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Ryokans
Hi all,
Has anyone done the whole ryokan in Japan thing? If so, what's it like? What are the dos and don'ts? Are the rooms comfortable (obv. this depends on what kind of place it is, but generally speaking) and is it something I should definitely do whilst in Japan? I'm visiting Kyoto and Tokyo and am looking into places there. Thank you. |
Originally Posted by paehk
(Post 9078070)
Hi all,
Has anyone done the whole ryokan in Japan thing? |
Welcome to the Japan Forum paehk.
First thing to point out to you is that standards at Ryokans vary wildly. The quintessential Ryokan experience I would recommend (which will include a welcome tea, full evening meal, a soak in a natural Spring water bath, a full breakfast and impeccable and thoughtful service) is not common at all within Tokyo. It is commonly available in Kyoto, but the prices for good Ryokans are particularly steep there. Many places, especially at reasonable prices in these two cities, that call themselves Ryokans are Hostals or basic hotels with Japanese style rooms. Whilst I would certainly encourage you to stay in a Ryokan, I would advise you to stay in one in an area between Tokyo and Kyoto or in a surrounding area. This way, for perhaps ¥13,000 or so, you can almost be guaranteed of an unforgettable experience in a very comfortable room with outstanding food. If you want more detailed info and a guide to etiquette you can find this here http://www.ryokan.or.jp/index_en.html For suggestions of where to stay: http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/index.htm Is a recommended booking agency If you are nervous or unwilling to stay too far from Tokyo or Kyoto, a couple of suggestions are: Kurama Onsen - a short local train ride from Kyoto http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/kurama.htm (Which has had good reports from here) or Wakamatsu Honten in Narita http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/d...atsuhonten.htm There is Sadachiyo in Tokyo http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/d.../sadachiyo.htm But a lodging and meals plan will not be cheap - and lodging at a Ryokan without eating there would mean missing out on the main reason most of us rate a Ryokan stay so highly. ---- My only Ryokan stays have been in more rural areas so I can give you no first hand recommendations for any of these suggestions. I also suspect you can find better/more atmospheric places if you are prepared to factor in a Ryokan stay as part of your trip. I'm certain you would find it worth your while. If money is no object, then by all means stay in one of Kyoto's top Ryokans. Without knowing your budget, or what you would be prepared to pay, it is very hard to advise you. |
Originally Posted by Pickles
(Post 9078142)
No, not really. There are only a couple of ryokans that have government permission to admit foreigners, and I don't think anybody in this forum has gone through the application process. I heard it is very difficult.
What the above had to do with Ryokans, I don't know but I thought it would be beneficial to this discussion. BTW OP-sama, there is a "search" function at the top of this forum which might be of assistance. |
........dupemash!ta gomen ne
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Been looking into this for a trip this Summer too...
Does anyone know this service (and have any opinions on it?): http://www.itcj.jp/ |
Originally Posted by stut
(Post 9078249)
Been looking into this for a trip this Summer too...
Does anyone know this service (and have any opinions on it?): http://www.itcj.jp/ In post 10 here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=779163 I've compiled a run down on what a budget minded traveller can expect to pay in Tokyo. |
Staying in a ryokan is an excellent way to get a traditional Japanese experience. Id recommend doing it in Kyoto for a couple of nights at most. As an earlier poster mentioned they do vary widely in comfort level but no matter what you will be sleeping on a futon on top of tatami, so it will be harder than your mattress at home! Its still a great unique experience, especially when you get your meals served to you in the room.
Also, the earlier post saying that they are only open to Japanese is not correct. I am a caucasian american and have stayed at a few of these hotels over the years. |
Originally Posted by sglobus
(Post 9078779)
Also, the earlier post saying that they are only open to Japanese is not correct.
The initial question is akin to posting "Has anyone done the whole taxi in Manhattan thing?" in a New York forum. It just isn't worth giving a sensible answer to (I actually ignored it and just answered a question the OP probably hasn't realised is worth asking yet). |
Originally Posted by LapLap
(Post 9078845)
This forum has many, many reports of experiences of Ryokans from regulars and occasional visitors alike.
|
Thanks everyone for the advice.
