Japanese Inn & Kaiseki Cuisine: The Ryokan Stay Experience

A Traditional Japanese Inn stay can be the highlight of any trip to Japan, and this comprehensive tour of 13 hot spring towns will give you a complete picture of what to expect during a stay. From the tatami room to the kitchen and dining room, this is the story of the Ryokan.
After 20 years living in Japan, a Ryokan stay is the most authentic experience one can have traveling the country and Fukushima, Japan's third largest prefecture, is famous for that countryside charm and service found around its mountains. It's only a 75 minute Shinkansen train ride from Tokyo making it an ideal getaway from more crowded spots like Nikko and Hakone. In this video, you will see exactly what you will get from start to finish.
As Japan moves closer to the 2020 Olympics, services are catering more to international visitors and these hotels featured are all accommodating and friendly places, staff learning English to communicate with people from around the world.
▶︎ What is Kaiseki Ryori / Cuisine?
It's a traditional Japanese dinner with many courses including a starter, soup, side items, main course and dessert.
★ Sashimi / Sushi
★ Sukiyaki
★ Yakiniku
★ Tempura
★ Miso Soup
It's all here, and it's all prepared with local ingredients of the season, always freshly made in the kitchen.
▶︎ How much is a night at a Ryokan / Traditional Japanese Inn?
It is usually charged by the person instead of the room because it includes 2 meals, dinner and breakfast. On average, I have spent between 12,000 yen ($100) to 22,000 ($180) per person for a night and here is why it is worth it.
Of all the experiences you will have in Japan, this will be the one you remember the most, dressing in a cotton kimono (yukata) to walk down to dinner, bathing outdoors in a hot spring in the snow, extraordinary Japanese service, amazingly beautiful meals ... you're paying for an experience not just a stay.
Check out the special Onsen Hot Spring Bath Guide here
• Japanese Onsen Bath Ex...
Here are the 13 places featured in this series:
☆ Sahako no yu public bath house www.iwakicity-park.or.jp/sahako/
☆ Shintsuta www.japanican.com/en/hotel/de...
☆ Hana no yu www.hotelhananoyu.jp/
☆ Urabandai Grandeco Tokyu Hotel www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/en/ho...
☆ Yamagataya Ryokan www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/en/ho...
☆ Kawachi Ryokan www.kawachiya-gr.jp/hotel/
☆ Hanakanzashi www.japanican.com/en/hotel/de...
☆ Tamago yu www.tamagoyu.net/
☆ Hotel Sansuiso www.sansuiso.jp/
☆ Sabakoyu www.fckk.co.jp/onsen/?page_id=5
☆ Ryokan Harataki www.yumeguri.co.jp/en/
☆ Ookawaso www.ookawaso.co.jp/en/
☆ Toryukan travel.rakuten.com/hotel/Japa...
☆ Iwaburo www.kanko-aizu.com/higaeri/3116/
Music Credit:
Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Sideways Samba by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
All business inquiries :[e-mail]
We at WAO-RYU! ONLY in JAPAN will continue to introduce the amazing Japanese food and tradition through the eyes of foreigners in high-quality documentaries.
Many great things about Japan, which even Japanese people didn't know are introduced
Thank you very much for your continuous support!
WAO-RYU! ONLY in JAPANでは外国人の視点でアメイジングな日本の歴史や食べ物などをハイクオリティーなドキュメンタリーで紹介し、
日本も知らない日本の魅力を伝えていきます。
みなさまの応援よろしくお願いします。
【ビジネス関連のお問い合わせは　[e-mail]へ】

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Have you ever stayed in a ryokan? What did you think? Is it better than the typical hotel? Would you sleep on a futon on the floor in a tatami room? Share your experience and thoughts with me below! -John

[@ZestraX]

ONLY in JAPAN would love to travel to Japan one day and do all this stuff.

[@steventhomas5380]

HI JOHN TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY I'M 33 YEARS OLD!

[@blazingroseninja9574]

ZestraX I couldn't have said it better myself. 🙂

[@davidkelly132]

Do you have to reserve hotel room before going there? Or can you do it when you arrive? How is this overall in Japan? Always book before going or just wander around and ask if they have a room?

[@rzmin5456]

ONLY in JAPAN Are you sure is it safe to go to Fukushima, even with all those radiation theories? I also really don't want to believe it but it still concerns me

[@user-oh2cv6iw6t]

I'm from Fukushima and I'd like to send sincere gratitude to you. I got great impression from your exquisitely prepared video...I'm happy to this warm situation that everybody can know beautiful parts of Fukushima in KZbin. Thank you for such wonderful introduction of our homeland to world.

