How Long to Stay in a Ryokan in Japan
Not sure how long to stay in a ryokan? See the difference between one night and two nights.
When I first thought about staying in a ryokan, I kept asking myself: is one night enough? I didn’t want to miss out, but I also didn’t want to waste time or money.
If you’re feeling the same, you’re not alone.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you get in one night, why two nights feel different, and how to choose the stay that fits you.
One night in a ryokan: what you get
I think of one night as the “intro” version of a ryokan stay. You check in during the afternoon, slip into your yukata, and head for the bath before dinner.
Dinner itself is a highlight. Kaiseki is a multi-course meal of seasonal Japanese dishes, and even if you’ve eaten out a lot in Japan, this feels different: slower, more thoughtful, and beautifully presented.
Afterwards, you might take another soak or just relax in your tatami room. Staff will set up futons while you’re out, so when you come back the whole room looks different.
In the morning, breakfast is another spread of rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and small side dishes. By the time you check out, you’ll have ticked off all the classic ryokan experiences.
The only catch? It flies by. If you arrive late or leave early, you’ll probably feel like you barely settled in before it was already time to go.
Two nights in a ryokan: why it feels special
Two nights give you the same experiences, the meals, the baths, the futons, but with breathing room.
You’re not squeezing everything into one evening. You can enjoy your first night knowing you still have another ahead of you.
Most ryokans change their kaiseki menu on the second night, which I love. It means you’re not eating the same dishes twice, and it shows off more of the seasonal ingredients.
You’ll also find yourself using the baths more often, whether it’s in the morning, after a walk, or before bed. There’s no pressure, just time to enjoy.
For me, the biggest difference is the atmosphere. With one night, you feel like a guest passing through. With two, you feel like you’re actually living inside the ryokan rhythm.
How many nights in a ryokan?
So how do you actually decide if one night is enough or if two nights are better?
I like to keep it simple. Think about your trip, your budget, and what you really want out of the ryokan experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose.
| Situation | Stay length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short on time | 1 night | Quick taste of the ryokan experience. |
| On a budget | 1 night | Keeps costs lower since pricing is per person. |
| Food lover | 2 nights | Menu usually changes on the second night. |
| Onsen focused | 2 nights | More chances to soak and relax. |
| Special occasion | 2+ nights | Feels more romantic and memorable. |
| Solo traveler | 1 night | Easier to book, fewer ryokans allow solos. |
| City stay (Tokyo, Kyoto) | 1 night | Mix japanese culture with sightseeing. |
| Countryside (Hakone, Yufuin) | 2 nights | Slower pace, scenery, and local baths. |
My thoughts on how long to stay in a ryokan
If you’re still deciding, here’s what I usually tell people: two nights is best for a full ryokan experience.
However, I’d never skip a ryokan just because I only had time for one night. Even one night is worth it, and it’ll probably end up being one of the highlights of your trip.
If you’re getting ready to book, these guides will help you plan the rest of your stay:
