MUST Watch Before Staying at Ryokan Hotels in Japan

One of the most exciting things about traveling to Japan is staying at the Ryokan hotels. Ryokan are Japan's traditional and unique hotel facilities, and staying there will enhance your journey in Japan. However, I’ve heard that some people are worried about the rules they may not know
about staying at a traditional facility.
So today, I’ll explain the 4 taboos that are best to avoid when you stay at Ryokan hotels. The 4 things will become more important toward the end, so please watch this video until the end. Although the title says “taboo,” it can be rephrased as “the four points to enjoy ryokan more.” I hope this video is useful for anyone planning on staying at a Ryokan, and if there is anything else you want to know more about, please let me know in the comments!
In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips on traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content!
*The content is based on personal studies and experience
There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects
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[@JoseGarcia-hl8th]

I appreciate how your videos cover topics not often shared by other people. I enjoy your channel and your perspective on tourism. Thank you.

[@FoxyfloofJumps]

I appreciate your phraosing. "4 points to more fully enjoy your stay." I like that. It's more to immerse as much as possible in the experience. It makes much more sense.

[@sleepymonsteraddict]

Every time I am sad I can't go to a public onsen because of my tattoos, I remember I would be too ashamed to be naked in a public bath. It seems really nice though that in Japan people can just be naked together in an onsen without judging others and while minding their own business. If such a concept were to exist in my country I am sure many people would be judgmental or people would not be respectful and give each other space.

[@yobgodababua1862]

My Japanese tattoo artist suggests just going to a Yakuza run Onsen, but when we were in Japan we went to a neighborhood Onsen they were very chill and nobody cared.

[@Miss_Wonderful1]

Same here. I have lots of tattoos but my the biggest issue would be to be naked among other people.

[@sleepymonsteraddict]

@@Miss_Wonderful1 If anything I need more tattoos so I feel covered xD

[@Miss_Wonderful1]

@@sleepymonsteraddict Indeed 😅

[@elnegrouno9352]

@@yobgodababua1862would love to go to anything yakuza owned they’re surprisingly bougie unless you disrespect them…

[@CadetRedShirt]

I am glad to know based on the last couple minutes that the atmosphere is that of a leisurely community with other guests instead of private like other hotels. That is the whole point of traveling: to experience different cultures and communities than your own! 🎉

[@Hypothic]

I stayed at the Fuji-Q Highland with my friends and very much enjoyed the Onsen experience. I didn't realize it was a Ryokan Hotel, I just assumed it was a regular Japanese style hotel but listening to the description here, I now realize it was Ryokan as we had a table on the floor and slept on the tatami mats. I thought Ryokan always has a private bath in the room or on the patio, which we didn't have but we had a great view of Mt. Fuji from our windows.

[@dryalga4000]

I (a Dutchman) stayed in a Ryokan in Hakone in April 2023. I don't believe I broke any taboo's, but I did not get to enjoy an onsen due to the ryokan only having shared communal ones and well...getting naked in front of complete strangers was a bridge too far for my father, brother and me. And while the food was delicious and I can handle chopsticks quite well, having to pick the meat from the bone of the fish was quite a challenge. And I am not a particular fan of fish...... And the futons were not really confortable either. So yeah the stay in the ryokan was for me less confortable then the stays in the hotels in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto. But that is just my experience and I'm sure for many people it is different.

