What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
How to use our service - Japanese Guest Houses Closed as is no longer able to accept ryokan reservations. Step 1. Choose your ryokan When you find a Ryokan that you like click “Check Availability”. Remember that you must make your reservation at least 1 week before your planned stay. Please select only your top 3 Ryokans per destination so we can have better idea of the type of experienc
Prepare for Your Ryokan Stay Staying at a Ryokan is a traditional Japanese cultural experience, and it is not like staying at a Western-style hotel. Take a look at our short video to get an idea of what to expect. Before You Reserve: 1) You will have very nice dinner at your ryokan so we suggest waiting until you have been in Japan for at least one night before heading to a ryokan. This will g
Friends of Japanese Guest Houses Staying at a ryokan is the best way to experience Japan’s culture but there are also other ways. Below is a list of friends that offer services that we are sure you will enjoy. Fukiko’s Countryside Cultural Experience Interested in experiencing country living in Japan? Fukiko (who is fluent in English and German) will provide you with a wonderful and insigh
Frequently Asked Questions - Closed What time do I have to check in? Check-in time is usually from 15:00 (3:00 pm) to 18:00. If you are having dinner please make sure to check in before 17:30 (5:30 pm). If you check-in after this time there is a very good chance that the ryokan will not be able to serve you dinner. However, you will be charged for the dinner. How do I cancel my reservation
Best Weekend Getaways in Japan When times do not allow you to travel abroad, it's a chance to enjoy Japan more in-depth. Here we give you our suggestions for the best weekend getaways, maximum of 3 hours away from major Japanese cities. Please create an account and ask your ryokan expert for availability and other ideas. From Tokyo: Hakone is one of the finest hot spring resorts in
Best Ryokans with Gardens Staying at a ryokan is a wonderful experience. Some ryokans feature hot springs baths, some are known for the quality of their cuisine, and some ryokans are well-known for their gardens. Here is a shortlist of our favorite ryokans with gardens. If you love Japanese gardens then these are the ryokans for you. Sekitei Located between Hiroshima and Miyajima; th
Book Vegan Friendly Ryokans or Shukubos (temples) The Japanese diet is based on fish, poultry, eggs, rice,... Therefore if you are vegan you might have a hard time finding suitable meals. If you are planning to stay at a Japanese Ryokan the challenge to find a Vegan-Friendly Ryokan might soon give you a headache. So here is our shortlist of Vegan-Friendly Ryokans and Shukubos (temples). Y
Select and Reserve a Shukubo Temple Inn Ease your mind at one of our best Buddhist temples (Shukubo). Forget your daily routine, join monks in their morning pray, and taste vegetarian meals (Shojin-ryori). Though all Shukubo (Buddhist Temples) are different, the following ones have been selected for the unique experiences they provide. Staying at such Shukubo is something you will never forget
Farmhouse Stay in Ainokura When you think of Japan, contrast will be all around. Modern building next to hundred years old temples, convenience store open 24/24 next to a traditional building, ... There is a place well known for its farmhouses with thatched roof (Gassho-Zukuri) and for the contrast it provides to our daily lives: Ainokura. This small village in Toyama prefecture is a real sur
