A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn that offers visitors an opportunity to experience authentic Japanese culture. They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner. Most ryokan are found in scenic rural areas, and many have been redeveloped to their original style in recent years. Some key features of ryokan include:
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Tatami-matted rooms: These are traditional Japanese-style rooms with straw mats on the floor. Visitors sleep on futons placed on the tatami mats.
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Communal baths: Almost all ryokan feature common bathing areas or ofuro, usually segregated by gender, using the water from a hot spring (onsen) if any are nearby.
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Yukata: Typically, ryokan provide guests with a yukata to wear during their stay.
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Kaiseki cuisine: Most ryokan offer dinner and breakfast, which are often included in the price of the stay. Meals are typically kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) that feature local and seasonal specialties.
Ryokan come in many different sizes, styles, and price ranges. Some are small, family-run establishments with just a few rooms, while others are large, hotel-like facilities with hundreds of rooms. The average cost of a ryokan stay is between 15,000 and 25,000 yen per person, per night. While staying at a ryokan is a traditional Japanese cultural experience, it is important to note that they may not have all the modern conveniences of a Western-style hotel. For example, ryokans do not have central heating, and in the winter, visitors may need to use a portable heater to stay warm.
