Ryokan vs Hotel: What’s the Difference?

Planning a trip to Japan? Read this guide on ryokan vs hotel in Japan to learn the differences and decide which stay is right for you.

When you plan a trip to Japan, one big question comes up fast: should you book a hotel or try a ryokan?

At first, they sound like the same thing. Both give you a room for the night, a place to sleep, and maybe a good meal. But that’s where the similarities end.

So which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look so you know what to expect and tips.

Ryokan vs Hotel: Overview

What is a ryokan?

A ryokan is Japan’s version of a traditional inn, and staying in one is more about the experience than the room.

You’ll find them in onsen towns, countryside villages, and historic districts, often run by families who’ve kept the place going for generations.

The idea is simple: slow down and be looked after. From the way you’re welcomed to the way meals are served, everything feels tied to Japanese culture and hospitality.

What is a Japanese hotel?

Hotels in Japan cover everything from compact business hotels near train stations to luxury towers with sweeping city views.

They’re built for convenience. You check in, unpack, and head straight out to explore. Some are basic and practical, others come with stylish lobbies and long lists of amenities.

The vibe is familiar if you’ve stayed in hotels elsewhere. You get privacy, flexibility, and a place to recharge without any rituals.

Japanese Ryokan vs hotel: side-by-side comparison

Room design and bedding

When you walk into a ryokan room, you notice right away that it feels different.

Tatami mats under your feet, sliding doors instead of heavy ones, and futons rolled out at night. In the morning they’re packed away so you can use the space again.

I think this setup makes the room feel flexible, almost like it changes with your day.

Some ryokans now offer Western style rooms with beds, but futons on tatami are still the classic choice if you want the full ryokan experience.

A hotel room in Japan feels more familiar. You get a bed, a desk, a closet, and blackout curtains.

Some hotels do offer Japanese style rooms with tatami mats or low furniture, but they’re more like themed add-ons. They don’t have the same atmosphere or immersive Japanese culture as a ryokan, because the rest of the property still feels like a regular hotel. If you like predictability, hotels win here.

Meals and dining style

Meals are one of the biggest things that separate a ryokan from a hotel.

In a ryokan, dinner and breakfast are usually included. You don’t have to plan where to eat or what to order.

Dinner often comes as a kaiseki meal, with small seasonal dishes brought one after another. Breakfast is just as thoughtful, with rice, fish, and local side dishes.

Hotels give you more choices. You might grab a buffet breakfast, order from a café downstairs, or skip the meal completely and head out.

I like how hotels let you decide, but if you want food to be part of the stay itself, ryokans do it better.

Baths and wellness

Bathing is at the heart of a ryokan stay. Many have onsen hot springs or large communal baths. Some ryokans even have private outdoor baths where you can unwind in peace.

In a hotel, the bath is just a bathroom. You get a shower and maybe a tub in your room. Larger hotels might have a spa or small communal bath, but it’s more of an extra than the focus.

If all you want is a quick shower, hotels are easier. If you want bathing to be part of the trip itself, a ryokan gives you that.

Price and what’s included

Here’s something you’ll notice right away: ryokans usually charge per person, not per room. The rate almost always covers dinner and breakfast, so when you see the price, don’t panic.

Hotels flip that around. You pay per room, and meals are optional. The room rate might look cheaper at first, but then you end up buying dinner somewhere else and maybe adding a buffet breakfast.

By the end of the stay, the total can be closer than you’d expect.

Service style and etiquette

The service in a ryokan feels different from the start. You’re greeted at the entrance, shown to your room, and the staff explains little things like where to wear slippers or how to use the onsen.

Hotels are more hands-off. You check in, grab your key, and head to your room. Staff are polite and helpful, but they don’t walk you through every detail.

If you like independence, you’ll probably find the hotel style easier. If you enjoy cultural touches, the ryokan style has more to offer.

Check-in timing and house rules

Ryokans run on a schedule, and dinner sets the pace. You usually check in earlier in the afternoon so you’ve got time to settle before eating. Meals often start around six or seven.

If you arrive too late, you might miss out, and that’s half your ryokan experience gone. I always tell people: plan to arrive on time so you can enjoy it properly.

Hotels don’t work that way. Many have 24-hour desks, and you can roll in at midnight without a problem. Nobody is waiting on you, and you don’t have to worry about missing dinner.

If you like staying out late or moving at your own speed, hotels make life easier.

Should you stay in a ryokan or a hotel in Japan?

A traditional Japanese inn is the better choice if you want culture, slow evenings, and the feeling of being looked after.

You’ll enjoy the tatami rooms, the meals that arrive like an event, and the onsen baths that make you forget the outside world. Even one night can feel like a highlight of your trip.

Japanese hotels fit a different type of traveler. If you’re in Japan for city hopping, late nights, or business, you’ll probably prefer the independence. You can check in late, eat whenever you want, and move at your own pace.

I think the sweet spot is to do both: hotels for convenience, ryokans for memory.

How to book your ryokan and hotel stay

Booking works a little differently, too. Hotels in Japan are easy to find on sites like Booking.com or Agoda. You pick a room, add breakfast if you want it, and you’re done.

Ryokans often appear on the same platforms, but the listings can look confusing. Prices are per person, and you’ll see plans with dinner and breakfast included.

Sometimes the best photos and room details are only on the ryokan’s own website, or on sites like Rakuten Travel.

I usually recommend checking both before you decide, since meal plans and private bath options can vary a lot.

Where is the best place to stay: ryokan or hotel?

Where a ryokan shines:

• Hakone – An easy trip from Tokyo with mountain views and onsen baths. I always think it’s the best first ryokan spot.
• Kinosaki Onsen – You get to wander the town in a yukata, dipping into seven different bathhouses. It feels like stepping back in time.
• Kyoto – Stay in a ryokan near temples or rivers, and suddenly sightseeing feels slower and more meaningful.
• Yufuin – A countryside escape in Kyushu. If you want quiet views and private outdoor baths, this is where you’ll find them.

Where a hotel works best:

• Tokyo – Near Shinjuku, Ginza, or Tokyo Station if you want transport, shopping, and nightlife at your doorstep.
• Osaka – Perfect for food-hopping and late nights, with hotels right by Umeda or Namba.
• Kyoto city center – Handy when you want to sightsee all day and come back late without worrying about meal times.

What should you know before booking

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between a hotel and ryokan in Japan:

• Kids – Some ryokans are family-friendly, others prefer a quiet atmosphere. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to check ahead.
• Tattoos – Rules vary. Some ryokans don’t mind, others still ask you to use a private bath. I’d always check the policy before booking.
• Meals – In a ryokan you don’t order from a menu, you eat what’s prepared. If you have allergies or strong dislikes, mention it when you book. Hotels are easier if you want full freedom.
• Accessibility – Ryokans can be in older buildings with stairs and no elevators. Hotels are usually better if you need easy access.
• Language – Big ryokans and hotels often have English-speaking staff, but smaller inns may not. Honestly though, you’ll get by with a smile and some pointing.