How to Enjoy a Ryokan in Japan
A trip to Japan is not complete without at least one night's stay at a traditional Janapese inn, or ryokan. The ryokan often resembles a plain wooden structure on the outside, usually two or three stories high. It may have only a small banner or painted wooden sign outside to distinguish it from nearby businesses. Inside, it is decorated with the beautiful simplicity that distinguishes so many things Japanese. The food, the furniture, the staff and the observance of custom all make the ryokan the quintessential Japanese lodging experience. While ryokans can be expensive, a good travel agent or service will be able to find a suitable inn for as little as Y6,000 ($54) per person.
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Things You'll Need
- A good travel agent (preferably one who speaks Japanese);
- A guidebook to Japan;
- Japanese currency;
- Knowledge of some key Japanese words and
- phrases;
- Willingness to try a new experience, including new and unusual foods.
Instructions
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Make your reservations ahead of time.
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Locate a good travel agent, preferably one who speaks Japanese. This may be done through the Japan National Tourist Organization in New York City. Japan is a country where the language barrier can present problems. Neither the spoken nor the written language (Kanji) will be familiar to most Westerners. That's why planning ahead and familiarizing yourself with Japanese culture and customs is important.
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Carry a good travel guide with you (disguised in a paper cover if you feel more comfortable). You may find that you have to stop and use it every half hour or so. Although you should have your way to your ryokan mapped out well ahead of time, a good guide book (and map) could come in very handy if you lose your way. Even though you will have studied some general Japanese words and phrases to get you through most social situations, carry a discreet list with you in your guidebook and be prepared to use them at the ryokan.
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Be prepared for the staff in your ryokan to take only Japanese yen in payment. While the larger hotels generally take credit cards, you are better off exchanging your American currency for Yen at the local bank, where the rate of exchange is more favorable. Generally one hundred Yen are worth about $1.00.
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When you arrive at your ryokan, you will be expected to remove your shoes at the entryway and put on slippers provided by your hosts. Be sure to bow in greeting, as your hosts will certainly do so. then you will be shown to your room, which will be decorated with tatami (woven straw) floor mats and sliding rice-paper screens (shoji). Try to remember not to step on the tatami mats with either shoes or slippers on your feet. You may find a low table, floor pillows and a small rock garden outside your window. A small but very deep bathtub allows for very relaxing baths in your room. And if you wish, you may select a time to use the public bath (separated by gender). It's important to know that you will be expected to wash with soap before getting into the public bath, which is for soaking. Everyone wears a simple cotton robe, or yukata, after the public bath.
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Whether you eat dinner in a large dining room or in your own room, be prepared to try some new foods. The starches will be sticky rice or noodles. The other dishes usually involve various kinds of seafood, vegetables, egg and tofu. The dishes will be artistically presented, each one like a little work of art. Usually many dishes are served and you will probably find most of them delicious. A great delicacy is Kobe beef; it's also very expensive. Dinner is generally served around 6 PM, after everyone has relaxed, had a bath and had some green tea. The ryokan usually locks its doors around 10 or 11 PM, so don't plan for a long night out. Your maid will take care of removing your dinner dishes and putting out your bedding, the traditional futon or bedding with buckwheat pillow. It's amazingly comfortable. In the morning, be prepared for a breakfast of rice, fish and vegetables. Some ryokan will provide an American-style substitute, but it dilutes the experience.
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Tips & Warnings
The staff of the ryokan will be following a centuries-old routine, and it is wise to follow their lead.
Many ryokan still are reluctant to welcome Westerners because of the communication difficulties. That's why it's important to work with a Japanese-speaking travel agent.
If you do stay at a ryokan, immerse yourself in the experience (and the bath) -- you'll treasure the memories later.
Tipping is not the custom in Japan. You can give a small souvenir if you are especially pleased with the service.
The ryokan experience is really not for children under ten.
TV, phones and other similar amenities are generally not going to be found at your ryokan -- and you will not miss them.
Courtesy and politeness, together with your Japanese phrases, are essentials.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo, N.A. Hirabayashi
