I live in Japan and a Japanese. I like it too and almost every month I'll go there. Millions Ryokan exist in every area . It's ok even no meal stay if you wanna save money or just like to visit new area where you wanna go. Because the hot spring is best doing in the Ryokan. You could get nice meals even around your area, and bring drinks into the room. Please enjoy Japanese Ryokan.

Who else is living vicariously through KZfaq?

I hope this video doesn’t intimidate visitors even more by showing all the rules. As long as you remember to take off your shoes, you will be OK, follow the flow! Come visit us! 😊

I kind of just want to sleep in a hot spring for like 6 hours

I didn't think of staying in a Ryokan when planning my trip to Japan (I didn't even know about them) but after noticing them on a hotel booking website I decided to try it out. It was amazing and one of my favorite things I did whilst in Japan! I would say a trip to Japan isn't complete without staying in a Ryokan.

As a Japanese, I think it's a key trick for non-Japanese to acquire taking off your shoes while entering inner floor without making a false step on dirt floor.

I love how every time I see Japanese people talking about tourists in a video/commenting on a video they’re all so nice and welcoming. “Please come to Japan! You’re always welcome!” You’re all so sweet ☺️

Honestly, this experience is amazing. I can't explain but just staying there is so much better than staying in any fun time holiday resort. It seems so simple but the entire experience is so very peaceful and relaxing. I hate it when there is too much hustle and bustle. I think it is how they bring the garden and nature into the entire setting. You immerse your entire body in warm waters at the hot spring. And eat clear simple food. And then a nice cosy sleep in the futon. You just totally clear your mind.

Don't forget to change out of the Yukata before leaving unlike that guy! :)

I'm Japanese, but we rarely have any occasions to stay at Ryokans too, so this video was great!

Stayed in Noboribetsu onsen village in Hokkaido, would absolutely recommend!

Went with my SO to Japan in Sep 2018, stayed in Tokyo and Osaka in Western hotels. As my partner's birthday coincided with our trip I decided a surprise stay in a ryokan near Mt. Fuji would make me the "best boyfriend" ever! :D Not only was it marvellous, but the attention and hospitality was amazing. From our room we had an unimpeded view of the mountain, for 1 full day. But that, as we were told is part of what happens in early September. Let me stress, that the attention and hospitality weren't only in Fujikawaguchiko, but during the whole of our stay in Japan (we visited Tokyo, Kamakura, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Hirohsima), which in other words means we still have about 98% of Japan to see! Ryokan come in all price ranges but are worth trying out, even for one or two days. If you are thinking of travelling to Japan, think no more. Do it! Make plans, study about where and whay you'd like to go & see... and travel there! Our Suica cards are valid until 2028, so we're definitely returning :D!

Japanese culture is so civilised! I love the way they are so clean and polite!

Ryokans are absolutely great during the winter! Choose ones that have open air hot springs, those usually are surrounded by a beautiful Japanese style garden. It feels magical to see trees covered with a snow while soaking in a hot hot bath ♨️

I didn't stay in a Ryokan as it was outside of my budget, but I did get to experience an onsen during my time in Japan. I've dreamed about it ever since. If you're going to Japan, do whatever you have to do to spend even just a moment in an onsen.

Staying in a ryokan is a must when you visit Japan. I’ve been to Japan more than 20 times and I always stay in at least one ryokan in each visit. I enjoy everything about it. Hope I can go again soon. 😭😭😭

We are American planning to visit Japan in 2022. We been in Japan 15yrs ago. We visited castles, sharines and the city life. We stayed in a typical hotel. We are now seniors lots of walking will be a struggle. But we want to experience the Japanese culture this time. We will booked on some hot spring resort. Thank you for the upload. Wonderful presentation.

Stayed in a ryokan at Mt Fuji Lake Kawaguchiko during the peak of autumn and it was an amazing experience. Our view was the Mt Fuji.

Also Important to mention is, that if you have tattoo's, which is quite common nowaday's, most Ryokan will not let you use the public bathing accomidations, instead, you have to book an option with a private bath. This rule affects foreigners as well as japanese people.

I stayed in a ryokan when I visited Japan as a teenager and LOVED it! It was an amazing authentic experience and should definitely not be missed!

