Ryokan and the Japanese Hospitality

The origin of the Japanese ryokan dates back to more than 1300 years ago when the Buddhist monks started setting up the so-called fuseya (free guest house) to assist travelers. Back in those days, transportation between regions was difficult and traveling was indeed perilous, resulting in the death of a large number of travelers. That’s why the fuseya was established to provide shelter for those in need.

As times went on, the priorities of travelers changed: they required not only a space to stay overnight, but also good meals and comfortability; and thus facilities had to modify to adapt to the guest’s growing demand, forming the basis of modern-day ryokans. Omotenashi – “offering the best service without the expectation of a reward” – is the core value of every ryokan, and if you want to experience this traditional lifestyle and hospitality, there is no better chance than staying in a ryokan.

Ryokans can be found all over Japan, and to some extent in Taiwan. However, they vary greatly in terms of size and style. Some ryokans are small family-run businesses, while others boast facilities like a modern hotel with hundreds of rooms. Regarding price, ryokans also range from no-frills, budget options to the luxury establishment catering for the affluents. While extremes do exist, the average cost of a stay is between 15,000¥ and 25,000¥ per person, per night. That includes an elaborate dinner in the evening, followed by a sumptuous breakfast the next morning.

Both Japanican and Japanese Guest Houses offer a wide variety of ryokans throughout Japan. While Japanican has more options, Japanese Guest Houses can arrange a booking in unique locations such as Kōyasan, Shirakawa-go, or Kiso Valley. Alternatively, you can make a reservation through Booking.com.

As an embodiment of the traditional Japanese lifestyle, ryokans combine many of the best elements from the olden times, such as tatami floors, futon beds (which are usually stored during the day and laid out only in the evening before going to bed), and Japanese style baths. Many establishments also incorporate onsen, natural hot springs, that’s why ryokan is very common in areas with hot spring sources. The way a ryokan blends with its surrounding is another important facet of the ryokan culture. Stunning gardens, open-air baths, rooms with an impressive view are usually an integral part of most ryokans, especially those in the high-end category.

When staying at a ryokan, another factor that should not be overlooked is the food. In fact, many Japanese people select (or neglect) a ryokan based on the quality of the food provided. That’s why great care is taken in both the preparation and presentation of each dish, and every single dish should reflect the ryokan’s personality. Meals are typically kaiseki-ryōri (Japanese haute cuisine) – a multi-course menu that features local and seasonal specialties. But in some special cases, it is replaced by shōjin ryōri – vegetarian meals using foods processed from vegetables and soybeans. In general, meals are served in the inn’s dining hall, but a good number of ryokan serve meals directly in the guest room, with attendants bringing each carefully prepared dish to the table.