Japanese Accommodations: Ryokan vs. Hotels

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. 

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. 

Phishing Scam Victimized Over 100 Japanese Hotels

Above, the front desk of an Atami ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over 100 Japanese hotels have fallen victim to a phishing scam involving Booking.com.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - Over 100 hotels in Japan have fallen victim to email scams that try to steal customers' credit card information using accommodation reservation site Booking.com, a Kyodo News tally found Saturday.

Some of the hotels said their customers lost money after the fraudsters stole their card details. The Japan Tourism Agency has instructed Booking.com Japan K.K., the Japanese unit of the major lodging booking site operator, to conduct a full investigation.

Booking.com Japan declined to comment on the financial damage. 

The phishing scams come as similar cases are reported worldwide, and Japan sees a return to booming tourism levels after COVID-19 border restrictions were lifted.

With the help of anonymous cybersecurity specialist Piyokango, the Kyodo News count found that as of March 26, some 118 accommodation businesses in at least 21 prefectures have been affected since June last year.

Fraudsters send emails to Japanese hotels to access their Booking.com management system. The email contains a link, which infects a computer once clicked.

Personally, whenever I have traveled to Japan, I book rooms directly with the hotels. 

To read the full article, go here.

Japan Hotels, Inns To Be Given Right To Turn Away Obnoxious Guests

Above, Tokyo's Hotel Fukudaya ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being rowdy or excessively drunk at a Japanese hotel or inn (ryokan) will get one turned away.

Soon, hotels and inns will be given the right to turn away guests for bad behavior.

The Asahi Shimbun reported:

Hotels and inns will soon be able to turn away annoying and drunk guests under the health ministry’s draft guidelines that specify the conditions for refusal. 

The guidelines, released on Sept. 5, allow hotels and inns to reject guests who repeatedly exhibit aggressive behavior, including demanding unreasonable discounts and excessive hospitality, and making unreasonable and persistent complaints until hotel workers kneel on the floor and apologize.

They also say hotels can decline accommodations to heavily drunk customers. 

A final version of the outline will be approved by December.

The guidelines were drafted following revisions made to the Hotel Business Law in June.

The revisions allowed hotels to turn away guests who impose excessive burdens on their employees, creating an exception to the law that prohibits hotels from refusing customers.

So behave yourselves, kiddies!

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Hotel Guest Numbers Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels In June

Above, the front desk of the Atami Shinkado ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that the tourism industry in Japan is well on the road to a full recovery after the pandemic.

The number of hotel guests exceeded pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - The number of Japanese and foreign tourists staying at hotels and other accommodation facilities in June exceeded pre-pandemic monthly levels for the first time in more than three years, rising 1.0 percent from the same month in 2019, government data showed Monday.

There were around 46.3 million guests, according to preliminary data by the Japan Tourism Agency, with pandemic restrictions completely lifted and COVID-19's classification downgraded in May to a level equivalent to the seasonal flu.

The number of travelers had dropped drastically from February 2020 after initial cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Japan.

But with the country's abolishment of pandemic border controls in April, the number of foreign guests in June rose 15.6-fold from a year earlier to 9.43 million, reaching 98.4 percent of what it was in June 2019.

To read more, go here. 

Key Terms To Use At Japanese Hotels

Above, the main entrance to Tokyo's Shiba Park Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning a trip to Japan, now that it has been reopened to foreign visitors, there are a few key terms one can use at the Japanese hotel they're staying at.

The following has been presented in an article by the Japan Times.

They start it off with:

KYOTO – 日本へようこそ！ (Nihon e yōkoso, Welcome to Japan!) … or, should we say, Welcome back to Japan!

With borders having just reopened to independent travel, there is bound to be a rush of people who are dying to get back into the country. One thing that unites all these inbound travelers? Hotels.

Beyond the commute from airport to lodging, communications with the staff at ホテル (hoteru, hotels) and 旅館 (ryokan, Japanese inns) are likely to provide your first encounter with the Japanese language.

Even those who’ve been studying the language can sometimes find themselves stumped by the 敬語 (keigo, honorific language) used at such establishments. (Don’t freak out, though, many hotel staff speak languages other than Japanese.) Even if you answer in the affirmative when asked, 日本語でよろしいでしょうか (Nihongo de yoroshii deshō ka?, Are you OK with [using] Japanese?), there may be a few terms that catch you off guard.

To read more, go here. 

Luxury "Ryokan" Style Inn To Be Built In Ginza

Above, the Wako Department Store at Ginza Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign tourism is still in limbo as the Japanese government currently has "no plans" to reopen Japan. 

However, that won't last forever (even it now seems like forever that the country has been closed off) and hoteliers are betting that once Japan does reopen, accommodations will be in high demand. 

