Room in a Ryokan are usually a large single room with traditional rice-straw 'tatami' matting.

Furniture within the room does vary from establishment to establishment, however the rooms furnishings are usually 'minimal' with often only a single low table in the room.

Doors into your room are usually sliding 'Shoji' screens and guests sleep on Futon bedding laid out in the evening by maids.

Your room charge usually includes two meals per day, invariably a simple breakfast and evening Japanese style feast with many wonderful locally found ingredients. Meals are generally served in your room by the maid. (Check itinerary for meal arrangements).

Onsen

A Hotel or traditional style Ryokan built on the site of a natural hot spring and which provides spa bathing is called an 'Onsen'. Many different style of Onsen exist, but all usually specialise in providing a relaxing environment centred around a indoor/outdoor hot spring. Onsens in Ryokans usually are set around a beautiful garden for their residents enjoyment and relaxation.

'When in Rome do as the Romans do'

There are a few traditions and rules that must be followed when staying in a Hotel or Ryokan with Onsen. These ancient Japanese customs are part of the experience and charm of staying in these traditional style Inns or Hotels.

The key rules are that guests remove their shoes at the threshold of the inn and don slippers (provided) whilst in the hallways. These slippers are then left outside your guest room and only barefoot or stocking feet are allowed on the tatami straw mats for obvious reasons.

Guest also usually wear a traditional 'Yukata' cotton robe, which is provided by the Inn during their stay.

Bathing - Rooms are usually provided without a bath in the room (however some establishments do have baths en-suit and these can be requested at time of booking).

Generally same sex communal bathing is provided. This differs from western style bathing, as you must wash with soap, scrub and rinse yourself prior to entering the bath, which is for soaking only and chatting to fellow bathers.

Communal Japanese style toilets (not western style seating) are usually provide for guests in the Ryokan. These are very hygienic as no contact is made to the toilet. Special slippers are also provided, especially for the toilet area.

Ryokans can be both of traditional and modern style of buildings externally. However internally they all provide a traditional Japanese Inn experience, with high standards of service and efficiency.

Please note these pictures and accompanying explanation are typical examples of conditions to be expected in a typical Ryokan /Onsen and are for illustrative purposes only.