[@DeanWelsh-q9n]

I've loved these videos, the advice and information is always so helpful,thank you so much

[@tomako3a]

I wish I watched this video before I went to onsen in Japan! Although I generally remembered the rules of showering before entering the bath, when I was actually there, I got so confused with the towels and everything. Definitely broke a few rules and got some side eyes 😬 One thing you didn't mention is that often the showers at these traditional bath places would be sitting showers, and some explicitly ask not to shower standing up (as to not splash your neighbors). I found it very relaxing and comforting to shower sitting down. However, I had hard time washing my private parts, because, well, I was sitting on them... and they're definitely the dirtiest.... I still don't know how to do it 🤷‍♀️

[@rebeccasjodal9769]

I remember when my family went to Japan and we decided to stay over night at a Ryokan Inn, me, my mom and my sister went to bathe during the evening like everyone else there, while dad decided to bathe early in the morning. Me, my sister and mom slept like three princesses and was happily enjoying the day in the village the day after, while dad became so sleepy that he yawned🥱 all the time🤣 Had he been bathing the night before like the rest of us, I'm sure he would've slept better

[@queerdor]

I had no idea about the no leftover food

[@Problemsolver434]

Sanji will love this place

[@ucbrightnoa]

A similar reasoning is why places like doughnut shops cannot donate the day’s leftovers to the homeless. One such person got sick or faked sickness just to sue. It was such a headache it ruined such a common sense act of charity for everyone.

[@hakubishin49]

ありがとうございます。That is very useful information. It is important to respect the owner's business.

[@TheForceBalancer]

This was very helpful and informative. Thank you

[@edankriss141]

Let’s Go Shogo!!!!! I still miss Kazu, but I am thankful for the delicate and nuanced perspective you share with us, Shogo!

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Shogo. You always explain everything in detail to help people to truly enjoy their stay in Japan to the fullest.

[@RlRmPd]

I wanted to stay in a Ryokan when I was in Japan last time, but never got to. I never would've known about these taboos though! But now I know thanks to your amazing work as always! Keep it up! We're always excited to see more from you!

[@kaltaron1284]

AFAIK there is an exception to the "no ryoukan yukata outside" rule if you're in a onsen town. I remember staying in one where there was an onsen associated with the ryoukan that was down the street. Don't recall the name right now unfortunately.

[@SmileyTrilobite]

I’ve been at bread-and-breakfast hotels in the US that are cooperative/community experiences where meals and some leisure areas are shared, like my stays at Japanese ryokan, but with no onsen.

[@five-toedslothbear4051]

Great to hear from you again! Yeah, I am actually kind of looking forward to the onsen. As a pretty hairy guy, I know I can’t avoid getting in the tub, but I can make sure that I scrub myself thoroughly and make sure that I’m absolutely clean and soap free before I enter. I could practice tying up my long hair, or actually I have considered getting a short haircut before I go to Japan.

[@Wolfwent79]

I'll so watch the heck out of your videos (again) when my travel to Japan is imminent (in about two years, I hope)

[@cloudlake]

I loved staying in a room with tatami. The tatami were new in our room and the scent was lovely!

[@LetsaskShogo]

⚔Learn Katana Martial Arts from Anywhere Worldwide with Let’s ask Shogo⚔ Sign up here: www.patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei I provide the perfect online lessons for anyone worldwide who wishes to dive into the world of katana martial arts through my style, Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu. I, Shogo, a student myself, will also participate in every lesson and interpret everything in English. 1. No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime 2. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime 3. You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style 4. You can receive official Dan ranks by taking exams online 👺Learn More About Noh Theatre from an Active Professional👺 We operate the best online community for a deeper understanding of the mysterious and enigmatic world of Noh theatre. You can learn about Japanese history and religion while regularly watching Isumi Sensei’s performances with my, Shogo's English interpretation. Sign up here: (Coming Soon) 🗡Where you can meet me in Kyoto, Japan | Yushinkan Samurai Training with Modern-day Musashi🗡 A 120-minute experience in Japan where beginners can learn how to wield, draw, sheath, and swing the katana from the modern-day Musashi! I, Shogo, will be your interpreter to lead you into the wonderful world of samurai martial arts! Make your reservation here: www.airbnb.com/experiences/4577764?locale=en A video of me visiting this experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6KldHR5aZetd68 💰Please support me through Ko-fi💰 ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo 🗡The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Iaido, Kendo, etc.): Tozando🗡 tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo Everything I use for my katana training is bought at this shop! I still use the first training katana I bought in 2016, and it is still in good shape! 🥷The recommended online katana shop for decorations and cosplay: Mini Katana🥷 minikatana.com/SHOGO *Get 15% OFF all their products by purchasing through my affiliate link ⭐Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?⭐ kzbin.infokZbyd0OfdC4 ⭐MY DREAM⭐ “To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in.” kzbin.infoWFF3AhN0LXE ⭐Instagram⭐ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）

[@ConversationswithaStaghornFer]

Very informative, thank you.

