How to Choose a Ryokan: Complete Guide

Not sure how to choose a ryokan in Japan? This guide breaks down styles, baths, meals, and booking tips so you can find the perfect stay.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to stay in a ryokan in Japan? You’ve probably seen the photos: tatami mats, paper sliding doors, futons on the floor, maybe even a steaming outdoor onsen bath under the stars. It looks incredible, right?

The only tricky part is actually choosing one. There are ryokans everywhere in Japan, from tiny countryside inns to polished modern stays with Western-style rooms.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll explain what matters most so you can choose a ryokan that fits your trip.

When are you traveling to Japan?

I’d say timing is one of the biggest factors.

If you’re visiting Japan in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for the red maple leaves, you’re in for something special.

But so is everyone else. Ryokans in Kyoto, Hakone, or any famous onsen town book out fast, sometimes six months ahead. If you know your dates, book as early as you can.

If you’re more flexible, off-season can be just as rewarding. The pace is slower, meals feel less rushed, and the baths are often quieter.

I’ve stayed midweek in an onsen ryokan and noticed right away how calm everything felt compared to weekends. Even that small shift can make a big difference in your trip.

How many people are in your group?

If you’re traveling as a couple, you’re in luck. Most guest rooms are designed for two. Families have to be a bit more careful as some ryokans welcome kids, while others prefer a quiet atmosphere.

And if you’re traveling solo, the options shrink. Not every ryokan takes single guests, but some do. It just means you’ll have to look a little harder to find one that works.

Do you want traditional or modern ryokan?

I think this choice shapes your stay more than anything else. A traditional ryokan feels like stepping back in time: tatami floors, paper sliding doors, futons that staff roll out for you at night. It’s simple but deeply calming.

A modern ryokan keeps the tradition but mixes in comfort. You might have Western-style beds, large windows with mountain views, and sometimes even private onsen baths. If you’re worried about futons or aren’t sure about old-style rooms, a modern place might feel easier.

So here’s what I’d ask: Do you want full immersion in Japanese culture, or would you prefer something familiar with a Japanese touch? There’s no wrong answer; it’s just what fits you best.

How important are the baths to you?

For me, the baths are one of the best parts of staying in a ryokan.

Many ryokans are also onsen ryokans, which means the water comes straight from a natural hot spring. You might soak in a huge indoor bath, relax outside in a rotenburo under the sky, or even book a room with a private onsen if you want the space to yourself.

Not every ryokan has onsen water, though. Some places only have regular baths, and that might be fine if food or location is more important to you.

I’d say look closely at the details before you book. If you dream of soaking in a steaming outdoor bath, you’ll want to make sure the ryokan offers it.

What’s your ryokan budget?

The prices can surprise people at first. Ryokans usually charge per person, and the cost often includes dinner and breakfast. Once you remember you’re getting multi-course kaiseki meals along with your room, it starts to make sense.

• Budget ryokans: Around ¥10,000–¥20,000 per person. The rooms are simple, the baths are shared, but you still get good food.
• Mid-range ryokans: ¥20,000–¥40,000 per person. Expect seasonal kaiseki cuisine, elegant tatami guest rooms, and larger onsen baths.
• Luxury ryokans: ¥50,000 or more per person. This is where you’ll see private onsen baths, refined interiors, and meals that feel like fine dining.

I know the numbers can look steep, but when you add everything, a ryokan often gives better value than booking a hotel and eating out separately.

Do you prefer a big place or a small gem?

This really comes down to the kind of atmosphere you want. A small, family-run ryokan might have just a handful of rooms. It feels personal, quiet, and sometimes almost like you’re staying in someone’s home.

Larger ryokans can have dozens of rooms, with more facilities, bigger baths, and sometimes extras like spas or lounges.

I don’t think one is better than the other. If you like things cozy and intimate, I’d lean toward a small inn. If you’d rather have more choices and convenience, a larger ryokan might be a better fit.

Do you want city convenience or nature escape?

Location changes the whole mood of your Japan stay.

A ryokan in Kyoto or Tokyo means you’ll have temples, shops, and train stations right nearby. You can sightsee all day and then come back to a tatami room for dinner and a bath.

Ryokans in the countryside feel different. In Hakone, you get misty mountains and open-air onsen baths. Yufuin has wide valleys and views of Mount Yufu. Staying in one of these places slows you down in the best way. Meals, baths, and the setting all make the ryokan experience feel special.

So here’s the question I’d ask you: do you want easy access to attractions, or do you want to completely unplug? Both choices are worth it, but they give you two very different kinds of trips.

What practical needs should you check?

It’s easy to get caught up in the photos and forget the little details. But ryokans aren’t all the same, and a few things are worth checking before you book.

• Kids: Some ryokans welcome families, while others prefer adults only.
• Tattoos: Certain onsen baths still don’t allow them, though many ryokans now have private onsen baths you can reserve.
• Food: Meals are set menus, so if you have allergies or preferences, tell them when you book. Last-minute requests are tough.
• Accessibility: Older ryokans often have stairs but no elevators.
• Language: Bigger ryokans usually have English-speaking staff, but smaller inns might not. I’ve found that a smile and some pointing usually get you far.

I’d make a short checklist before booking, so you don’t get surprised when you arrive.

How far in advance should you book a ryokan?

If your trip lines up with cherry blossom season in spring or autumn leaves in November, ryokans in popular places like Kyoto and Hakone can book out months ahead. I’d say six months early is a safe bet if your dates are set.

For other times of the year, two to three months is usually fine. Weekdays are easier than weekends, especially in onsen towns where locals escape for short breaks.

Off-season can be even more relaxed. You might find last-minute deals if you’re flexible.

The smaller the ryokan, the quicker it fills. So if you like a particular inn, don’t wait too long.

How do you book a ryokan?

There are a few main ways to book a ryokan in Japan, and each has its perks:

• Booking.com or Agoda: Easy to use, lots of ryokan options, and good English support.
• Rakuten Travel: Popular in Japan, sometimes shows availability you won’t see elsewhere.
• Official websites: Often the most detailed info, and sometimes the best rooms or meal plans are only listed here.

No matter where you book, double-check the plan details. If something matters to you, make sure it’s clearly included before you confirm.

Checklist: How to choose a ryokan

Before you hit “book,” run through this quick list:

• Have you picked the right location (city convenience or countryside onsen town)?
• Did you check if the ryokan is traditional or modern, and which style you prefer?
• Are meals included, and do they work for your diet?
• Do you want shared baths, a private onsen, or no onsen at all?
• Does the ryokan accept kids, solo travelers, or tattoos (if that applies to you)?
• Is the budget within your range once you factor in per-person pricing?
• Have you booked early enough for your season (especially spring or autumn)?
• Did you look at both booking platforms and the ryokan’s own site?

If you’ve ticked all of these off, you’re set. Now you can relax, knowing your ryokan stay will be the highlight of your trip.

Before you go

Choosing the right ryokan is about matching it to your trip, not hunting for the “perfect” inn.

If you’re dreaming of mountain hot springs, look at Hakone or Kinosaki. For temples and tea houses, Kyoto and Kanazawa make more sense. And if you just want a quick taste of the ryokan experience, even Tokyo has a few in its neighborhoods.

Check out my guide to ryokan etiquette so you’ll feel confident when you arrive, or read up on what to wear in a ryokan if you’re curious about yukata and slippers. Still undecided between a traditional or modern ryokan? I’ve got a guide for that too.