Ryokan vs. Hotel in Japan: What’s the Difference?
TL;DR How are ryokan unique?
If you are planning a trip to Japan and trying to decide between staying in a hotel or a ryokan, it helps to understand the real difference between a hotel and a ryokan. While both offer accommodation, the experience you get from each is quite different.
A hotel gives you comfort, privacy and convenience
A ryokan immerses you in traditional Japanese culture and hospitality
Depending on your travel goals, one might suit your style better than the other or you may want to experience both.
What are the origins & definitions of ryokans vs hotels?
A hotel in Japan functions much like hotels anywhere else in the world. You check in at a front desk, stay in a room with a bed and use shared or private amenities like restaurants, lounges or gyms. Hotels range from international chains and boutique city hotels to budget business hotels.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Many have been family-run for generations and trace their roots back to the Edo period.
Staying at a ryokan isn’t just a night in a hotel room. It means participating in a centuries-old form of Japanese hospitality known as omotenashi. Rooms are usually built with tatami mat floors, sliding paper doors and low wooden tables. You sleep on a futon mattress laid out on the floor (though some newer or renovated ryokan have beds or more comfortable (raised and plushy) futon bedding.
While hotels focus on efficiency, ryokan emphasize atmosphere, rituals and a slower pace.
How do room layout and atmosphere differ between ryokan & hotels in Japan?
In a hotel, rooms are standardized. You will find a bed, desk, chair, TV and compact bathroom. The room may be large or small, but the layout is usually predictable.
Most hotels focus on maximizing functionality. Rooms are designed to be clean, quiet and private, often with blackout curtains and strong Wi-Fi.
In a ryokan, you enter a room that reflects traditional Japanese design. You remove your shoes at the door.
The room typically features woven tatami mats on the floor, shoji paper screens, a low table with cushions and an alcove known as a tokonoma that holds a seasonal flower arrangement or scroll. Your futon is not visible when you first enter, it is usually stored in a closet and laid out by staff in the evening.
Some ryokan have private toilets and baths, while others have only shared facilities. If this matters to you, read the property description carefully.
Key Differences to Note:
Hotel rooms are familiar and predictable
Ryokan rooms highlight Japanese aesthetics and custom
Hotels offer beds and desks; ryokan feature futons and low tables
Since hotels are everywhere, why not mix it up by staying at one or two ryokan during your travels in Japan?!
How does service, style & etiquette compare from hotel to ryokan?
Hotels in Japan provide efficient and professional service. You check in at the front desk, where staff will be polite and helpful but may not engage much beyond your immediate needs. Room service, if offered, is often limited. Housekeeping is usually automatic unless you request otherwise. In a hotel, guests tend to come and go freely.
In a ryokan, the service is more personal and often more formal.
When you arrive, you may be welcomed with tea and a small sweet. Staff may escort you to your room and explain the amenities. In some traditional properties, guests wear yukata robes and slippers inside the building.
Meals are served at fixed times, either in your room or in a communal dining area. Staff may enter your room to lay out the futon or tidy up between meals.
There is an etiquette to follow in a ryokan. You will be expected to remove shoes, speak quietly in common areas and follow the house’s schedule.
The pace is slower, the tone is more relaxed and the experience is designed to be mindful and immersive.
How do hotel & ryokan dining experiences differ in Japan?
Meals at a ryokan are often a highlight of the stay.
Breakfast and dinner are typically included in the price. Dinner is usually a multi-course kaiseki meal featuring local, seasonal ingredients presented with attention to detail. Each dish has a meaning and balance, reflecting Japanese culinary philosophy. Breakfast might include grilled fish, miso soup, rice and pickled vegetables.
By contrast, hotels usually offer a buffet or simple breakfast set. Business hotels might have a small cafeteria or no dining option at all. Larger hotels will have restaurants on-site or nearby but meals are usually an extra charge.
If food is a priority for your trip, the ryokan experience offers a more curated and memorable introduction to Japanese cuisine.
Dining Highlights at a Ryokan:
Multi-course dinners served at fixed times
Emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients
Meals often included in the room rate
When doing the math for your Japan trip budget, bear in mind that ryokan (especially good ones) can be a splurge. But remember too that the ryokan often includes dinner and breakfast; and it means a more elevated, unique experience versus a hotel.
What are the differences in bathing facilities?
One of the biggest differences between a ryokan and a hotel is the bathing experience.
Hotels typically provide a unit bath: a small, pre-fabricated bathroom with a Western-style toilet, sink and a short bathtub or shower. It is functional, private and familiar to most travelers.
Ryokan, especially those located in hot spring towns, may have communal baths or onsen. These mineral-rich thermal baths are separated by gender and are usually shared.
Guests are expected to bathe thoroughly before entering the water and to follow quiet, respectful behavior. Some ryokan offer private baths either in-room or as bookable time slots for couples or families.
For many travelers, this is one of the most relaxing and memorable parts of their stay. If you have tattoos, be aware that some onsen still prohibit visible body art, although this is changing slowly. Always check the property’s rules before booking.
Many ryokan, especially in onsen areas such as Hakone, Kinosaki Onsen, Kurokawa Onsen and elsewhere, offer rooms with private, open-air baths. While this adds a bit to the price, it also makes for a unique, relaxing and memorable experience.
What should you expect from ryokan vs. hotel in terms of cost & value?
Ryokan tend to cost more than hotels, especially when meals are included.
