Jul 19, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Ryokan

Ryokan Etiquette - 10 Rules To Know Before You Stay

When staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan, understanding the etiquette and rules is essential to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for both guests and hosts. Here are 10 essential rules to know before you stay:

Remove Your Shoes: Before entering the main area of the ryokan, remove your shoes and wear the provided slippers.
Wear Yukata Correctly: Wear the provided yukata (a casual Japanese robe) correctly, with the left side wrapped over the right, and tie the obi (sash) at the back.
Respect Onsen Etiquette: Wash thoroughly at a provided shower area before entering the hot spring baths to maintain cleanliness for all guests. Avoid bringing your own soap, as ryokans provide it specifically for onsen use.
Be Mindful of Noise Levels: Avoid loud conversations and respect others’ privacy in communal areas.
Follow Ryokan Rules: Always follow any additional rules or guidelines provided by the ryokan staff to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.
Dress Modestly: Dress modestly when walking around the ryokan, avoiding revealing clothing.
Respect Tatami Mats: Remove your slippers before stepping onto tatami mats or in communal areas to avoid damaging them.
Be Prepared for Shared Facilities: Be prepared to share facilities such as bathrooms and onsen with other guests.
Respect Meal Times: Respect meal times and arrive promptly, as meals are often served at a set time.
Show Appreciation: Show appreciation for the ryokan’s hospitality by thanking the staff and hosts during your stay.

By following these essential rules, you can ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience at a traditional Japanese ryokan. Remember to always be mindful of others and respect the cultural traditions that make a ryokan stay so unique.

8 Things You Need To Know Before Booking A Ryokan

Preparing for a Traditional Japanese Ryokan Experience

As you prepare for your stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, it’s essential to understand the etiquette and rules that govern these unique establishments. By doing so, you’ll not only ensure a respectful experience for yourself and others but also enhance your overall enjoyment of this immersive cultural encounter.

First and foremost, be mindful of the dress code. Wear modest clothing when walking around the ryokan, avoiding revealing attire. Additionally, make sure to wear the provided yukata correctly, with the left side wrapped over the right, and tie the obi at the back.

When entering the ryokan, remove your shoes and wear the provided slippers. This is a crucial aspect of Japanese culture, as it helps maintain cleanliness and respect for the traditional tatami mats. Speaking of which, always remove your slippers before stepping onto these delicate mats or in communal areas to avoid damaging them.

Be prepared to share facilities such as bathrooms and onsen with other guests. This communal aspect of ryokan living is an integral part of the traditional Japanese experience. Furthermore, respect meal times and arrive promptly, as meals are often served at a set time.

Lastly, be mindful of noise levels and avoid loud conversations in communal areas. Respect others’ privacy and maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout your stay.

By following these essential guidelines, you’ll not only ensure a respectful experience for yourself and others but also enhance your overall enjoyment of this immersive cultural encounter. Remember to always be mindful of others and respect the cultural traditions that make a ryokan stay so unique.

Ryokan Etiquette - What to Expect at a Ryokan Stay

Respecting onsen etiquette is also vital. Wash thoroughly at a provided shower area before entering the hot spring baths to maintain cleanliness for all guests. Avoid bringing your own soap, as ryokans provide it specifically for onsen use. Be prepared to share facilities such as bathrooms and onsen with other guests, which is an integral part of the traditional Japanese experience.

Meal times are also important to respect. Arrive promptly, as meals are often served at a set time. Additionally, be mindful of noise levels and avoid loud conversations in communal areas. Respect others’ privacy and maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout your stay.

Other essential guidelines include dressing modestly when walking around the ryokan, wearing the provided yukata correctly, and tying the obi at the back. Remove any trash or disposable items from your room to maintain cleanliness and respect for the ryokan’s environment.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a respectful experience for yourself and others, enhancing your overall enjoyment of this immersive cultural encounter. Remember to always be mindful of others and respect the cultural traditions that make a ryokan stay so unique.

A.I. Takeshi Nakamura

Takeshi is the founder of Deep Guide Japan and a passionate traveler who has been exploring the Land of the Rising Sun for over a decade. With a deep reverence for the samurai spirit, Takeshi seeks to inspire others to embark on their own adventures and discover the beauty and wisdom of Japan. In addition to his love for travel.