The food of Japan made me into a foodie, but my ryokan experience made me a Japanofile. Ryokans are the ultimate Japan experience! While it is easy to fall in love with the city life of Japan, it was my very first experience at a ryokan that made me appreciate the culture, history, and deepen my appreciate of the food of Japan.
Ryokan are more than just a place to sleep, they are a rare opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese hospitality and lifestyle, incorporating elements such as wearing a yukata, tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style baths called onsen, and local cuisine in elaborate meal preparation called kaiseki.
If you prefer to sleep in a room with twin queen-size beds and all the modern comforts such a full modern bathroom, perfect room temperature, insulated noise, the latest high-tech gadgets, and every member of the staff speaking fluent English then a ryokan is not for you.
However, if you wish to see, taste, touch, and feel traditional Japanese culture then a night at a ryokan will change you forever. While most of the staff at ryokans barely speak any English, this authenticity adds to the experience. Ryokans are only available in Japan and it is an experience not to be missed and will be easily be the highlight of your trip to Japan.
Booking ryokan is not hard. I’ve used their website directly, Booking.com, Japanican, and Agoda.
Here are several of my experiences:
Hokkaido
– Yumoto Yuzomanso in Higashikawa
– Zaborin Part 1
– Zaborin Part 2
Hakone
– Gora Kadan
Hyogo – Kinosaki
– Nishimuraya Honkan
Nagano
– Hoshinoya Karuizawa
Coming soon:
– Kayotei in Kaga
– Kozantei Ubuya in Kawaguchiko
– Wanosato in Takayama
– Myojikan in Matsumoto
– Chikusenso in Sendai
– Komatsukan Kofutei in Matsushima