Excellent video. My wife and I visited Japan back in 2008 and we had a small family-run Ryokan booked for the first night in Fukuoka. We had some idea of what to expect but it was still quite a novelty. We absolutely loved it, so for the six weeks that we were in the country we tried to stay in as many as possible. We were disappointed when we went places and had to settle for western-style beds. The futon beds are incredibly comfortable. Remembering to change slippers is tricky at first but soon becomes second nature. Being able to soak in a (very) hot bath after a long day sightseeing is very welcome. And the food.... It's stunning, even in the lower end places. As I soon discovered, I love Japanese breakfasts. I was already a fan of Japanese food in general but you tend not to go to Japanese restaurants for breakfasts in the West. Having said that, do not eat the natto. It's fermented beans mixed with a raw egg and it's as revolting as it sounds. Oh, in the West there are plenty of people who are happy to wear their shoes in the house but equally there are plenty who don't, and I'm one of the latter. Shoes come off at the door. I should also point out that even so long ago, we found japan-guide to be very helpful, but ultimately Japan is not a difficult country to visit. I've been again once, albeit for a short visit, but would love to go again. Favourite places: Kamakochi and Yakushima.

I went to a ryokan years ago it was without a doubt the best more traditional experience of my entire life, i fully studied the etiquette beforehand and it made the experience even more incredible i really hope to go again, just once doesn't seem like enough

Such serenity, peace and beauty. Everything is clean and perfect. I hope I don't sound rude, but Japanese people are so lucky to be living on that mystical land. I would love to be able to live there myself and wear those elegant yukata or even a more stylish kimono.

I stayed at a ryokan in Kyoto and it was one of the nicest, most relaxing experiences I've had. I can't wait for the pandemic to be over so I can get back out there and stay at one again. Thanks for the video!

One of the best experiences when in Japan. The service is impeccable and the food was too delicious. Just note that if you wish to take a nap in your room in the middle of the day, expect to lie or sit on the floor. The mattress comes out after dinner and is return back into a storage room during your breakfast. I took a break from shopping and returned to my Ryokan and I had no choice but nap on the floor. No pillows either. Luckily I had clothes in my suitcase and used them as padding for the floor.

I've never heard of a ryokan. I've never been to one. This is the first time seeing one because of the recommendations on KZfaq. But after seeing this video I'm staying at a ryokan one of these days

Finally, a Ryokan guide avaliable. Very good job. You forget to mention that some decoration area in the room is not for store any things especially luggage.

The meals are like a work of art. It’s so nice and relaxing

Wow! The cuisine looks like art.

I stayed at a subtle Ryokan around Asakusa, Tokyo called the Andon. It is very cozy and the staff is so incredibly kind. It's in a slightly quieter part of the city and they have a rooftop area where you can hang out and a private bath you can reserve on one of the floors. Dormy Inn is a chain of hotel-ryokan hybrid places you can stay as well, and there is one right in Akihabara with an awesome onsen on the roof.

Get a Ryokan with a spa. Definitely. Arrive early to check-in. Then spa time. Then Ryokan dinner. Then after-dinner spa. Sleep. Ryokan Breakfast. More spa. The Ryokan Dinner is a MUST. Don't skip it. It's worth! We put our Ryokan night in the middle of our trip, and it was an amazing lazy day to rest our poor legs and relax our travel stresses. Definitely schedule later in your trip rather than earlier.

8:36 "I'm allergic to seafood." "Well, there goes 95% of the menu..."

No way, the hotel you showed at 1:26 was the one I stayed in in Tokyo and it was the best experience I ever had while travelling. The onsen + the lights of Tokyo? Unbeatable!

Omgg i really want to go to japan! What a dream!!

I am married to a Japanese woman (native born, whom I married when I was living over there), so we return often to Japan to visit her family and to tour around. On some of our "touring around" we have, pretty often, stayed at traditional Ryokans mostly on Hokkaido and northern Honshu and have ALWAYS found them to be a delight and the hosts (hostesses) very friendly Admittedly, being pretty fluent in Japanese, we get treated VERY well, especially when the hosts at a ryokan discover that they can have an actual conversation with the GAIJIN (me) in Japanese! We REALLY like Ryokans because we feel that they offer more of a taste of the local, historical scene in terms of both food and accommodations. And, I guess, it DOES help that I am totally willing to try just about ANY kind of food!

My first Ryokan experience was so much better than standard modern hotel.

Especially very old ryokans with many years of history! Love those!!

Many tourists to Japan, after they return back to their home countries, can not stop speaking about their amazing Ryokan experiences in Japan. I was like that too. Staying at a traditional Japanese Inn is so much more than simply finding a place to sleep. The staff, the food, the ambiance, the gardens, the baths, the incredible comfort and the delving into Japanese Culture is not to be missed. Believe me, you will always remember your Ryokan stay with fond memories. I am preparing to take another group to visit my Japanese friends in their small villages in the Japanese countryside. And I just know that one of the standout experiences for them will be staying at beautiful Ryokans.

