Originally Posted by
AlwaysAisle
...Also, when staying at ryokans as a single traveler who does not speak Japanese. I do not know how familiar you are in Japan, but meals served at ryokan will likely nothing like what you saw at Japanese restaurants in the U.S. Japanese food is not sushi and tempura only, and there will be nobody at ryokan who can explain to you food being served.
I understand the point you are making but I have done just what you describe and have had some truly amazing meals. I remember one in Aomori and another in the far northern part of Hokkaido in particular. It's worth the gamble!