@LapLap - sadly we don't have time to stray off the beaten track. We're going primarily for the skiing in Niseko, but have made some time to detour in Kyoto and Tokyo. Our budget will be about $200 per night. |
I have used ryokans extensitively during my 1st to 3rd stay in Japan. 1st time in Japan, I used five ryokans in 2 months (crazy I know, but I wanted to move around and enjoy different areas of the country at the same time) the year was 2003 by the way.
Looking forward to celebrating my fifth trip to Japan this summer! :D Sanosuke! |
If you're wondering what the experience of staying in a ryokan is like, I wrote a blog post here about my experiences in one ryokan on Itsukushima.
It's definitely an experience worth having, though I would highly recommend you do so in Kyoto rather than Tokyo. Your $200 is unlikely to go very far, however. Also, keep in mind that ryokans charge per person rather than per room. |
Thanks Scifience for the link to your blog. I enjoyed reading it, although think I'd better go on a diet before heading to the onsens!
|
Originally Posted by Q Shoe Guy
(Post 9078216)
Did you also know that they will start testing all foreigners Japanese language ability whilst taking your photo and fingerprints......
What the above had to do with Ryokans, I don't know but I thought it would be beneficial to this discussion. Mainichi News Gov't to consider Japanese language ability as requirement for long-stay foreigners The Foreign Ministry and Justice Ministry have decided to consider making Japanese language ability a requirement for foreigners seeking long-term residency and when screening their residency permits, it has been learned. The aim of the measures is to make it easier for the increasing number of non-Japanese in Japan to blend into the community, and provide an increased incentive for foreigners coming to Japan to learn Japanese. |
Originally Posted by kcvt750
(Post 9084543)
And I thought you were kidding.
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Originally Posted by paehk
(Post 9083267)
Thanks everyone for the advice.
@LapLap - sadly we don't have time to stray off the beaten track. We're going primarily for the skiing in Niseko, but have made some time to detour in Kyoto and Tokyo. Our budget will be about $200 per night. I cannot think of one Ryokan within Tokyo or Kyoto where you would get a great Ryokan experience for ¥20,000, never mind ¥10,000 (Ryokan prices are generally per person) The only solid suggestion I have for you is to go to Kurama Onsen on the outskirts of Kyoto. It's just 30 minutes and a ¥410 train trip from Demachiyanagi station in Kyoto - so no need to compromise your itinerary. Or reduce your hotel budget for other nights within Tokyo and Kyoto and splurge out on one of Kyoto's better establishments - like the the Hiiragiya or Tawaraya. --- You could go to Andon Ryokan or Kimi Ryokan in Tokyo if you just want the experience of sleeping on a futon or stay at the Motonago (no curfew) or Three Sisters Inn in Kyoto (which has a curfew)- the last two would probably offer perfectly decent experiences and a service level comparable to a good Minshuku (Japanese style Bed and Breakfasts - although dinner is often served at Minshuku) rather than a good Ryokan. But what I would certainly do in your place is allow one late afternoon/early evening on your itinerary and go stay at one of Hokkaido's extraordinary Onsen Ryokan instead. |
Originally Posted by paehk
(Post 9078070)
Hi all,
... If so, what's it like? What are the dos and don'ts?... Wear the belt over the yukata below your belly for guys and below the bosom for ladies.:D |
Originally Posted by SJUAMMF
(Post 9085375)
For onsen or bath, clean yourself first before entering the pool. Don't wear a bathing suit, bath robe or a towel into the pool unless you are a lady.
The ONLY exception might be a bath where there is no gender segregation. But you would need to go to some obscure part of the country for that. Of the few baths in and around Tokyo for mixed genders both sexes are required to wear some kind of bathing costume to use them. And no need to wear a yukata style robe Regency style - wrapping it around your waist is fine. It is highly unlikely you will be given a real yukata with half width obi belt to wear - this belt (hanhaba obi) does go up to below the bust. |
Originally Posted by LapLap
(Post 9084977)
For two?
