Aryokan (旅館)[a] is a type of traditionalJapaneseinn that typically featurestatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wearnemaki and talk with the owner.[1] Ryokan have existed since the eighth century A.D. during theKeiun period, which is when the oldest hotel in the world,Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, was created in 705 A.D. Another old ryokan calledHōshi Ryokan was founded in 718 A.D. and was also known as the world's second-oldest hotel. Such inns also served travelers along Japan'shighways.
Ryokan are hard to find inTokyo and other large cities because many are often much more expensive compared with modern hotels and hostels. Although hotels have become standard in Japanese urban tourism, some major cities do offer ryokan with competitive rates. Traditional ryokan are more commonly found in areas with natural hot springs,[2][3] and in recent years, many ryokan have been redeveloped to their original style, particularly by resort chainsHoshino Resorts, whose first ryokan opened inKaruizawa in 1914.[4]
A typical ryokan has a relatively large entrance hall, with couches and chairs where guests can sit and talk; a modernized ryokan often has atelevision in the hall as well. Guest rooms are constructed usingtraditional Japanese methods: flooring istatami, and doors aresliding doors. Even if the inn uses hinged doors for security, it usually opens into a small entranceway where guests can take off their shoes before stepping onto the tatami floor, which would be separated by a sliding door. Many ryokan rooms also feature aporch orbalcony, also set off with a sliding door.
Almost all ryokan feature common bathing areas orofuro, usually segregated by gender, using the water from a hot spring (onsen) if any are nearby. Areas with naturalhot springs tend to attract high concentrations of ryokan. High-end ryokan may provide private bathing facilities as well. Typically ryokan provide guests with ayukata to wear; they might also have games such astable tennis, and possiblygeta that visitors can borrow for strolls outside.
Bedding is afuton spread out on the tatami floor. When guests first enter their room, they usually find a table and some supplies for making tea. The table is also used for meals when guests take them in their room. While guests are out, staff (usually callednakai) will move the table aside and set out the futon.
Most ryokan offer dinner and breakfast, which are often included in the price of the room. Most visitors take their meals at the ryokan, which usually promote themselves on the quality of their food. Meals typically consist of traditionalJapanese cuisine known askaiseki, which features seasonal and regional specialties.Kaiseki originally referred to light meals served during a tea ceremony, and today refers to a meal consisting of a number of small, varied dishes. Some ryokan instead serve local specialties such asbasashi or food cooked in anirori hearth. So that each dish can be enjoyed at the proper temperature, ryokan stress that guests should be punctual for their meals. For this reason, most ryokan ask guests to confirm the time they want to take their meals.
Some ryokan have a communal dining area, but most serve meals in the guests' rooms. Ryokan that are likely to serve non-Japanese guests may also have a selection of Western food.
Minshuku (民宿) are a low-budget version of ryokan, roughly equivalent to a Britishboarding house or abed and breakfast. The facilities are similar to a hotel or may simply consist of spare rooms in a family home. Minshuku often serve as the only type of accommodation in towns or villages too small to warrant a dedicated hotel or ryokan. The overall experience is much the same, but the food is simpler, dining may be optional and is often communal, rooms usually lack a private toilet, and guests may have to lay out their own bedding.
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