We will be travelling to Japan in February/March. We are thinking of using Ryokans as our primary accommodations - but we have some elementary questions that we hope more experiences fellow FTers can help us with. They are very basic - so apologies in advance.


* Are all Ryokans very small - i.e. about 10-15 rooms ? Are they normally family-run, or are there Ryokan chains as well ??

* Are they all in old, traditional buildings or are some of them in modern buildings ?

* Is it possible to find Ryokans with en suite WC's, as opposed to communal ones?

* Do most of them have "modern comforts", i.e. cable TV, mini-bar, telephone in the room, etc. ?

* Is there flexibility in the timing of when they change your rooms from night to day and day to night - or are you essentially prisoners of their schedule?

* Is it mandatory to have breakfast and dinner at the Ryokan? If there is flexibility, do you need to settle this at the time of making the reservations if you opt out??

* Are the meals always served in your room, or is there a communal dining area as well? Do you have any choice in what you're served? I understand wine is not included in the dinner price - is it acceptable to bring your own bottle of wine? Is there flexibility in the hours for breakfast and dinner?

* Are bathing hours fixed for each room - or is there some flexibility? Is it considered not polite to wear a bathing suit to the baths?

* Will I get by in English at most Ryokans or should I have my pages with english/Japanese phrases with me at all times?

* Shoe etiquette - I've read that there are several different types of slippers to be used - one for use between entrance and your room, one for use in the room, one for the WC, etc. Am I making this sound too complicated ?

* Would a Ryokan typically be able to organize tours for you in the area?

* I've seen some posts here noting you should only stay 1 night in a Ryokan as opposed to your whole stay? Is there any reason for that aside from the money issues?

Best