Japan Cheapo's Ryokan Guide

Above, a room at the Atami Shinkadoya ryokan in Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are considering a vacation in Japan, they should seriously consider staying at a ryokan instead of a hotel for a truly "Japanese experience".

I have stayed a four ryokans over the years and enjoyed each one of them.

Japan Cheapo has a useful ryokan guide that includes information on booking, etiquette and what to expect.

They begin with:

What is a ryokan? 

The official translation for ryokan is a “Japanese-style inn”. Originally, they were mainly located along the ancient road that connects Kyoto and Tokyo, the Tokaido Highway. Samurai and merchants traveled this route and were in need of accommodation. While the word “inn” might evoke images of medieval, rather rough wayside accommodation for travelers on horseback, ryokan are far from it. On the contrary, they range from mid-end to luxurious.  

What sets them apart from a minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed & breakfast, is the level of service and facilities. You can usually expect tastefully decorated rooms, a dining room (either shared or private), common rooms or a lounge, and most important, several onsen (hot spring) baths. There are usually both private onsen for rent (kashikiri) and shared public ones separated by gender, as well as other appealing points to the property, like a beautiful Japanese garden.

Above, the men's bath at the Atami Shinkadoya ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.