If you want to feel the old, feudal Japan consider staying at a ryokan. It is a traditional inn that has not changed their way of serving guests, including the look of its architecture since the Edo period. Staying at a ryokan is an entirely different experience compared to staying at a B&B or hotels. For newcomers, the look and feel of a ryokan can be intimidating because it involves a set of complex customs, etiquette and procedures but in reality all guests have had a lot of enjoyable experience in the ryokan.
- By the time you arrive at the ryokan, the staff will be there to greet you. You need to take your shoes off and use the slippers provided at the entrance of the lobby. Just leave the shoes where you have taken it off as the staff will take care of it.
- A number of ryokans will assign an attendant for you. The attendant will be the one to take care of almost everything such as checking you in, bringing your meals to your room, tidying or arranging your room and assist in checking you out.
- Expect your attendant not to speak fluent English. This is why it is important to learn basic Japanese or you can still use broken phrases of Japanese added with body language.
- Most of the time the staff will lead you to a chair to sit down at the lobby or they will directly lead you to your room. You do not have to stand at the front desk to wait for the process to complete.
- You will be asked to fill up your basic information into a guest card that will be provided to you. It is required by local laws to provide a photocopy of your passport.
- You are going to be asked when you are available for breakfast and dinner. Most cases they are served either early or earlier.
- Tipping is not customary in a ryokan, or even throughout Japan. Service fees are already included in your pay. Still, there are guests that tip ryokans, which at times is acceptable but you will need to give your tip during check in. General tip is 1000 yen per guest.
You should remember that a ryokan functions differently from modern hotel. Also expect that ryokans are more pricey compared to hotels because of the elaborate kaiseki meals they offer to their guests.