How to Book a Ryokan in Japan: Complete Guide

Not sure how to book a ryokan in Japan? This guide covers prices, meals, room types, booking platforms, and everything you need to know for your first stay.

Booking a ryokan in Japan isn’t quite the same as booking a hotel. The first time I tried, I was surprised by how different the process felt. 

Don’t worry, though. Once you know the basics, booking a ryokan is simple. And honestly, you should try it at least once. Sitting down to a kaiseki dinner, wearing a yukata, and sleeping on tatami mats is an experience you won’t forget.

How much does a ryokan cost?

Here’s the first big difference: ryokans usually charge per person, not per room. That threw me off the first time.

But when you realize the price includes two full meals, a kaiseki dinner and a Japanese breakfast, it suddenly makes sense.

Budget-friendly stays

Simple ryokans usually cost around 10,000 to 20,000 yen per person per night. The rooms are basic and you’ll probably share communal baths, but it’s a great way to get the ryokan experience without spending too much.

I once stayed in a small family-run ryokan in this range, and while the futon was firm, the dinner was unforgettable.

Mid-range ryokans

Most travelers choose this range: 20,000 to 40,000 yen per person. Honestly, it’s the sweet spot.

You’ll see more variety in the guest rooms, meals that feel like a feast, and onsen baths that make you want to soak for hours. If it’s your first ryokan stay, I’d say start here.

Luxury ryokans

If you want to splurge, some ryokans start at 50,000 yen or more per person. You’ll usually get private open-air baths, beautiful kaiseki meals, and personal service. These are great for honeymoons or anniversaries.

Seasonal pricing

Keep in mind that prices climb during busy times. Cherry blossom season, autumn leaves, and New Year’s are especially expensive and often sell out months in advance. If you’re visiting then, book early and be ready to pay more.

Where should you stay for your first ryokan?

Picking the right place for your first ryokan stay can feel tricky. Some towns are easy to reach, while others feel tucked away and are more traditional. The good news? Each spot has its own charm, so it really depends on the kind of trip you want.

Kyoto

Staying in a ryokan in Kyoto feels different. The city is full of temples, quiet gardens, and traditional streets, so the setting already sets the mood.

Some ryokans in Kyoto are hidden down narrow lanes, while others sit along rivers or just outside town in the hills.

Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki is all about the hot springs. The town has seven public bathhouses; the fun is walking around in a yukata, dipping into one after another.

Ryokans in Kinosaki often include passes for the baths, so you’ll get both your own kaiseki dinner and the freedom to try every onsen in town. It’s playful, very Japanese, and unforgettable if you love bathing culture.

Hakone

Hakone is your best bet if you’re staying in Tokyo and want something easy. Trains get you there in about 90 minutes, which makes it perfect for a short getaway.

The area is packed with onsen ryokans, and if you’re lucky with the weather, you might even soak in a bath with Mount Fuji in the distance. It’s popular, yes, but that’s for a reason.

Yufuin

If you’re headed to Kyushu, Yufuin is one of the prettiest spots for a ryokan stay. It’s slower and more countryside, surrounded by rice fields and mountains.

Many ryokans in Yufuin have private outdoor baths, so you can soak while looking straight at Mount Yufu. It’s a little out of the way, but that’s part of the charm.

What types of rooms and baths can you book?

Not all ryokans are the same, and that’s half the fun of booking one.

Guest rooms

The classic choice is a tatami-mat room with sliding doors, low tables, and futons rolled out at night. It’s simple, but don’t mistake simple for boring.

Sleeping on a futon after a soak in the onsen feels surprisingly comfortable.

At mid-range and luxury ryokans, you’ll see bigger rooms with balconies, garden views, or separate sitting areas.

Communal baths

Most ryokans have large communal baths. You’ll shower first, then soak in piping hot water with other guests.

It might sound strange, but once you try it, it feels natural. If you’re after the traditional ryokan experience, this is it.

Private baths

If you’d rather bathe in private, look for a ryokan that offers kashikiri baths. These are small baths you can reserve for an hour, perfect if you’re shy, traveling as a couple, or have tattoos.

In-room onsen baths

Some guest rooms at luxury ryokans have an open-air onsen bath on the balcony or terrace. It’s a splurge, but it’s hard to beat being able to slide open the doors and soak while looking at the mountains or the garden.

Tattoo-friendly ryokans

Not every ryokan allows tattoos in the communal baths, so check the rules when booking. Many places now have private or in-room options that make it easy if you have ink.

What meals are included at a ryokan?

When you book a ryokan, meals aren’t an afterthought. They’re part of the reason you’re there.

Kaiseki dinner

Dinner is usually a kaiseki meal with seasonal dishes served in small courses. You don’t order; the chef creates the menu based on what’s fresh. It’s often the most memorable meal of the trip.

Dinner timing

Meals are served early, around 6 or 7 pm. If you arrive late, you may miss it, so plan your trains carefully.

Breakfast

Breakfast is almost always included too. A Japanese breakfast means rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickles, and a few small side dishes.

Some ryokans offer Western options, but if you’re staying in a traditional inn, I recommend trying the Japanese set at least once. It’s filling and surprisingly light.

Dietary needs

Vegetarian? Allergies? Traveling halal? Some ryokans can adjust, but only if you tell them in advance. Last-minute requests are difficult because the meals are prepared fresh and planned around seasonal ingredients.

How to book a ryokan online?

You don’t need to overthink it. Most travelers use booking platforms like Booking.com or Agoda, while others prefer Japanese sites such as Rakuten Travel. Direct booking works too, but it’s not always the easiest.

Here’s a quick comparison:

What should you check before booking?

Ryokans can be strict about certain rules, so it’s smart to double-check the details before you hit confirm.

• Check-in and dinner time: Most ryokans start dinner between 6 and 7 pm. If you arrive late, you might miss it, and refunds aren’t guaranteed.
• Cancellation and payment: Some require prepayment, and others take cash upon arrival. Read the fine print so there are no surprises.
• Child policies: Not every ryokan accepts kids. Some prefer to keep things quiet for adults only.
• Bath rules: If you have tattoos, make sure the ryokan allows them or has private bath options.
• Transport: Look at how you’ll get there. Is there parking if you’re driving? Does the ryokan have a shuttle from the train station? What’s the time of the last train back?

Do ryokans speak English?

This is one of the questions I get asked most, and the answer is: it depends.

Big ryokans in popular areas like Hakone or Kyoto usually have some English-speaking staff. The booking platforms (Booking, Rakuten Travel, Agoda) often list whether English support is available, too.

At smaller family-run ryokans, you’ll find less English. Don’t let that put you off, though. Staff are used to hosting international guests and are usually patient and kind. A lot can be communicated with a smile, some pointing, and Google Translate if needed.

If you’re worried about language, send a short message when you book. Something as simple as:

“Hello, our booking is for [date]. We will arrive around [time]. One guest is vegetarian. Thank you.”

That’s enough to confirm the details without overcomplicating things.

Mistakes to avoid when booking a ryokan

Booking a ryokan isn’t difficult, but there are a few things that can trip people up. Keep these in mind:

• Arriving late and missing dinner
• Forgetting to book early during the cherry blossom or autumn leaves season
• Not checking tattoo rules for the baths
• Skipping dietary requests when you make the reservation
• Assuming the ryokan is right next to the train station

If you avoid these, the rest is easy. You’ll spend your time soaking in the onsen and enjoying the food, not stressing over details.