Planning a romantic getaway to Japan? Often celebrated for its vibrant cities, and iconic landmarks, couples seeking a deeper, more intimate connection with Japanese culture, should consider staying at a traditional Japanese inn, otherwise known as a ryokan (旅館).
For first timers, planning a ryokan stay can feel intimidating, or even overwhelming. What exactly is a ryokan? How is it different from a regular hotel? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explain what makes ryokan unique, how to fully enjoy the ryokan experience, how to go about booking one, and our recommendations for a memorable first stay. Are you ready? Let’s dive inn!
What is a ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, that may sometimes traces its roots back hundreds of years. While modern ryokan can vary in size and luxury, their core philosophy remains unchanged: offering attentive service and supreme hospitality known as omotenashi (おもてなし).
Unlike conventional hotels, ryokan are not simply places to sleep; they are immersive cultural experiences. Every element reflects Japanese aesthetics and values, from the layout of the room, to the food served; emphasising simplicity, harmony with nature, and mindful relaxation.
What makes ryokan special?
While ryokan welcome all types of travellers, they are particularly appealing for multi-generation families, as well as for couples seeking romance, privacy, and shared cultural experiences.
① Tatami rooms and futon beds
Most ryokan guestrooms are Japanese-style rooms known as washitsu (和室), featuring tatami (畳) mat flooring made from woven rice straw. Tatami has a subtle scent that instantly signals that you’ve stepped into a traditional Japanese space.
Instead of beds, guests usually sleep on the floor on futon (布団), traditional Japanese style bedding that consists of a lightweight mattress and duvet, both easily foldable for storage. The futon are laid out by staff in the evening when guests go for dinner, and are folded away during the day. This allows for more people to share a room than a conventional hotel room, and experiencing futon for the first time often becomes a memorable part of the trip!
If you can’t get used to sleeping on a futon, fret not, for nowadays many ryokan also offer regular Western-style rooms, or yо̄shitsu (洋室), with proper beds and carpeted floors, as well as hybrid Japanese-Western rooms called wayо̄shitsu (和洋室) that combine traditional tatami spaces with Western beds.
② Onsen and private baths
One of the biggest draws of ryokan is access to onsen (温泉), hot spring baths rich in minerals. Traditionally, public onsen bathing is something that is separated by gender, which can be disappointing for couples who want to share the experience.
Fortunately, there are ryokan that offer options for couples looking to soak together. Some ryokan have private baths attached to the guestroom, with onsen water flowing straight to the room. These rooms can be pricier, but offer convenience and privacy.
For a more affordable option, some ryokan have small private onsen areas that can be reserved by guests on a first-come-first-served basis. Additional fees may apply, and booking slots are usually 45 minutes to 1 hour. These are usually more spacious than in-room private baths, and some can even be outdoors with views of surrounding nature.
③ Donning yukata together
At the ryokan, guests are provided with yukata (浴衣), a casual cotton traditional outfit which can be worn around the ryokan and its surroundings. The yukata are usually plain with the ryokan’s logo on it, but some ryokan, especially those at large hot spring towns, may offer colourful yukata for ladies to dress up in.
While staying at a ryokan, why not take a romantic stroll through the ryokan gardens, nearby streets, or surrounding onsen towns dressed in yukata? It’s a simple but immersive experience, and makes for wonderful photos!
④ Delicious dinners: kaiseki vs buffet
Ryokan meals are more than just food; they are culinary experiences. Most feature local and regional ingredients in season, served either kaiseki-style (懐石料理) or in all-you-can-eat buffets. Which would you choose?
Kaiseki meals feature multiple small, beautifully presented courses, using seasonal ingredients and regional specialties unique to the area. For many couples, sharing a kaiseki dinner is often the highlight of the ryokan stay.
Courses arrive slowly, allowing time to talk, taste, and appreciate each dish together. The intimacy of private dining, combined with attentive service, creates an atmosphere similar to a fine-dining restaurant experience.
On the other hand, for foodie couples with big appetites who want to enjoy as much as they can, buffets can be a great experience, especially in places like Hokkaido famed for its fresh seafood and produce. Think unlimited high-quality sashimi, freshly grilled seafood, delectable desserts, and so much more.
Whichever you choose, the dinner is sure to be an unforgettable part of your ryokan stay!