We just got back from a wonderful holiday in Japan which included staying at a ryokan in beautiful Takayama called Oyado Yamakyu. We enjoyed it so much! The staff were so kind and the meals superb.

Damn...now I want to visit those places, Japanese people are amazing. Such great meanings to every tradition and subtle things. My only concern would be not to offend the traditions once I get there (and being rude without even noticing it)

Wow, you found some truly gorgeous ryokans to showcase in this video-- I kept rewinding bits. I'd like to visit every single one of them. A weekend at a ryokan really ought to be on everybody's bucket list. There's nothing else like this experience anywhere on Earth, worth every penny. I miss you Japan! See you soon...I hope.

It looks amazing, the view, the traditional feels, the hot spring and the meal

Oh man. This video brought back alot of memories after just 5 seconds, because the first ryokan in this video was the view from my room at the ryokan i sayed at in Yudanaka. It is just amezing. realy a must to experience when you are in Japan.

It's too funny watching how often he nods his head after slipping something in his mouth :-)

What a beautiful experience that would be! I love experiencing and learning about other cultures, what a lovely way to relax.

I stayed in a ryokan for 1 night after went to see mount fuji in the morning. We had dinner in the communal room and went to the bath before sleep (my 1st time trying onsen). It was so hot and relaxing, and 1 of the best thing I've experienced ❤ Really want to go there again!

This is such an informative and well put together video! My husband and I have lived in Japan for 3 years but finally took the plunge and booked a beautiful ryokan for this winter (thanks to the Go To Travel discount). Thank you!

I went to Kusatsu a long time ago and it was an amazing experience ! Great tips for foreigner travelers, everyone should try at least once when in Japan ❤️

I wanted to go when I was in Japan last year but I didn’t know where to start. Very helpful in-depth video!

I stayed at 2 ryokan's during my trip in 2018, one in Koyasan and one in Hokone. Unforgetable experience, highly recommended for everyone at least once when visiting Japan.

I'm glad you mentioned about not wearing slippers on tatami. :)

Onsen in Winter is a must!

I stayed at one for several days in Hokkaido. It was beautiful and I loved the atmosphere.

Wanna experience staying at a ryokan someday. It seems like an essential part of visiting Japan.

Japanese food, super clean room and a hot bath. My kind of heaven🥰

sounds like a very relaxing way to start and/or end a touring schedule

A few things you forgot to mention was washing before entering the hot spring, chop stick placement, how to hand money or items to staff there and tips.

I lived in Japan for two years and never really stayed at a Ryokan. These places look amazing. I will have to stay at one next time I am in Japan!

This video gave me confidence and inspiration to stay in a Ryokan. Now waiting for my chance to visit Japan. ありがとうございます🙏☺️

I am working on visiting japan absolutely fascinated with their traditions and culture and my most exciting plan is to optimally live there i can't wait i really can't ☺☺

What a well-explained video! Good job, and I hope I get the chance to stay in a ryokan!

Definitely definitely i will do this in Japan! 🙏🏻

Great build as always man. Love the pace of your videos. Nice to see you back after awhile

I stayed in a few last time I travelled through Japan. Brilliant experience.

The Best county I had visited👍👍👍👍. I love Everything in Japan: people, food etc.

It may seem a little daunting at first, but I promise it's worth it!

arguably my favorite experience during my 2 week visit to japan

Ooh boy… I can’t believe I’m going to Japan this august… I can actually watch these videos for a reason now! 😂 😅

One important thing not touched in this video: most ryokan will not allow you to use their hot springs/spa if you have tattoos. I stayed in one in kameoka and we weren’t allowed to use it during normal hours. We had to wait til it “closed” and then somebody let us in after hours. The websites won’t mention it so they are just surprised when we arrived covered in tattoos. I stayed in another in Fukuoka and they had strict night time rules as well. Like, the staff(family-run) goes to sleep at 10pm, so they lock the door then and you would be calling and waking somebody up to be let in if you are out later at night. They were really great experiences and were very inexpensive for all the amenities available.

Hmmm ... I recognize a familiar graphic style in the animated illustrations. This makes me smile! ♥ This is one of the best how-to videos for having an authentic ryokan experience. I know there are a lot of videos on KZfaq about ryokans, but this one felt more thorough. I enjoyed watching!

