Ryokan Inn

Staying at a ryokan means that the room and (sometimes) the entire building is Japanese. So you sleep on a futon on a tatami floor. Ryokans usually include meals in their rates, but some places allow you to choose only breakfast or no meals. In beautiful places you get your meal served in your room which is a great experience. Traditionally, even luxury ryokan have only regular bathtubs, but today, many ryokan have separate bathtubs and bathrooms.

You've probably seen pictures of ryokan. These are often images of upscale ryokan, which are traditional wooden buildings with beautiful gardens. Kyoto's upscale ryokan are excellent examples of such ryokan. However, most mid-range and budget ryokan are actually built inside modern buildings that look like hotels from the outside: Only the service and rooms are traditionally Japanese.

Staying in a ryokan is a bit different than staying in a hotel. First, you take off your shoes in the lobby (usually where you step up from the ground into the lobby area). Next, you're directed to your room, and you'll be served a cup of tea and a traditional cake or cookie. If it's already dark, you'll change into the yukata (light robe) that the ryokan provides. At a nice venue, you'll be served dinner in your room, otherwise, you'll dine in the common room with other guests, or in a restaurant. After dinner, you will shower in your own bathroom or in the shared bathhouse. While you are bathing, a maid will spread the mattress for you. Of course, many cheaper and more modern places can skip some or all of these steps and your stay will be like staying in a hotel - the only difference will be futons and tatami mats instead of tatami mats. bed and carpet.

For a general introduction to Kyoto ryokan at all prices, see https://www.insidekyoto.com/kyoto-ryokan

Find luxury ryokan : https://www.insidekyoto.com/2012/01/best-high-end-ryokan-in-kyoto.html