traditional Japanese inn
Japanese Name:
旅館
Romaji Name:
ryokan
Description
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A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn where guests can experience Japanese culture and hospitality. Rooms usually have tatami mats, sliding doors, and futon beds. Guests often wear a yukata (casual kimono) and enjoy meals made with seasonal local ingredients. Many ryokan also have shared hot spring baths called onsen. Staying at a ryokan offers a quiet and relaxing experience that reflects traditional Japanese life.
History
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Ryokan have existed in Japan for centuries, with their origins dating back to the 8th century. One of the oldest existing ryokan is Hōshi Ryokan, founded in 718 AD, and still operating today.
Originally, ryokan were created to provide rest stops for travelers, especially along busy trade routes such as the Tōkaidō, which connected Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo period (1603–1868). These inns offered simple meals, a place to sleep, and rest from long journeys.
Traditional ryokan are known for:
Tatami-matted rooms
Futon bedding
Sliding paper doors (shoji)
Communal baths (often onsen)
Kaiseki-style meals (multi-course seasonal Japanese cuisine)
Warm hospitality with attentive service, often provided by hosts in kimono