Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns where you sleep on tatami mats, eat kaiseki meals, and soak in onsen baths, often all in the same stay. You’ll also be expected to follow a few simple customs, from taking your shoes off at the entrance to keeping your voice down in shared spaces and wearing a yukata around the property.
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Sleeping The Japanese Way: A Guide To Ryokan Stays Across Japan
Ryokans offer a quiet alternative to modern hotels in Japan, built around tatami rooms, seasonal meals, and hot spring baths. This guide explores some of the country’s most notable stays, from remote river retreats to historic temple inns
OT Staff
16 May 2026
Gora Kadan is a long-established luxury ryokan in Hakone Photo: gorakadan/Instagram
Gora Kadan is a long-established luxury ryokan in Hakone Photo: gorakadan/Instagram
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