[@evaisthisiaeclaire6365]

Hi, I'm from Tottori.

[@modshroom]

sucks about america nuking you, u should get revenge

[@diosmuertos6662]

@@modshroom that was really inappropriate. If you have nothing nice to say then do not say anything at all.

[@takahirouchida1421]

Dude, exactly I avoid going there because there is severe radiation there.

[@abdulnazef6293]

The place is Heavenly,Lucky you!!!

[@emperoroftheknownuniverse3475]

This channel is THE BEST guide to Japan.

[@uncannycerebro]

Him and Abroad Japan are my two Japan guides, it's def on my bucket list to go see.

[@erikbahena2825]

No doubt. John Daub 's videos are really cool ❕ I also enjoy "Sharla in Japan" and "Tokyo Drew" .

[@how3080]

i think so

[@-F4K3-]

Sounds strange, but one of the main reasons I like Japan is the architecture and buildings. Cozy small but tidy spaces just make me feel happy for unknown reasons. Anyone else?

[@ricj9594]

anyone else? duuuuh!!

[@medicysgr]

Japanese architecture is a projection of their religion and beliefs . Chtistianism is all about huge concrete temples and prists covered with gold.

[@watchingkungfupanda2291]

Yes also the simplicity 😊

[@rarefishenjoyer]

Im gonna be honest i have like a wierd curiosity and love for things from old japan. The architecture and the way everything looks is just such a nice sight. I really like the culture too. Very intriguing topic and i love learning about it all!

[@daywalker3735]

Absolutely

[@missbeebs2595]

I am from Australia, last year in November, my daughter and I stayed at Ookawaso onsen. It was amazing. The architecture of the building is so beautiful with all the timber and the running water through the lounge and lobby. The kyseki meals were amazing and almost too much to eat. Our server was the most wonderful host, always happy and excited to practice her English with us. I hope to go back some day. The reason we went to Ookawaso was because of this video. Thank you John.

[@user-qk9pq6xc5d]

福島を紹介していただき、ありがとうございます！故郷のことが多くの人に知ってもらえて嬉しいです。

[@truongdang4210]

It is so fantastic. I love Japan 🇯🇵, hope to visit this wonderful country in the near future.

[@n0isyturtle]

6:30 holy crow, I need one of those decanters in my life! chilled drinks without watering them down, yes please.

[@theprophetoftruth6080]

Thank you for continuing to make content for this channel. The production quality is so high that these videos could very easily pass for something that would air on TV, but instead it’s available for all of us on the internet to watch for free. Your videos give viewers a very nice insight into Japan. Keep up the good work, John.

[@ve-viewer]

As always, John, that's a super fascinating video and the quality is extremely great. Well done and thanks! Big hi from Russia.

[@pitabashaacharya4178]

Tsuchiyu Onsen (4:05) looks like those fairy tale kingdoms.

[@daywalker3735]

It really does

[@trevorpescud6050]

Thanks John for another excellent video. My family and I literally just returned to Tokyo from a two day trip to Takaragawa Onsen as a result of one of your earlier video’s. It was our first ever Onsen experience which the whole family thoroughly enjoyed. My wife and two girls liked the fact that they could wear the brown bathing dress, thus assisting their assimilation to public bathing. We often found after 5pm we had the whole Onsen to ourselves as you said in your video and to make the experience even more memorable it snowed on us while we were in the outdoor bath, just like in your Takaragawa video. This new video and the fact we loved the stay and the Kaiseki dining means we will look to Fukushima for our next trip. Thanks for your wonderful expansion of our minds and suggestions.

[@emanvad3rll]

3:05 Is pure #awesomeness - I wish more hotels would design similar aesthetics, preferably in Tokyo

[@93hothead]

G.P.Architektur und Innenraume A.G. that would be impossible because main cities have too much buildings to have a big hotel with all these facilities

[@insanetacocat7077]

I love how you review the Japanese culture and customs without disrespect or ridicule

[@BigTripToJapan]

Traditional Japanese hotels are awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@SilkyC]

This place is simply beautiful!! This is definitely somewhere I would love to stay, and experience!! And that areal view....spectacular! The food looks incredible!!! Man This video had me so jealous! One of these days...one of these days I will get to visit this beautiful country!

[@DeboraCSimao]

Another amazing episode John! I'm so grateful for the time and effort you put into each one of them! Thanks for sharing this experience with us!

[@_2D_]

Wonderful episode John. The quality continues to rise with each new video! Going to a Ryokan is one of the highest things on my list when I’ll visit Japan.

[@rangers4076]

I searched for this ryokan, Fukushima "Hanakanzashi" . 1 night/ 1 person more as 300 dollar...

[@huy6952]

日本人の俺が観ても凄く見応えのある動画だな！いつも観てるけど一番良かったかも！笑 行きたくなってきた🙄 この旅館凄く高そう…💸💸

[@saveurital455]

ホントに高そう！

[@gbenz4174]

I adore, how the Japanese present their foods, with such respect for the ingredients, and harmonious balance .

[@sylviachen32]

I stayed at Kamigoten Ryokan in Wakayama. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The outdoor onsen was amazing and had stunning views of the stream. The futon was more comfortable than a bed and the kaiseki was delicious. Would do it again!

[@astr0kidz]

Wow I really want to go to Japan now

[@punchtheface]

you should, its a blast

[@alexandriatrenier7366]

Right?

[@RandomNexus]

Such lovely locations and wonderful places to stay while visiting. Such attention to detail! Thanks for sharing this!

[@micdrop-jh3pf]

I love the host's sense of delight and discovery. This show is fabulous! I've added ryokan to my bucket list!

[@MyRocx]

Wonderfully produced and makes me want to stay in a ryokan on my next visit.

[@tonyterril3049]

I loved this episode! Can't wait to visit one if I ever go to Japan. A quick side note, I was watching a 360 video you did in the past on my video game console and it allowed me to look around. I was thoroughly shocked and enjoyed the experience. :)

[@panda5onix]

love this episode! thank you so much! i'm going to take notes of all these ryokan for my next japan trip!

[@myfamilyandi6613]

Wow this was lovely!! Thank you for showing us all the wonderful sites of Japan!

[@XShadowPrincessXx]

The food looks amazing and all the ryokan look beautiful. Definitely want to stay at a ryokan whenever I get to go to Japan!

[@anthonylockwood1879]

The start of my morning is a cup of coffee and only in Japan...

[@PrincipeMamoru]

Love seeing all that good food ^^ looks like a lot of fun experiencing these unique places!

[@celesteheike6863]

I’ve just discovered your channel recently and it’s wonderful. I’m learning so much. Thank you! Your enthusiasm, smiles, and positivity truly make it special.

[@awesomejess]

I love to visit Japan 🇯🇵 Great place to travel and I get to visit to see my aunt and grandma. Great video John!

[@erickp3003]

My Niece, Samantha loves this channel!!

[@MrWade-kf7su]

You captured some spectacular aerial views and colorful scenes of Japan. Great episode as always. Thumbs up!

[@maxque2841]

John, you give us all a chance to live vicariously through your videos. A big thank you from CA! You're giving me so many ideas for when I finally make it across the Pacific.

[@crystalkittykat3581]

Your videos of Japanese culture is so relaxing. ❤️

[@dernayro]

I LOVE your professional style! With interviews and background-informations, keep it up ;-)

[@cc-nb8om]

Stunning, comfortable, I have always been curious about this and I finally get to see it, truly beautiful

[@johnradke1345]

I have always enjoyed and learned from your videos. please keep them coming!!! my whole family watches them ALL... keep showing us these beautiful things

[@mirelaanghel2914]

Another Discovery Channel worthy episode. Congratulation!

[@raquelmay5817]

Very nice episode John me to been in Japan we stayed there for four years in sasebo my husband was in the navy. I love the culture the food and specially the people they are nice and very polite

[@merychung6776]

Thank you for the video. Very good choices. I stayed one time last year and I love it.

[@knocknockify]

Looks so serene and peaceful. I would love to be there, unwind and relax

[@helloworld5702]

I love ur videos John. They are much better than a television documentary .👍

[@hotangel7766]

I love this video. The japanese food is so delicious..

[@SilkyC]

What a beautiful inn and that Kaiseki cuisine...yummmm

[@halmedrano]

This is one of your best episodes, John. Informative, entertaining, and enticing!

[@vivalanina]

That shot of Tsuchiyu onsen in the winter might have been the most beautiful thing i've ever seen! DEFINITELY going on my bucket list! I need to see that in person!

[@oleksandrzubchenko210]

Wooden Ryokan looks awesome! And there are lots of salivation scenes (tasty meals!!!) in this video.

[@Saffrone221]

Your name is so russian it sounds japanese

[@oleksandrzubchenko210]

Actually, it's Ukrainian. :) But it's really sounds a little bit like Japanese. By the way, the 48th yokozuna Taiho Koki also has Ukrainian origin (his father was ethnic Ukrainian - Markiyan Boryshko).

