Helpful hints for staying at a ryokan; Ryokan Etiquette, Ryokan History, Ryokan do"s and don'ts

Ryokan Do’s and Don’ts

Choose your ryokan wisely by consulting several guidebooks and web sites, relying on a personal recommendation from a trusted friend, or by using a knowlegable travel agent
Time your stay during a segment of your itinerary that isn’t busy, so that you have ample time to enjoy the ryokan
Schedule your dinner at a normal time, between 7:00 and 8:00 pm
Wash your body thoroughly, rinsing all residue of soap, before soaking in the tub
Wear the slippers provided for you in the hallways. Always leave the slippers either outside the shoji doors of the room, or if you have a genkan, at floor level
Wear the geta wooden sandals provided for you when you take a walk in the garden or outside
Wear your yukata with the left side over the right side. (The other way is for corpses). When venturing in the public spaces, in the garden or even out in the neighborhood (especially in hot spring resort areas) it’s perfectly acceptable to wear your yukata
Give a small gift of cash to your attendant, preferably in an envelope, when you depart. Although tipping is not a normal custom in Japan, ryokans are an exception because of the personal attention received. She will probably refuse it out of politeness, but you should insist gently. Or, a gift from your home country is a nice way to thank her for taking care of you

DON’T

Stay at a ryokan if you don’t like Japanese food (unlikely, if you are reading this website!)
Leave too many uneaten dishes. It will cause the cook to worry
Wear slippers on tatami mats
Wear the designated toilet slippers in the hall
Be late for dinner. If you are delayed, call the ryokan, or your ryokan staff will be waiting for you
Make a reservation and then not show up. Most ryokan do not require a credit card when making a reservation. Please do not betray their trust
Stay at a ryokan if you are a single traveler. In most cases, ryokans do not accept single travelers because the charge is per person, not per room. It is not unusual for Japanese families to share a room, even with grown children. However, large parties are often accommodated in suites, where shoji screens provide privacy
Arrive with a large amount of luggage. If possible, keep your luggage at your hotel (if you will be returning) or send it onward to your next destination, and carry only an overnight bag. Ryokans do not have elevators, or carts for luggage. Rolling luggage cannot be used across tatami floors or on precious polished wood floors. You will feel embarrassed when your diminutive kimono-clad 60-year-old maid struggles with your heavy suitcase up and down stairs and long corridors to your room. Even if you insist, she will not let you touch it.


Passageway at Gora Kadan Ryokan, Hakone Photo: JNTO

There are many types of slippers and sandals, including these geta, which are used for the garden