Is it customary to wear indoor slippers in a Ryokan?

Yes, it is customary to wear indoor slippers inside a Ryokan. Guests must remove their shoes upon entering and wear provided slippers to maintain cleanliness and respect the traditional ambiance.

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