[@casualnerdjason6678]

I’m kind of glad that I chose to stay at a Tokyo hostel for foreigners when I visited. So many rules I didn’t know!

[@molybdomancer195]

I stayed a ryokan hotel with my daughter, son in law and grandson. When my daughter and I went to the women-only baths, my son in law explained all that stuff about the towels etc.

[@Hinatachan360]

Thank you for the information. It's been a long time since my family left Japan. Unfortunately, because I have a certain medical condition, I can't use onsen. I would have to bathe in the room.

[@warrikata]

Welp, I already made a mistake or two, 😅 Thank you for sharing the details of the small rituals like the direction to face when taking your shoes off, etc.! 🙏 The food in the ryokan was high-quality, so very fresh, and lovingly prepared. I miss it already!

[@raswerdelad]

This is such a cool vid! Things everyone going should know! Thanks!

[@petercintron3861]

Welcome back SHOGO wishing you and your family's new addition to your family continued blessings from NEW YORK CITY HAI /OSU 🇵🇷🌐💙👊✌️🥋⛩️

[@hyun-shik7327]

Misread the thumbnail as “royal taboos” and now I want to know about that.

[@drkswordsman]

Thank you so much for continuing my cultural education! Arigatogozaimasu!

[@Gapihamiha6]

Towards foreigners Japanase people are really tolerant ...we soo how long Johnny Somali cross the lines, insult people , history, culture , taboos and behave extreme bad before police act against him. You are right we all should be respectful to each other and respect tradition and habits in country were we are guests

[@trentweston8306]

😂 Johnny Somali always starting problems

[@richardsears6005]

Thank you for the education, I do appreciate it

[@cuteybuppy3605]

I was curious; how does the elderly and people with mobility aides, like walkers for example enjoy Japan?

[@ichibanbento]

So informational!

[@gechgr1850]

Dear Shogo-sama! We are all holding our collective breath waiting for a video from you about FX’s Shogun series!! Respectfully, Your fans

[@nurgling8480]

I want to experience a ryokan so bad. The hardest part is that I have psoriasis so some shampoos are really harsh on my scalp and burn, and my hair is shoulder length, so hard to put up and a little painful. But I want to be respectful, so I'll try. Thank you for the video! I learned a lot

[@rafaelmindlin8534]

can you tell us about Yakuza in modern Japan?

[@60frederick]

Beard and onsen: After washing your hair and your beard I guess that you should not dip the hair of your beard into the onsen. Am I correct? Thank you very much, Shogo, for sharing your video with us.

[@rebeccasjodal9769]

Had I known this when we were in Japan in 2009, I'm sure we would have made a better impression😅 To the staff in that Ryokan I'm sorry if we made a bad impression🙏🏻 I should have made a better effort to find more information on how to behave properly, even though the amount of information on the internet has made progress since then

[@kndr2094]

Thag sounds so fun.

[@SOOKIE42069]

My Japanese teacher told me that it's super unlikely for non-Asian visitors to get trouble at onsen over tattoos anymore because it's not very likely for tourists to be part of local organized crime. She said I'd probably have more problems because I'm a 6'4" woman and some of the Japanese women might be intimidated to be around me in the bath. It seems like her take is basically the inverse of yours. Is this a Tokyo vs Rest of Japan thing?

[@warl0ch]

Left over right...just think/remember Leftover Rice!

[@celestialfix]

Very interesting.