A basic hotel room in a city may cost between 12,000 and 25,000 yen per night, while a mid-range ryokan with two meals can easily exceed 25,000 yen per person. High-end ryokan can go well beyond that.
However, the price reflects more than mere accommodation. You are paying for the meals, the service, the traditional ambiance and sometimes access to natural hot springs or historical architecture.
For many, a one-night stay at a ryokan is considered a highlight of the Japan trip.
That said, not all ryokan are expensive. Some no-frills ryokan offer a simple tatami room without meals for under 10,000 yen per night. Conversely, luxury hotels with concierge service and panoramic city views can be far more expensive than most ryokan.
How do booking and cancellation policies compare?
Booking a hotel in Japan is usually straightforward. Most are listed on global platforms like Booking.com, Expedia or Google Hotels. Many offer free cancellation up to a few days before arrival and you can often reserve without prepayment.
Ryokan are more varied. Some are listed on international booking sites, but many still rely on Japanese platforms like Rakuten Travel or Jalan. Others take bookings directly through their website or even by phone or email. Cancellation policies are often stricter and may involve penalties for last-minute changes. Read the fine print carefully.
If you are concerned about language barriers, choose a ryokan with clear English-language descriptions and guest reviews from international travelers.
Which option is better for your travel style: ryokan or hotel?
The choice between a hotel and a ryokan depends on your preferences, travel style and the type of trip you want to have.
If you are looking for flexibility, modern amenities and easy booking, a hotel is the safer bet. Business travelers, urban explorers and those with short stays often find hotels more convenient.
If you want to slow down, connect with traditional culture and enjoy a more immersive experience, a ryokan offers something unique. It is ideal for couples, families looking for something memorable or anyone curious about Japanese customs.
Some travelers choose to do both. A few nights in a city hotel followed by a ryokan stay in a quieter area can offer the best of both worlds.
What are the most common questions about ryokan in Japan?
Do ryokan allow solo travelers? Some do, some do not. Ryokan are often priced per person, not per room, and may prioritize bookings for couples or families. If you are traveling alone, look for ryokan that specifically welcome solo guests.
Can you stay at a ryokan without meals? Yes, some offer a room-only rate, especially in tourist towns where dining out is easy. However, the meals are part of the experience and are usually worth trying at least once.
Is it okay to show up late at a ryokan? Not ideal. Ryokan typically serve dinner at fixed times and expect you to check in before 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. Late arrival may mean you miss the evening meal and some ryokan do not accept late check-ins at all.
Are children welcome at ryokan? Many ryokan welcome families, but some cater specifically to adults seeking a quiet atmosphere. Always check the house rules and consider the environment when bringing children.
Will I regret not staying at a ryokan? Probably, yes! If you miss out on staying at a ryokan on your first trip to Japan and hear/read about this unique experience later, all that FOMO is going to make you want to visit Japan again (which you probably will anyway)!
Is there a good or bad time of year to stay at a ryokan? It’s always a good time to stay at a ryokan! Having said that, rainy season in Japan (early June to mid July) might not be the best time; and summer in general for Hakone or Kawaguchiko has the least likelihood of seeing Mt Fuji.
What should you keep in mind when making your final decision?
Choosing between a ryokan and a hotel is not just about where to sleep, it is about what kind of travel experience you want to have. Hotels offer predictability, convenience and modern comfort. Ryokan provide connection, tradition and hospitality rooted in centuries of culture.
If you are curious, try both. A single night at a ryokan can add depth to your trip and leave you with memories you will not find anywhere else. Just make sure to read the details, plan ahead and prepare for something a little outside the norm. That is where some of the most meaningful travel experiences begin.
If you would like help finding a ryokan that fits your budget, location and interests – or if you are unsure how to book or what to expect – we are happy to assist. Your Japan experience should be unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Use the calendar below to book your free Japan travel consultuation.
FAQ: Ryokan vs. Hotel in Japan
What is the main difference between a ryokan and a hotel in Japan?
A hotel offers a modern, familiar lodging experience with standard amenities. A ryokan offers a traditional Japanese stay with tatami flooring, futons, multi-course meals and a cultural experience rooted in hospitality.
Are ryokan more expensive than hotels?
Generally yes. Ryokan often include elaborate meals and onsen access, which contribute to the higher cost. However, budget ryokan options do exist.
Is it okay to stay at a ryokan for just one night?
Absolutely. One night is enough to enjoy the experience, especially if your itinerary is tight. Many travelers plan a ryokan stay as a special highlight of their trip.
Do ryokan offer private bathrooms?
Some do, some do not. Always check the listing or ask before booking. Many ryokan have shared bathing facilities, especially in hot spring areas.
What if I have tattoos? Can I still use the onsen?
Some onsen still prohibit visible tattoos, although attitudes are changing. Look for ryokan with private baths or tattoo-friendly policies.
Are ryokan child-friendly?
It depends. Some ryokan welcome families and provide child-sized yukata and meals. Others are adults-only to maintain a quiet atmosphere. Always check the house rules.
Can I arrive late to a ryokan like I would at a hotel?
Usually not. Ryokan have set check-in times and often serve dinner shortly after. Arriving late may mean missing your meal or even being turned away.
Is tipping expected at a ryokan?
Tipping is not customary in Japan. A small gift from your home country is sometimes appreciated but never required.
Do I need to speak Japanese to stay at a ryokan?
Not necessarily. Many ryokan in tourist areas accommodate English-speaking guests. Still, having a translation app and knowing basic phrases can help.