[@Saffrone221]

Oleksandr Zubchenko its hard to distinguish Ukrainians in america. We call you guys russians here.

[@padprtasrt6858]

thanks John! Your videos are always an inspiration and my goal to work hard and visit Japan 1 day..!

[@wafacabriales]

This was amazing, thank you for sharing it with us, I love 6🍁🌿🍂🍃🌾

[@markmoran7944]

I've had a Kaiseki feast in L.A.'s "Little Tokyo" on New Year's Eve (traditional celebration on the New Year) from the reputed best Japanese sushi bar & restaurant, and it was outstanding-- at least 15 to 20 dishes! I would love to experience a Ryokan, they look so beautiful! This was a great video tour!

[@NIKHILDAY]

I love how the vlogger covers various facets of the Japanese food and culture. He makes an effort to visit various spots of the similar kind which provides great research value. I find it way better than the other globe trotting vloggers.

[@commentcopbadge6665]

Well he's been a permanent resident of Japan for over 20 years now. So he not only knows the country but is deeply immersed in it's culture also. He's not a vlogger that's only there for a couple weeks.

[@NIKHILDAY]

@@commentcopbadge6665 Great to know that :)

[@malakangel9322]

Wow so gorgeous getaway! I will certainly go there one day! Thank u for sharing this

[@maceycornell]

so special the airial view is killing it

[@musashiyamato8917]

日本の色んなことを紹介していただいてありがとうございます。 英語は分かりませんが、いつも楽しみに観ています。

[@user-xz8my2ht5u]

PCの場合だと画面右下にある設定（歯車のアイコン）をクリックしていただいて「字幕」→「日本語」を選ぶと日本語訳が出ますぜ。 スマホからでも出せるはずですが、僕ガラケなのでやり方分かりません。

[@musashiyamato8917]

歯車のアイコンをクリックして、日本語を選んだら日本語字幕が出たWWWWW 俺は今まで何をやってたんだWWWWW　この感動をどう表現すれば？？ 感謝、　感謝！！

[@user-xz8my2ht5u]

ゆーても、翻訳したのは私ら有志なので時々間違ってるかもしれません。ジョンさんは承認してくれてるだけです。 こちらは拙訳になります。

[@legaciestr]

Loving the frequent uploads! The work you put in this channel is really amazing man, keep it up!!

[@bluegypsydoll]

Wow. Its all so beautiful and looks like peaceful, savory experiences😻

[@rafidhassanoney4007]

This is just magnificent!

[@tonysmith9562]

This Channel Is Awesome! Like Therapy, And Informative.

[@firestar1728]

Each ryokan looks so luxurious and as for the food, I'm sold. Wonderful places to relax and unwind, think I better book into a couple on my visit. Once again the drone footage is stunning, another great shot of why Japan is so wonderful!

[@JCXP123]

Aww i didn't want this video to end. Every place was so beautiful! I can only imagine how much more beautiful all the places were in person! Great job, John!

[@johnradke1345]

I have always enjoyed and learned from your videos. please keep them coming!!! my whole family watches them ALL... keep showing us these beautiful things/places!!!

[@katovara]

One of the best episodes ever. Great job John!🙂

[@k.stokyo6100]

日本語字幕つけてくれてありがとうございます！！！

[@stellaproductions1493]

Oh I cannot wait to try this wonderful experience!!! This video is excellent!! Thank you John~~ I love how you do these!

[@JennyverseLive]

This and the onsen video have made me genuinely happy. Thank you!!

[@raoufdouihech]

heyy love your content ! can you do a video about osaka night life etc thanks !

[@icebeam23860]

I really want to try this!

[@aksharsinha4640]

icebeam23860 me too

[@PuddingPop41]

This was the first OiJ video I watched and now I can't stop watching. Great channel, keep it up. You rock!

[@gtowaru]

What a great episode, i really appreciate the time, effort, and thought put into these videos.

[@legaciestr]

Regular uploads? LIFE IS GREAT!

[@nullei]

Tekel Records Turkey, Inc. ol

[@thedotorofpeper4115]

do you have a new episode schedule or something this is like the 4th episode this month ususally we get 1-2

[@jollyroger1574]

The Japanese aesthetic in food, surroundings, and spaces is simply above all else. The simplicity is masterful.

[@suki2234]

Add to bucket list when I visit there 2020 ❤️🙏🏽 thank John for amazing episode

[@ivysaurlovesyou]

I'm visiting Japan for my honeymoon soon and I would love to stay at Hanakanzashi Onsen but I'm worried that it might be difficult since we don't speak Japanese. Do you think it would be possible for people who don't speak Japanese to get there by train and stay at the onsen? I'm just worried that we might not be able to communicate adequately with the staff. Thanks in advance :)

[@momotsukino6441]

Urayamashi...

