Ryokan – Traditional Japanese Accommodation
When you visit Tokyo you can stay in a traditional western style hotel but why not immerse yourself in Japanese culture by staying at a ryokan. Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns that embody the very essence of Japan in their architecture, room styling and design, with services and amenities that have been passed down for generations.
Ryokan are usually small facilities, located in the heart of quaint neighborhoods, where rooms often face a traditional Japanese garden. A room in a ryokan is usually a large undivided room with tatami (rice straw) mats on the floor and a single low table surrounded by zabuton cushions for you to sit on while you relax. Shoji doors will offer you privacy and the decoration will be sparse, usually one or two ink drawings or a beautiful scroll. A yukata (cotton, Kimono- like robe) is provided for your use and it is common for guests to wear it thoughout the ryokan during their stay. In the evening attendants will lay a futon, a flexible mattress with sheets and thick coverlet, directly on the tatami mat floor for you to sleep on.
The only drawback to staying at a ryokan for many westerners is the fact that bathing is usually communal (segregated by sex) and the toilets may not be western style. Ryokan tend to be more economical than traditional hotel rooms and will provide you with insight into Japanese traditions and culture that you may not experience otherwise. A night at a ryokan often includes 1-2 meals and can range in price from $50 - $200 depending on the other amenities offered. Here are just two in the Tokyo area:
Hotel Edoya
Experience the relaxing pleasure of a traditional Japanese open-air bath in either traditional Japanese-style or western-style rooms that are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Hotel Edoya is located a 5-6 minute taxi ride from Ueno Station.
Homeican Honkan
Located in Bunkyo-ku, this ryokan is a Tangible Cultural Property that has been in business for more than 50 years. There are three separate houses with communal baths and shared restroom facilities for men, women and families.
There are approximately 55,000 ryokan in Japan, of which 1,300 are quality establishments belonging to the Japan Ryokan Association. Search their website and those of the other ryokan groups listed below to find accomodations that meet you needs in Tokyo and throughout Japan.
Japanese Inn Group
Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association
PT Group