I cannot think of one Ryokan within Tokyo or Kyoto where you would get a great Ryokan experience for ¥20,000, never mind ¥10,000 (Ryokan prices are generally per person) The only solid suggestion I have for you is to go to Kurama Onsen on the outskirts of Kyoto. It's just 30 minutes and a ¥410 train trip from Demachiyanagi station in Kyoto - so no need to compromise your itinerary. Or reduce your hotel budget for other nights within Tokyo and Kyoto and splurge out on one of Kyoto's better establishments - like the the Hiiragiya or Tawaraya. I will say that there are decent Ryokan in Kyoto that are less expensive (though not as nice) as the Hiiragiya or Tawaraya. You just won't come close for $100/person. You might have a better shot with someplace in Hokkaido since you're going to be there anyway. |
Originally Posted by paehk
(Post 9078070)
If so, what's it like? What are the dos and don'ts?
1) In your room, put on the provided yukata (bathrobe) and bring your washcloth (also provided in room) 2) Walk in the provided slippers from room to the onsen 3) Indoor onsens are typically segregated by gender. You will have to find out the right door to go in. The sliding entry doors will have a noren (like a half-curtain) with the kanji symbols specifying gender. Sometimes the noren will be colored blue for men and red for women but not always. My advice: follow other guests' and see where they go. 4) As you enter the sliding doors, you take off your slippers. Make sure you know where you put them - sometimes a cubby hole is provided, sometimes a tag is provided etc. You then go barefoot into the "dry area". 5) An onsen is typically separated into a "dry area" - covered with tatami - and a the bath area itself. The "dry area" is for you to disrobe, store your clothes in the provided lockers. There will be basins for you to shave (you do not shave in the bath area), hairdryers etc. 6) Once you disrobe, all you will have is wash cloth (not forgetting your locker key). You can use the wash cloth to preserve some modesty. It is impolite to stare at other people's state of undress. 7) Go through the sliding doors for the bath area and along the wall, you'll see showers. Grab a stool and a bucket and take a shower sitting down. Lots of onsens have unique toiletries (e.g. horse-oil, carbon soap etc). 8) Once done with shower, you then soak in bath. The washcloth you can leave on your head but what I usually do is I take the small basin along with me - I use it to pour some of the bath water on me first to let my body acclimatize to the heat) - I then put the washcloth inside the basin and set it right next to the bath. 9) The bath will be hot (or ice cold depending on the type) - some prefer to ease themselves in; others prefer to go in all at once - whatever works for you. Usually I soak inside the bath for 10-15 minutes - any more, I'd be sweating too much afterwards. 10) Reverse the process above for exit. I shower just with water after the bath and then change back into my yukata. |
Originally Posted by LapLap
(Post 9085485)
Ladies should certainly not be wearing bathing suits, bath robes or towels in the pool/bath either.....
Really? I don't know. :eek: They would have a riot with a gaigin in the ladies side, no.:D |
Originally Posted by SJUAMMF
(Post 9092963)
Really? I don't know. :eek:
They would have a riot with a gaigin in the ladies side, no.:D It would be unfortunate if someone had to do this because a female visitor looked at your post and thought it was fine to wear a bathing suit in an onsen. ---- Short snappy advice from the Tokyo Union of Bathhouses http://www.1010.or.jp/english/manner.html |
Not at all in the OPs budget, but much below the Hiiragiya/Tawaraya and still offering an excellent ryokan experience is the Seikoro. Their website quotes rates as low as 25000 per person in low season, but emailing them would likely be able to secure a better rate. Also, it would allow a splurge night but not one in the same level as the Hiiragiya/Tawaraya.