How to book a ryokan
Booking a ryokan can feel intimidating at first, but the process is manageable with a bit of preparation.
① Official websites
Nowadays, many ryokan have their own official websites, with some even available in English. If not, you can use Google Translate on the page. Booking directly can offer advantages such as access to room types and meal options not available on third-party sites, as well as direct communication without going through a middleman.
Some ryokan may even offer special deals for guests who book directly on their website, such as coupons for use in their gift shops, or free drinks during dinner.
*Do note that some ryokan may have limited English or limited online booking options for non-Japanese versions of their websites.
② Third-party booking platforms
With the popularity of Japan as a travel destination, well-known global hotel booking sites and apps like Trip.com, Booking.com, and Agoda now list many ryokan across Japan. These platforms are especially useful for first-time visitors because they offer English descriptions and photos, as well as guest reviews from fellow international travellers.
Japanese hotel booking sites like Jalan.net, Rakuten Travel, and Japanican.com (powered by JTB) have multiple language interfaces to cater to foreign tourists, and with their local networks, may list ryokan not available on foreign booking platforms.
③ Telephone or email reservations
Some of the more traditional and smaller ryokan may prefer reservations by phone or email. If language is a barrier, you can engage a concierge service like Travel Arrange Japan or The Japan Concierge, or a Japanese-speaking travel agent like HIS or JTB to assist with the booking.
Our recommended ryokan destinations for first-timers
Ryokan can be found all over Japan, but some areas are particularly well-suited for first-timers new to ryokan stays. Here are some of my personal favourites and recommendations—destinations that balance accessibility, scenic beauty, and a great ryokan experience:
Kawaguchiko: For views of Mount Fuji
Perfect for couples wanting iconic views, Kawaguchiko (河口湖) has ryokan overlooking Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Many ryokan feature hot springs with Mount Fuji views, making it an unforgettable romantic setting. Kawaguchiko is also very easy to reach from Tokyo, be it via train or by bus.
Noboribetsu: For the best of Hokkaido
Known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and mineral-rich hot springs, Noboribetsu (登別) in Hokkaido is ideal for couples seeking a more secluded, nature-focused experience. The ryokan here often have excellent onsen facilities with a large variety of baths, as well as an assortment of sumptuous seafood for both dinner and breakfast.
Kusatsu Onsen: For a traditional atmosphere near Tokyo
Frequently ranked among Japan’s best hot spring towns, Kusatsu Onsen ( 草津温泉) combines traditional atmosphere with high-quality onsen water that is rich in sulfur. It’s a great choice for couples who want a classic onsen town experience not too far from Tokyo.
Kinosaki Onsen: For the Kansai explorers
In you’re visiting the Kansai (関西) region, Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) is famous for its charming streets and seven public bathhouses. Couples can enjoy strolling through the quaint onsen town in yukata, hopping between baths, and enjoying a nostalgic, romantic ambiance. Kinosaki is famous for its snow crabs and Tajima beef, so trust that the dinners here are divine!
Yufuin: For the Kyushu travellers
If you’re headed to Kyushu(九州) in Southern Japan, one of the best places for first-timers is Yufuin (由布院). With splendid views of Mount Yufu, the town of Yufuin offers an artistic and relaxed vibe. There are many small ryokan with private onsen, and the town’s shopping street features many cute souvenir and snack shops.
Inn-dulge in a ryokan stay for the ultimate Japan experience
For couples planning a trip to Japan, staying at a ryokan offers an experience far beyond ordinary accommodation. It’s a chance to slow down, immerse yourselves in Japanese culture, and share moments that feel both intimate and timeless.
While a ryokan stay may feel unfamiliar at first, it’s precisely that sense of stepping into something new that makes it so rewarding. If you’re dreaming of a trip to Japan as a couple, consider making a ryokan stay part of your journey. It may just become the highlight of your adventure, and a shared experience you’ll talk about for years to come!
Savour your Sweet Moments with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
Looking for something that is just as good as a ryokan trip with your loved one? How about our February omiyage snack box: Sweet Moments? Inspired by the romantic moments and occasions of Japan, there’s no better or more convenient way to fulfill your valentine’s obligations this year than to gift not just a box of chocolates—but of strawberries, cookies, popcorn and other snacks besides!
Header image credit: Carissa Loh