Thanks for this video! Have been interested in ryokan for a long time and this was very informative :)

The highlight of my trip to Japan was staying at a Ryokan. The onsen experience was just magical

I went to a Ryokan in February of 2019 in Nikko, Japan and it was a relaxing and traditional experience. Like other western women, I was shy about using the communal bath, so I went early early in the morning and had it to myself and it was soooo nice!

It looks so wonderful, hope to visit and experience a ryokon myself. Thank you for sharing on proper edicite and what to expect when visiting a ryokon.

I lived in Japan for a year - I wish I had seen this informative video earlier. Good stuff!

An absolutely fabulous video; informative, well put together and enjoyable, and got me excited to visit and experience Japan first-hand, thank you.

I'll be back in Japan next year- Autumn hopefully. I have been told that foreign travellers who dine in the common dining room will be expected to participate when the karaoke machine comes out. The Japanese really love it when Gaijin do karaoke.

these hotels are gorgeous!!

Staying at a ryokan is a must-do experience when visiting Japan.

Best video made by this channel!!!! Keep up with great how to videos!

These are very beautiful informations, thank you! What I admire about Japan, is the coexistence of one contemporary, highky modern face and the traditional face on the other hand. I think, the so called "Western" Nations shall finally learn that: fleeing out of normal business from time to time is leveling up your life. I think, in Japan, one knows how to worship that. Marvellous.

I dream of visiting Japan one day... it's the small practical stuff that worries me. This is a great video that you've made, with a lot of detailed information

Stayed in a Ryokan in Tokyo. The staff was super nice and helpful.

When I went to Tokyo (ya'll folks are awesome by the way) , felt right at home. Lots of parallels with Japanese culture to the way I was raised in the South. The respect factor was something you could just feel, and all of the people we interacted with were very nice. ( I did get called Gojira a couple of times..lol.. which is understandable I'm 6'5" 300lb) . We stayed at the Andon Ryokan (don't know if it's still there) but it was a great stay, super friendly staff, and nice rooms. Besides camping, that's the first time I've slept on a floor for a couple of weeks, but the futons were awesome. If you've never been (after COVID of course) I'd highly suggest it. So much history, great food, and crazy night life, can't wait to visit again.

Looks beautiful will definitely look into one of these when I visit Japan that’s for the details great videos👍

Miss you guys so much! Hope to see your new videos soon ^^

Oh my god... I miss Japan so much.... my heart is still there after 18 years🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Wonderful! I hope to be able to stay in a ryokan one day! Superbly well done video!

旅館いいですよね、特ににおいが好きです。 畳のにおい...。落ち着きますよね。あと温泉。 旅行行きたいよー!!

Nice video on Ryokan, thank you. I enjoyed staying at a few when in Japan many years ago. It would have been helpful to add a few tips such as how to greet staff respectfully, tipping, and what to do with the small "courtesy towel" you take with you into the bath area. I can't recall about tipping, but I think it's much less than in the U.S. or not at all? I do know that guest should not bow as deeply to the staff, but can acknowledge with a nod and hello if inclined. Really fully bathe completely with soap before going into group hot pools and shared tubs. Also, when I was in Japan the small bathing towel, or "courtesy towel" actually has a method to it. When nude, one lightly holds it over the lower private area, really more as a polite gesture than to actually cover things. Then when you get into the hot water, don't let that towel touch the water, or sit on the ground or in places other people will sit - instead, the traditional respectful way is to fold it and place it on top of your head. That may seem silly, but to traditional Japanese folks, it's more silly and gross if your towel falls in the water or if someone uses it like a washcloth in thier own private bath. It sounds like a lot of rules but really most of them make sense to keep places clean and comfortable for all.

This is definitely on my bucket list.

great video, thanx from sweden. This is on my bucket list

I wish we had something like this in western countries. Traditional style hotels that show the best of western culture and hospitality.

Stayed at a Ryokan in Kanazawa for two nights with my family back in 2018. It was really interesting to try it, and a ryokan stay ought to be a part of any travel intiniary for gaikokujins in Japan :-)

Why does everything related to japan is so beautiful 😄❤❤❤

I love visiting Japan.

Très beau reportage. Cela donne envie d'aller au Japon

Thank you for the video, very informative. I was kind of worried about visiting Ryoukan since i really want to follow rules and not to be rude towards stuff with my lack of knowledge, but i couldn't find any video that represent it properly and thoroughly. Thank you for encouraging me with these useful tips!

i love the architecture and garden beautiful space

Oh gods this looks like heaven on Earth. I must try this.