Link: http://www.seikoro.com/top-e.htm It is traditional (tea, bath (private or public), dinner, breakfast). It is not as fancy as the more expensive ones (i.e. not as many antiques, food not served on such impressive dishes and not quite as elaborate), but it is much more reasonable. When I want to stay for a while in Kyoto and don't want to shell out 1500-2000USD (we're 5 ppl) a night for the Hiiragiya/Tawaraya, I stay here. Also, they'll allow you to stay here and not take meals if you want to stay in a ryokan but eat elsewhere. Their room rates are usually reasonable and to "add on" meals it's 10000 yen for dinner and 2500 for breakfast. Reasonable as the food is very good, just not quite as elaborate as the fancier places. Also, I'm not sure what the prices are as I've never stayed there nor even been inside it, but is the Hiiragiya Annex reasonably priced? My guess is it's still quite expensive, but I really don't know. |
Another trustworthy source of suggestions for Kyoto ryokan would be Diane Durston.
Amongst her recommendations are: North Heihachi-jaya (from ¥25k per person) Kikaku-tei (no idea about how you'd stay here - nearest place to what she described seems to be this: http://www.komyoji.com/ruri/index.html) Centre Kinmata East *Kiyomizu Sanso (small, atmospheric and very reasonably priced) *3 Sisters Inn Annex (*note that Ms Durston indexes both of these places as Inns not as Ryokan) Shiraume (no curfew, from ¥18k to ¥35k per person including dinner or ¥13k to ¥25 on a Bed & Breakfast basis) Tamahan (from ¥25k per person) Taken from her excellent book - Old Kyoto |
Link to an older thread
I started this thread - Ryokans for Dummies - and found the responses VERY useful !
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...hlight=ryokans |
Originally Posted by tide
(Post 9087939)
For a typical onsen, the following are foolproof beginner steps that should apply to any onsen:
1) In your room, put on the provided yukata (bathrobe) remember to put the left part over the right! and bring your washcloth (also provided in room) 2) Walk in the provided slippers from room to the onsen 3) Indoor onsens are typically segregated by gender. You will have to find out the right door to go in. The sliding entry doors will have a noren (like a half-curtain) with the kanji symbols specifying gender. Sometimes the noren will be colored blue for men and red for women but not always. My advice: follow other guests' and see where they go. Make it really simpler: ask the attendant in your ryokan which side is the male and female side. They will be happy to point it out to you, otherwise, look for the kanji that is NOT this one: 女 but 男。(if you are female the opposite applies) 4) As you enter the sliding doors, you take off your slippers. Make sure you know where you put them - sometimes a cubby hole is provided, sometimes a tag is provided etc. You then go barefoot into the "dry area". Sometimes they will provide a bucket that you put your stuff in. 5) An onsen is typically separated into a "dry area" - covered with tatami - and a the bath area itself. The "dry area" is for you to disrobe, store your clothes in the provided lockers. There will be basins for you to shave (you do not shave in the bath area), hairdryers etc. 6) Once you disrobe, all you will have is wash cloth (not forgetting your locker key). You can use the wash cloth to preserve some modesty. It is impolite to stare at other people's state of undress. 7) Go through the sliding doors for the bath area and along the wall, you'll see showers. Grab a stool and a bucket and take a shower sitting down. Lots of onsens have unique toiletries (e.g. horse-oil, carbon soap etc). Please remember the bucket is supposed to be used to rinse yourself off once done soaping body or lathering hair! 8) Once done with shower, you then soak in bath. The washcloth you can leave on your head but what I usually do is I take the small basin along with me - I use it to pour some of the bath water on me first to let my body acclimatize to the heat) - I then put the washcloth inside the basin and set it right next to the bath. 9) The bath will be hot (or ice cold depending on the type) - some prefer to ease themselves in; others prefer to go in all at once - whatever works for you. Usually I soak inside the bath for 10-15 minutes - any more, I'd be sweating too much afterwards. What works for most people is to slide in slowly and not move so much so your body acclaimizes faster to the heat 10) Reverse the process above for exit. I shower just with water after the bath and then change back into my yukata. Not forgetting to put the left part over the right...again of course. Sanosuke! |
Has anyone ever stayed at or have any information on Ando Ryokan in Tokyo? Just reserved a few nights there, and would like some feedback / reviews. Thanks!
Ando Ryokan http://www.andon.co.jp/ |
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