[@gyakuto7775]

Don’t be a vegetarian, either. My booking agents (Inside Japan Tours) tried booking a Ryokan stay for me and my vegetarian girlfriend and they said they would be unable to cater for us and we’d have to eat off-premises…with no reduction in price for the stay!

[@LetsaskShogo]

That’s horrible! Many Ryokans I’ve been to would accommodate for all special needs for food…

[@therocinante3443]

I agree with the first sentence. Don't be vegetarian.

[@DanteRaweater]

The phrase "leftover rice" was used the first time I learned how to wear kimono.

[@Bakapooru]

Thank you very much.

[@kacpi60]

Great video! I wonder, can I wear my watch or jewelry to the onsen? Or should they stay in the changing room with rest of my clothes?

[@lukmanibrahim2993]

*Honey, wake up! Let's Ask Shogo just upload a new video!*

[@Miss_Wonderful1]

The beauty of travelling to foreign countries is to enjoy their traditions. I wouldn't like to stay at an ordinary hotel that I can find anywhere in the world.

[@Junes.dreams.uk_]

So if I understand well, as a wheelchair user I can’t enjoy staying at a Ryokan? (Because wheels…)

[@Hypothic]

You can take it into the entrance area I'm sure (where wheels are allowed), but then you'd have to crawl around within the living space. But since table/bed is on the floor, should be doable. The bathroom might be the bigger issue, but I think in our hotel, the bathroom was next to the entrance, so u can probably take wheelchair in there. Just ask the hotel for a "wheelchair/handicap" room, I'm sure they have them.

[@taylorbug9]

Unless they have rooms without the world's most delicate flooring, no. Your wheels would unfortunately destroy the flooring.

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@frankcowan6625]

Helo!!! Love you. What are the short sticks behind your head? Thanks

[@BalkanTech-Man]

Hello Shogo. I hope you are doing well. Do you know the manga named "Vagabond". It is about the book "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa. Could you maybe answer a question of mine. How realistic are such duels and the book story on itself? Tyvm

[@jonwesick2844]

I've stayed at ryokan and consider them the height of civilization.

[@TalesTheDude]

Have any businesses in Japan considered seeing if onsen owners would be okay with using some kind of covering for tattoos, specifically to be used there, so that guests would have easier times getting to an onsen, such as a flesh tone sleeve made from a material like dry-fit clothing is made from? It wouldn't harm the water, and may alleviate any uneasiness from Japanese people there. It was just a thought that came to mind.

[@KateJohn2013England]

🙏👍

[@heatherdickson561]

How would you tie up your hair for the onsen?

[@LetsaskShogo]

Thanks for your comment! You can use a hair elastic, a hair clip, a kanzashi, anything!

[@heatherdickson561]

@@LetsaskShogo thank you that's very helpful 😊

[@althesmith]

What's protocal for people who cannot kneel due to injury? I have a knee replacement and it simply does not flex like that anymore.

[@SOOKIE42069]

If you can't wear yukata outside what's up with rikishi wearing yukata 24/7? Or is it specifically hotel-provided yukata that this applies to?

[@richardbossman9875]

Although I likely will never get the chance to visit Japan or even an onsen I am curious about how the rules about hair apply to beards if a man were to have one, especially if it were long enough that it may naturally dip into the water. Would it be expected to tie it up or would it be considered the same as body hair?

[@johnrivers3813]

Something I realized while watching videos of bakeries running in Japan is that sometimes the staff will use a different inflection as well as extend words as they speak while they're working. I've also seen little skits about "having a Japanese girlfriend who works retail" and how she speaks completely different while she's at work vs when she's on a date. Why is that? Is it to provide a friendly atmosphere?

[@taylorbug9]

That's called customer service voice and every country has this. The people in your country speak differently to customers than they do the people they know.

