Ryokan Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts You Should Know

Planning your ryokan stay in Japan? This guide covers the essential ryokan etiquette you’ll need!

Staying in a ryokan is one of the best ways to experience Japan. But it’s not quite like checking into a hotel. There are traditions to follow, and if you know the basics before you go, your stay will feel a lot smoother.

In this travel guide, I’ll walk you through the main do’s and don’ts so you can feel relaxed, avoid awkward moments, and get the most out of your stay.

Why is ryokan etiquette important

A ryokan isn’t just somewhere to crash for the night. It’s part of Japanese culture, shaped by omotenashi, that thoughtful style of hospitality you’ll notice all over Japan.

When you know the etiquette, your stay feels completely different. You relax more, the staff feel appreciated, and the whole rhythm of the place makes sense.

Instead of second-guessing yourself, you can just enjoy it. And that’s when a ryokan becomes the highlight of your trip.

Ryokan etiquette do’s and don’ts

Shoes and slippers

The first thing you’ll do in a ryokan is take your shoes off.

I always find it feels like the moment the stay really begins. Once you’ve slipped into the guest slippers, everything slows down. Those slippers are fine for hallways and wooden floors, but not for tatami.

On the mats, it’s socks or bare feet. And in bathrooms, you swap into the toilet slippers waiting there.

Tatami and sliding doors

Tatami mats are part of the charm, but they’re delicate. I always carry my bag instead of dragging it, and avoid putting heavy luggage directly on the floor.

Sliding doors are another detail worth noticing. They glide easily, so you move them with a light touch.

Yukata etiquette

Most traditional Japanese inns provide a yukata robe, and you’re meant to wear it.

You can walk around the inn in it or sit down to dinner. Just make sure the left side goes over the right, since the opposite is only for funerals.

Onsen rules

The onsen is usually the highlight of a ryokan stay, and I always think the routine around it is part of the charm.

You rinse off at the showers before stepping in, then settle into the bath quietly with everyone else. In a Japanese onsen bath, you can’t use swimsuits, and your small towel stays outside the water.

With tattoos, I’ve found it depends on the inn. Some are strict, others are relaxed or have private baths you can book. Onsen towns like Kinosaki onsen will have more options for you!

Meals and dining

Ryokan meals feel more like an experience than just dinner. I never rush them, because they’re carefully prepared and served at a set time. Arriving on time means you taste everything as it was meant to be.

Before eating, people say itadakimasu, and when you finish, gochisō sama deshita.

Chopsticks have their own manners too: no sticking them upright in rice, no pointing with them, and no passing food from one set to another.

General manners

What impresses me most about a ryokan is its calm. Hallways stay quiet, shared spaces feel restful, and check-out happens smoothly so ryokan staff can prepare for the next guests.

I’ve noticed that a simple thank you, even just a slight bow when you leave, is all it takes to show you appreciate the hospitality.

Final thoughts

Staying in a ryokan is one of the best parts of traveling in Japan.

The ryokan etiquette can feel like a lot when you first read about it, but once you’re there it makes sense. Shoes come off, meals have their own timing, the onsen has its routine.

I always think these little customs are what make a ryokan different from any hotel.

If you keep a few of the do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll feel more comfortable and the staff will notice your effort. Most of all, you’ll get to enjoy what makes a ryokan special!