[@douglasfreer]

I want to visit Japan so much one day. Everything I see in Japan videos, and even in the shows like Super Sentai, gives me ideas of something to do while there.

[@joeweng6189]

Wow...lovely food! it's a must go place really!

[@kurtcriscione316]

Hi John, with the room with the private onsen you mentioned good for the "shy or those with tattoos"... is there a stigma to having tattoos? Like would you be barred entry to an onsen for having them?

[@TearLilyd]

Kurt Criscione I remember one of the other youtubers (a couple) who live there have tattoos and said some are now allowing tattoos but most dont because its thought to be related to gangs

[@lisakhan5727]

Gang? You guys mean Yakuza? You know the famous gangster in Japan. All of them have tattoos right?

[@Abigailana12]

J G it was a question, no need to be hateful.

[@zenldh]

in japan tattoo bore a stigma of gang member known as yakuza or bad people. Despite metal and rock band members in Japan also wearing tattoo XDDDD

[@zenldh]

and yup. some bath houses didn't allow ppl with tattoo to enter.

[@huss1205]

Life is good in the best country on earth...

[@mzahmie]

huss1205 it has ups and downs but i agree with you 😊

[@huss1205]

I live in Sweden, awesome place, but the care for details found in Japan is on another level, no other country can compete with them. I stayed for 9 months in Tokyo back in 2003, from train stations, to restaurants to government offices to private sector, is just something unbelievable...

[@mugensamurai]

This is so beautiful.

[@ArkadyRenko1]

The content is so simple, to the point and very very informative. 👍

[@kimmer400]

Just curious, such fancy cuisine at ryokans but you are using disposable chopsticks?

[@kishimotomiru6274]

For meals that could be slippery like this one people prefer to use disposable chopsticks because wood is a little less slippery so that’s why we use disposable chopsticks in these cases

[@gewglesux]

Aint gonna lie... i'm good with Chop sticks. When i see the slippery kind i get nervous..

[@lebon5209]

The slogan from the prefecture Fukushima :" You came as a stranger and leave us as Radioactive-Man!"( i am just joking :) it looks so great but i would be scared to go there! I love japan.It´s a great country with great people!

[@blondebabymetal1033]

Thank you for the video but I cannot watch it John with all the music you have added this sort of show does not need any

[@jackcampbell1207]

“people with tattoos”? Is it not appropriate for people with tattoos to show them in a public setting like that?

[@nst.pierre9800]

In Japan it is inappropriate. It's very rare for anyone other than yakuza to have tattoos in Japan. They relate tattoos with criminals. So at onsen people with tattoos aren't allowed.

[@thunderov3917]

@@nst.pierre9800 lol what...damn..i will need to give up my plan of having tattoo or going to Japan..i dont want locals there mistaking me for a delinquent :(

[@angelos7797]

one of the best episode

[@user-gv6hj4bg3i]

Fukushima radiation area is only part of coast now.Dont worry, visiting Fukushima Ryokan.its safety. from japan.

[@NoshAbroad]

I wonder if there are any easter eggs in this video?

[@michaelnichols4862]

Guess we'll know if it gets taken down

[@altitudes00]

Easter eggs? What did I miss in the other videos?

[@BenjiSun]

John hid Toby under his yukata. =P

[@NoshAbroad]

it was only a joke, chill

[@mocroborsato1060]

Boj it's 22 January, ofcourse there are no easter eggs

[@DukeTogo505]

Another great video. I need to visit Japan.

[@thezapata80]

I notice that your videos keep getting better. Quality is top notch and it’s always entertaining as usual. For some reason your Japanese videos always make me feel good, like I’m being transported to Japan. Keep up the good work!! 😀😀

[@sebastianehlert1235]

I really have to say thank you! Your work is amazing as always..I'll visit Japan in April and your videos helped a lot planning this trip. So thanks man!

[@iansiegel3094]

This is a great video. one of my favorite channels now

[@jakelee3321]

Thank you very much for your videos!!! I love them very much.

[@corpseteen6514]

I loved the look of Okawaso! Huge, wide open space that seemed very inviting.

[@111Thesniper]

wow so much effort put in this video!! great job now im seriously thinking of visiting japan next summer i cant wait

[@johnboy384]

Wow! These places look like beautiful places to visit. Thanks for the content John.

[@skywatcher651]

Great video. Thank you Must bring my family there for a vacation.