[@johnrivers3813]

​@@taylorbug9 true, I know I used to do it too while I was working retail. I guess to me it's not as big of a difference as it is in Japan

[@ss-manoa4534]

@johnrivers3813 ‘Keigo’ might be what they are using. It’s not so much for being friendly but a form of Japanese meant to honor the listener and humble the speaker and used with superiors, clients, customers, etc. I believe that people who work part time in the service industry probably use ‘baito keigo’, which could be just set phrases for greetings, checking out, etc. that they learn from a manual. (‘Baito’ is a shortened form of ‘arubaito’ from the German word ‘Arbeit’ for work, but in Japan usually means part time work)

[@hewhoadds]

“like pyjamas” does this mean it’s sleep wear too?

[@molybdomancer195]

Not really. More like a dressing gown. When I stayed at a ryokan with my daughter and Japanese son-in-law we wore yakuta around the ryokan but not to sleep in.

[@DYhalto250]

How wheelchair accessible are these locations?

[@soccerandtrack10]

2:51 i feel closer to japan. I copy stuff i didnt know they did...

[@soccerandtrack10]

4:09 my familly made it harder/inpossible for u.s. culture to learn. Im learning socisl for japan.

[@GorgeousRebel]

dreadlocks in the onsen are okay?

[@AddaeAkono]

Should be fine as long as you tie them up before going to the bath if you have long dreadlocks.

[@mrbojangles8133]

many rules

[@MysticLGD]

Hello

[@texasdrifter4544]

I got a question for your partner what are the gun laws in Japan and more importantly what can you walk around with on an open carry compared to what is not allowed

[@raics101]

I looked a bit into it before and the impression I got is that the laws are fairly strict. To own a gun, or even a powerful air gun, you must go through a lenghty and costly registration, pass various checks, complete training and jump through a dozen other hoops. Carrying isn't possible except for some policemen or licensed security. So, people mostly do it if they're hunters or do sports shooting, others mostly don't bother. It's strict, but most of Europe is somewhere on that level.

[@soccerandtrack10]

8:06 im assumeing the bathrooms and littering happens to for 😡😡

[@Ming1975]

😑 So this is why the Japanese here in my country feels more liberated.

[@KomodoSoup]

Hold on!!!!! LGBT are not allowed in the public Onsen? Why? That makes me feel sad 😢

[@rodericknagashima]

I am curious about this also? I can't imagine that a being LGBT couple would be any different from any other in the onsen unless they were acting inappropriately.

[@mgancarzjr]

This question has multiple answers and caveats. I've been to a mixed onsen. The ladies there wore slips while guys got small towels. Nobody had a problem with couples holding hands, but those couples were heterosexual. Two men or two women holding hands might raise an eyebrow. Separated baths are going to be separated by genitalia. If you don't feel comfortable being naked in that situation, it would probably be impossible to enter the other side of the bath. A few options: Mixed baths Rooms with private baths Go early in the morning or late at night

[@KomodoSoup]

@rodericknagashima That is my idea too. You are in a place that is expecting you to be naked. If people are looking at you or you are looking at others, would that be any different? Please note that I chose the word look instead of stare. @@mgancarzjr There are mixed Onsen? That made me more confused!!! If mixed bathing is okay, then anything else shouldn't be a problem. Just because LGBT are keeping their lives private, hence why people know less about them, it doesn't give an excuse for anyone to give any "moral" judgment. I am really tired of this nonsense. Thanks both for your response & support

[@five-toedslothbear4051]

Kind of concerns me too, but my friend and I don’t really act out in public, and we certainly could keep our behavior acceptable inside an Onsen. Besides, he’s so body shy probably I would be by myself.

[@KomodoSoup]

@@five-toedslothbear4051 I hear you!

[@soccerandtrack10]

11:19 spears/2 handed swords/bats. Greatswords.

[@soccerandtrack10]

0:49 i have adhd. Theres a video why japan is bad for adhd. I can wear teco cogi in japan. I would be surrounded by hammers.

[@ramonafahrni5701]

LGBT always men? It's a prejudice! I love the Japanese, but how complicated you are!