A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. It has become a popular choice for people want to experience the traditional Japanese culture. Most Ryokans have an on-site public bath, also known as Onsen (Hot Spring). It was also the main reason why we decided to stay at a Ryokan, since soaking in an Onsen tab is so relaxing and therapeutic.
Ryokan is widely available in Japan, but if you want to find a Ryokan with natural hot springs, we suggest to look for a Ryokan that is further away from a major city.
As a foodie, Ryokan is also a must try experience. Why???
You got it…Great Food. Most Ryokans offer traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast as a package. Eating at a Ryokan is a very unique experience, most meals consist of traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine, also known as Kaiseki (please see part 2 of my post – coming soon).
For our first Ryokan experience, we stayed at Hakone-Ginyu Ryokan in Hakone. Hakone is a popular tourist destination due to its hot springs and nature surrounding. Hakone-Ginyu is up in the mountains and surrounded by breathtaking views of the nature. It is also not too far from Tokyo, it took us about half an hour by Shinkansen (speed train).
The Hakone-Ginyu offers a traditional Japanese accommodation with modern hotel features. All rooms have a private open air Onsen bath, which is a great way for shy people like us to enjoy the hot spring.
We were so excited for our first Ryokan stay…
Photo of the lobby. When we first arrived the Ryokan, we were greeted by a friendly hotel staff. She asked us to remove our shoes, and offered us to wear their slippers throughout the stay. Our shoes were stored away.
Our traditional Japanese room, it was very roomy.
The tatami room (straw-mat floor).
Dining area.
Shower room with a standing shower and a bath tab, toilet was in a separate room.
Nice backyard with outdoor furnitures and an outdoor Onsen stone bath tub. We can't wait to try the Onsen!!!
Hmmmmm something is missing…Where are the beds??? Hahaa don’t worry…the Tatami room is used as the living area and sleeping area. The server helped us to set up the Japanese futon bed on the tatami mat later that evening. The futon bed was surprising comfortable, we didn’t experience any back pain the next day…hahaaa.
Our room came with traditional Japanese outfit…yukata. We changed into the yukata and waited to have our dinner in the room. We checked in the Ryokan late, since I mixed up on the booking date, hahaaa luckily they were so accommodating. Tip: It is important to check-in the Ryokan before the reserved dinner-time, most Ryokans have a very straight rule, as the meal takes a long time to serve.
After our amazing dinner (please see part 2 - coming soon), we went to check out the Ryokan. It was already very late, so not many people in the public area. Not much to see and the open Onsen was already closed.
We went back to our room and enjoyed the private Onsen. We just love this private Onsen so much….but the hot spring was so hot, so we had to keep on going in and out of the Onsen....Hahaa .
The Onsen experience was even better in the morning: Soaking in a thermal Onsen while looking at the beautiful garden backyard. The ambience is so so calming and relaxing, what a great way to relief any stress.
After our very delicious Japanese breakfast, we spent more time exploring the Ryokan.
Let's check out the common area:
Balcony overlooking the Hakone mountains.
Garden area.
Relaxing spa area.
We visited the communal open Onsen bath, but we didn’t use it, since we felt weird to share a bath with strangers. General rules, you need to shower before you use an Onsen and wear anything into the water is not appropriate, is like you are dirtying the water.
Small souvenir shop.
Staying in a Ryokan was truly an unique way to experience the Japanese culture. We loved every minute of our stay. We felt like we had a romantic spa gateway.
Address:
100-1 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashikarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0404 Japan
Tip: I read that Ryokan might not be for everyone, so please do more research before your first stay. The experience was different from staying at a hotel.
If you are ok with them taking away your shoes, sleeping on a futon, eating Japanese traditional food and following Japanese bathing etiquette. Ryokan is something you should explore.