From casual hostels to luxury hotels, Tokyo offers a staggering variety of places to stay. Among these are also the city’s traditional Japanese inns known as “ryokan.” These offer chances to experience Japanese culture during your stay, from tatami flooring to futon bedding, yukata (casual cotton kimono) and much more. Being smaller establishments than many hotels also creates opportunities for interacting with the owners. Understanding the differences in etiquette between hotels and ryokans will increase your enjoyment immeasurably. Read on for all you need to know to have the best time at a ryokan!

What’s the difference between hotels and ryokans? Hotels: Large with many rooms; usually Western-style exteriors and rooms. Each room has a bathroom; emphasis is on privacy.
Ryokans: Relatively small; usually Japanese-style exteriors and rooms. Most ryokans have futons for sleeping, but some have beds. Shared baths and onsen (hot springs) often provided. Characterized by exceptional hospitality from friendly owners and staff.
Recently however, the difference between the two is gradually disappearing. Accommodations built like hotels often also offer the atmosphere of a ryokan, so have fun finding the place best for you.

Etiquette to Remember in a Ryokan Room
- Avoid dragging suitcases with wheels on the tatami floor.
- No need to set up or fold the futon yourself.
- Try not to step on the sliding door thresholds or tatami edges in the Japanese room.
- Avoid stepping on the zabuton (floor cushions).
- Refrain from wearing slippers on the tatami.

How to use common bathing areas and onsen At many ryokans, common bathing areas are the norm. To ensure a pleasant bath time for everyone, the following manners are generally observed. We've illustrated these points in an original manga!
- Swimsuits and underwear are not permitted. Disrobe completely in the changing room before entering.
- Rinse your body with hot water before entering the bath (called “kakeyu”).
- Avoid putting towels into the bathwater.
- Those with long hair should tie it up.
- Refrain from swimming in the bath.
- After getting out of the bath, dry yourself off before returning to the change room.

Observing these commonsense rules allows you to enjoy not only ryokans but also “sento” (public baths) and hot spring facilities with peace of mind.

Now you’re ready for the ultimate ryokan experience in Tokyo!

Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

This six-story inn stands in the heart of Asakusa, a town where the spirit of the Edo period (1603-1868) is alive and well. In business for about 70 years, the inn’s location is ideal as a base for sightseeing, just a five-minute walk from Sensoji Temple and a one-minute walk from Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street. Among the 20 rooms, 17 are Japanese-style. Although specific rooms cannot be chosen, you might get a Japanese-style room with a window view of Sensoji Temple and the five-story pagoda. On the top floor (6F), there are two hinoki (Japanese cypress) baths with a view. One of them offers a view of TOKYO SKYTREE, allowing you to relax while taking in the scenery. A rooftop garden is also found on the same floor, the perfect place to relax after your bath while sitting on the bench and enjoying the view of TOKYO SKYTREE.
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

Sawanoya Ryokan

A traditional family-run inn amid Tokyo’s retro townscape of the Yanaka district. Sawanoya has been a pioneer, blazing a trail for ryokans to accept foreign guests. Thus far, more than 190,000 visitors from over 90 countries have stayed at Sawanoya. See performances of the traditional Japanese art, the Shishi-mai Lion Dance. With a little luck, you may be able to take a photo with the “lion” performer. The common bathing area looking onto the garden can also be locked for privacy. This Muslim-friendly environment includes the choice of “No pork, no alcohol” for paid breakfast. Sawanoya is also stuffed animal-friendly, offering free small futons for guests traveling with their stuffed animal companions. Right by Ueno, the Yanaka area offers outstanding access to a wealth of cultural facilities that include the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and Ueno Zoo. Take a look at Sawanoya's frequently updated Instagram feed in English for a feel of this ryokan in Yanaka.
Sawanoya Ryokan
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ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Shinjuku

A new sensation in the world of ryokans, with 193 guest rooms in an 18-story building in Shinjuku. While the building is modern in structure, the entrance and gateway made with traditional Japanese building techniques, along with the beauty of every season in the garden, create a ryokan ambience at every turn. Rest easy, because even though the guest rooms have a Japanese feel, they also have beds. So even those not used to futons can sleep soundly. On the top floor is a spacious common bathing area with a panoramic view of the sparkling Shinjuku nightscape. The open-air bath uses hot spring water brought from the source in Hakone. Always pursuing initiatives in sustainability, some rooms come with amenities made from recycled bamboo.
ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Shinjuku

Andon Ryokan

Located in the historic downtown district of Minowa, Andon Ryokan is Tokyo’s first “designer ryokan” with a modern exterior and retro interior. Featuring an exterior design inspired by the traditional Japanese “andon” lantern, the building is designed to emit a soft, glowing light. Spend time on the first floor and chat with the owner at the reception and lobby, a space that brings out the best of the traditionally designed Japanese house. Including the tile art in the style of a “sento” public bath on the walls of the private bath, the ryokan is adorned with antiques from the owner’s collection, for an immersive experience in the traditional Japanese art. Overseas travelers love the “at-home” feeling of the hospitality here, including the Japanese home-style cooking. A vegan breakfast plan is also available.
Andon Ryokan

Kabutoya Ryokan

A ryokan built over 300 years ago in the west Tokyo area of Hinohara Village, Tokyo’s only district classified as a “village” (excluding the islands). Set deep in the mountains, where it seems unbelievable that this is Tokyo, its symbol is the thatched roof of a gassho-zukuri-style house. This ryokan has both a main building and a new one, with all rooms in the new building featuring an “irori” hearth. Menu choices range from dishes making use of mountain vegetables and charcoal-grilled items including chicken, to wild game cuisine. Sip from over 20 types of sake from all over Japan. Soak in the hot spring with a view of the mountain stream, surrounded by murmur of the stream and the songs of birds.
Kabutoya Ryokan

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