Staying At A Traditional Japanese Hotel

Above, a room in a ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to stay at a traditional Japanese hotel (Japanese inn) called ryokans? Well, Fox News has a new article that will tell all.

They begin with:

There are no beds in any of Japan’s 50,000 traditional hotels called ryokans.  Instead,  a futon kept in the closet and laid out at night on the tatami mat on the floor is where you'll sleep. 

These hotels, or inns, originating back in the 17th century, began to give weary travelers along Japan's highways a place to rest. 

They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may visit with the owner. 

And as Japan has already boasted of record 11 million tourists during the first half of 2015, including many from the U.S., many Westerners are seeking out ryokans and a traditional Japanese hotel experience. 

To find out more about ryokans, go here.