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| Above, Bansuitei Ikoiso Ryokan in Sendai. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
During my eight trips to Japan over the years, I have stayed in hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns). I have enjoyed both, but I have to give ryokans the nod as being more enjoyable.
For one thing, ryokan rooms seemed to be larger (in my experience) and the meals served are tastier. The ones I stayed in were family-run.
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| Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The subject of ryokans versus hotels is the topic of an article in Unseen Japan.
They begin it with:
Whenever you plan a trip, where you stay ends up making a big difference. Japan is no exception. Location, access to the station, comfort, cleanliness – these are the usual things travelers look for when choosing accommodation.
Hotels are, of course, the straightforward choice. But in Japan, there’s another option that’s just as common and perhaps even more memorable: the ryokan (旅館), a traditional inn that has welcomed guests for centuries. Staying in one isn’t just about having a place to sleep. It’s about stepping into a living piece of Japanese culture.
The question is, which one should you choose? Many assume hotels are the safer, more convenient option, while ryokan are more of a cultural experience on the side. And while there’s some truth to that, the reality is a little more nuanced.
To read more, go here.
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