Japan's Hulic is to build a luxury ryokan in the Ginza shopping district of Tokyo.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- Japanese property developer Hulic will open a luxury ryokan -- a traditional Japanese inn -- in Tokyo's Ginza district in 2025, the latest sign that companies are betting on a strong rebound in travel demand as governments around the world relax COVID-19 restrictions.

The most expensive room at the inn will go for about 300,000 yen ($2,426) per night.

Development of lodging facilities is picking up steam globally, with investment in 2022 expected to be 40% higher than last year, rising to levels last seen in 2015, which saw record investment. Major projects in Japan include reconstruction of the iconic Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

Hulic's ryokan is tentatively named Fufu Tokyo Ginza. The company will spend 20 billion yen to convert an office building on a main street in the upscale district into a 12-story complex. Six of the upper floors will become a 38-room ryokan. It will be Hulic's 13th luxury Japanese-style inn.

It is doubtful that once the Fufu Tokyo Ginza opens, your average Godzilla fan would not be able to afford staying there. But, you never know.

To read more, go here.

What It's Like To Stay In A Traditional Ryokan

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

When foreigners are allowed to vacation in Japan again (whenever that'll be), one thing they should try is staying at a traditional Japanese inn (or ryokan).

I've stayed at several ryokans over the years and enjoyed each one. 

TheTravel has an article on what it's like to stay at a ryokan.

They begin it with:

People enjoy visiting Japan for various reasons, including the country's major attractions and the unique activities that visitors can partake in there. However, one of the most vital things to look out for when visiting Japan is the type of accommodation to book, since that will help people plan their time in the country. For instance, Japan offers various accommodation options, including affordable B&B, modern hotels, and cozy guesthouses.

However, one of the perfect ways to enjoy a stay in Japan is to book a stay in a Ryokan. The latter is a traditional Japanese-style inn available throughout tourist spots in the country. Staying in a Ryokan is more than just booking accommodation. It could be the highlight of a trip to Japan, where it offers its visitors great hospitality with outstanding guest services.

Above, the entrance to a Sendai ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Essential Traveler Tips for Anyone Visiting Japan for the First Time

Above, a view of the rising sun from an Atami ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning to visit Japan for the first time, or for people who've been there and could use a little "refresher course", Leisure Group Travel has posted some tips for anyone visiting the country for the first time.

They begin with:

For many travelers, Japan is considered a dream destination. With its sprawling cities, majestic mountains and enchanting cherry blossoms, the Land of the Rising Sun is a country like no other. However, Japan can present something of a culture shock for first-time visitors. The country has its own distinct cultural norms and values, which many Westerners may struggle to wrap their heads around.

To read more, go here. 

5 of the Best Things To Do In Japan

Above, inside a ryokan in Atami, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many travel-oriented websites have their recommendations on what to see and do in Japan.

Well, here's another. It is from Travel Daily News. They have a list of five of the best things to do in Japan.

They begin with:

Japan is a wonderful country filled with lots of cultural experiences – but if you’ve never been before, you might be overwhelmed trying to work out what you should do and see. Thankfully we’ve narrowed down some of the most unique, memorable experiences that travellers should try if they visit Japan. 

Here are five of the best things you can do in Japan.

To see what they are, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: "How To Find Cheap Hotels In Tokyo"

Above, the hotel we stayed at in 2015 in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with round-trip airfares, the next biggest expense one makes when traveling to Japan (or anywhere else) are lodging expenses.

Fortunately, Japan has many options on accommodations. They have budget hotels, business hotels, capsule hotels, ryokans and high-end hotels.

Above, Hotel Fukudaya ryokan in Shibuya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most people not on some company's expense account will opt for cheaper accommodations, but don't know where to stay in Tokyo.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted a guide on "How To Find Cheap Hotels In Tokyo".

They begin it with:

Choosing holiday accommodation in the capital can be daunting, so we’ve put together this guide to cheap hotels in Tokyo to help you find a good spot to rest, for less. Tokyo might be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there’s no shortage of budget hotels and other affordable accommodation for families, couples and backpackers alike. No matter what your budget or tastes—our list of top places to grab some shut-eye has your visit covered.

To read more, go here. 

Hotels That Capture The Spirit of Japan

Above, a view looking towards Shinjuku from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In Japan, as in everywhere else, there are hotels and then there are HOTELS.

For me, I usually stay at budget hotels. I just need a room to sleep in, not spend my vacation time inside.

But for those who prefer to splurge, The Telegraph (U.K.) has ten hotels spotlighted that "best capture the spirit of Japan". Included is the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku that was made famous in the Bill Murray comedy, Lost In Translation.

They begin with:

Between them, these stylish retreats encapsulate all that makes Japan so special, whether it's the simplicity of a country ryokan, the inspirational creativity of an art house, or the utter bliss of an onsen spring.

To see them, go here. 

CNN Travel: 16 Japan Experiences

Above, a stay in a ryokan (Japanese inn) is one experience everyone should try. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Numerous websites often post what are the "top" things to see and do in Japan. Most generally echo each other, while others do come up with different suggestions and ideas.

Another such list has been posted by CNN Travel. It is about 16 Japan experiences every traveler should enjoy.

They begin with:

(CNN) — There's no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Japan. 

Whether you're hunting down top eats in Tokyo and Osaka or basking in the country's stunning landscapes, it's impossible to take it all in in one visit. 

But you'll certainly have a good time trying. 

We've built the ultimate cheat sheet of top Japan experiences to help you plan your next visit. Also, be sure to click through the gallery on the top of this story of beautiful Japan destinations for more travel inspo.

To see what they are, go here. 

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.

Foreign Lodgers In Japan Hit Record 88 Million

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japanese hotel (and other accommodations) industry are very pleased over the record number of foreign lodgers last year.

The Japan Times reported:

The estimated number of foreign guests at hotels and other types of accommodations in the country hit a record 88.59 million in 2018, the Japan Tourism Agency said Thursday. 

The figure surpassed 80 million for the first time as the government steps up efforts to draw foreign visitors for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The pace of increase, however, slowed to 11.2 percent from 14.8 percent the previous year, according to the data.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto Lodging Tax Begins Monday

Above, Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning to visit Kyoto during their trip to Japan, they may want to add a little more to their budget to cover the lodging tax that will go into effect this coming Monday.

The Japan Times reported:

KYOTO – Beginning Monday, visitors to Kyoto will be hit with an increase to their lodging bills as the city’s accommodation tax goes into effect at over 3,200 hotels, traditional inns, and private lodgings. 

Kyoto will become the third local government in Japan to implement a lodging tax after Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture. 

Visitors at establishments with room rates of under ¥20,000 per night will be charged ¥200 per person, per night. Rooms between ¥20,000 and ¥50,000 will charge ¥500 per person per night and places charging over ¥50,000 will come with a tax of ¥1,000 per person per night. 

The city advises tourists to check with their travel agents on whether the new tax is included in any tour package they purchase. Otherwise, visitors will be charged when they check out of the facility.

To read more, go here. 

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Accommodation Options Near Mount Fuji

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mount Fuji was the "location" used in a number of kaiju movies over the years. They include King Kong vs. Godzilla, Destroy All Monsters and Gamera, The Guardian of the Universe. It is also a popular destination for visitors and there are several kinds of accommodations available for a stay near Japan's iconic peak.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on what's available.

They begin with:

Whether you’re climbing it or just admiring the iconic mountain from a distance, Fuji-san is well worth a trip from Tokyo. If you want to stay nearby, we have more than a few suggestions for accommodation near Mount Fuji. 

Unsurprisingly, your options for accommodation near Mount Fuji include plenty of hotels, hostels and traditional Japanese ryokans (inns) to bed down in for the night, with a few even perched on its slopes. Whether you’re looking to view the mountain and then explore Kawaguchiko, or just stare lovingly at the peak from an onsen (hot spring), you’re sure to find something that suits your budget. Combine this with excellent transport options from Tokyo and our hiking guide with all you need to know, and you’re set to go!

To read more, go here. 

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Ryokan Custom Ignites "Sexism" Debate

Above, a ryokan meal service. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Things are getting strange in this world.

Some people are complaining about all kinds of customs or practices that have been generational in the U.S. and Europe. Many are charging that many practices and customs reek of sexism.

It appears that Japan is not immune to such charges. Visitors to Japan are complaining that a Japanese custom during meal service in ryokans is "sexist". It seems people have nothing better to do than to complain about something.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - In Japan, nothing transports you back in time to a bygone era like a stay at a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn. Often found in rural areas, this type of accommodation typically features tatami mat rooms, communal baths and dining areas, and yukata outfits, which visitors wear during their stay while being served by owners and staff in traditional clothing. 

During mealtimes, guests are treated to sumptuous meals, which are often laid out on a traditional low table before they arrive, with things like tea, soup and rice served upon arrival. One of the many traditions guests encounter while staying at a Japanese inn is the fact that at mealtimes, they’ll usually be given a large portion of rice in a tub with a lid, called an ohitsu, which is placed beside the table with a shamoji rice paddle for serving, so that the diners can eat as much rice as they like throughout the course of the meal. 

While it might seem like the ohitsu adds a nice touch to the meal, it’s actually become the subject of intense debate online recently, as the ohitsu is usually placed next to the woman at the table when she’s with a male partner, as it’s assumed she’ll be the one serving him rice during the meal. 

While the traditional role of women as housewives still persists throughout a lot of rural areas in Japan, attitudes are changing, and some people are now questioning whether or not the custom of placing the ohitsu beside women dining with husbands or boyfriends should continue.

If someone who comes to Japan and stays at a ryokan to fully experience Japanese culture but complains that a custom is "sexist", they should do everyone a favor and stay home.

To read more, go here.