The Surprising Differences Between Ryokan and Hotels

[@joancatala9327]

I've been like 4 times in Kyoto, one of them for my honeymoon, and every time I've been in a Ryokan. I'm not traveling half of the world to miss the japanese lifestyle! :D

[@jennyli7749]

Hi Joan I’ve been to Japan once and would absolutely love to visit again but in a ryokan do you have any recommendations?

[@joancatala9327]

@@jennyli7749 I've been in a very small one near funaokayama, north of the city. Technically it's a guest house, probably the cheapest of the city. It's a very old house, not specially clean, but it's ruled by a very kind old woman. As Shogo says: you don't stay there for the place, but for the landlady. It is also close to funaoka onsen. I'm sure there are better Ryokan, but this is the one I go every time :)

[@jennyli7749]

@@joancatala9327 Cheers for that! I just wonder how many years will it be before we can travel freely though 😩

[@kakashiroks]

I wasn’t thinking the same thing, but when Shogo did the bit about “OK I’ll close the video now“ I burst out laughing. Also even if literally the only difference was the aesthetic and the Decour, I would still choose to stay at a Ryokan. I’ve stayed at Western hotels dozens upon dozens of times in the US.

[@isaiahstruve2224]

We stayed in a ryokan in Kyoto. It was a mixed experience. We felt like we were intruding on the owners. But the room, food, yukata and onsen were awesome!

[@evanmcclellan8328]

Thanks for the awesome videos!! I was born in Japan but my family's work visa expired when I was two. I have always wanted to know more about the place I was born. Your videos have given me a connection to the culture that only exists in my unconscious memory.

[@missmarsh1011]

I considered a ryokan stay when I planned a vacation with my husband a few years ago, but when I laid out the options for him, he was not interested in ryokan at all! The idea of naked bathing with strangers and sleeping in a futon on the floor turned him off completely. So I booked business hotels and hostels instead. IMO business hotels are the best option for first-time solo travelers and couples: the rooms are small and boring, but business hotels offer great amenities at a low price. Business hotels also tend to be in the middle of cities, close to train stations, so they're much more convenient if you have a lot of tourist activities planned. Many business hotels offer an on-site sento, so you can even get the hot spring bathing experience without paying ryokan prices. If you want the ryokan experience, I would recommend a split stay: 1-2 nights in a ryokan, hotels for the rest of the stay.

[@victormuniz5978]

do you have any hotel recomendation? I'm going to japan with my wife in november.

[@missmarsh1011]

@@victormuniz5978 Dormy Inn is my favorite chain. There's one near Kyoto Station that we used as a home base while exploring the region.

[@f0292]

First time I went to Japan I was focused on going to places I've shortlisted to visit so hotel (or even hostel) fit better because I leave before breakfast and back very late. Next time I visit I will be more relaxed and ryokan will fit better.

[@YajuShinki]

I know that it's suggested to speed the video up, but I feel that your slow, deliberate style of talking is quite comforting and soothing, and has become a defining factor of your videos

[@chevelledc]

I always wonder why your videos say to adjust the speed at the beginning, I like the canter of your voice at normal speed. Something about your voice is very relaxing and reassuring. Hope you and your sweet little family are doing well 💕 Thank you for making such thoughtful and informative content! 😊

[@alcidesdossantosfreitas7903]

Dear Shogo, you know, it was with great happiness that I watched your last video ... It's a real paradise! If I had the chance to go to your beautiful Japan, I would definitely go to a RYOKAN. Really we dream in your videos, it's a very relaxing moment and rich in culture. Well done Shogo and Kazu! With my best friendly feelings

[@nonwayneful]

I've been watching your videos with a weird sense of deja vu. I just realised that you were probably at the Shishin Samurai Restaurant when we were in Kyoto! Our friend was a vegetarian and struggling to find something to eat in Kyoto, and the restaurant made it easier for her! If I'm right, you were really great!

[@whitewave16]

I would like to try both when I visit Japan! Thanks for this video -- you made it easy for me to understand.

[@eoagr1780]

I would love to stay 1or 2 nights at a ryokan for the experience itself. But a hotel where I could just go to sleep after a full day of sightseeing would be ideal for the rest of my stay.

[@jillsmith3937]

The Japan one is the one I like the best I love to do different things❤️Thank you for the video

[@fuujinmugen]

Thank you Shogo 🤘😎 When in Tokyo or Kyoto I stay in Hotels (Prince Park) If I’m traveling the Countryside then I will stay in Ryokan 👌 Two very nice Ryokan I have stayed at are Iya Onsen - Shikkoku Hinanoza - Hokkaido (Lake Akan) Both are highly recommended. Thank you again, regards from South Africa 👍

[@Simon_Electric]

Ryokan. The main reason Im visiting Japan is to experience the culture. My partner and I work very long hours and have not been on vacation in almost 10 years. This is going to be an opportunity for us to relax and enjoy ourselves. Add in the historical sites, onsen and tea ceremony this will be the perfect getaway 😊.

[@jlguidry2]

VERY interesting. Thank you.

[@tinysok]

ありがとうございます When I visit I will definitely seek out a Ryokan.

[@christophg.6339]

I like your new camera angles btw. gives more to look at and keeps the visuals more I retesting 🙌🏻

[@claudiocarrara]

thanks Shogo for this valuable information. it is my great desire to visit your country. I am fascinated and in love with Japanese history, culture, tradition and people. if I ever manage to come to Japan, I would like to stay in ryokans. I prefer hospitality to the privacy and security of hotels. I would choose a ryokan in the mountain area, especially for the food, since I don't like fish.

[@MrHerrebrugh]

Fish live in the mountains as wel and wil be served , unles you make other arangment

[@claudiocarrara]

@@MrHerrebrugh Thanks for the reply. I would still choose other foods. I don't eat fish

[@TimothySielbeck]

I think I would stay at both depending on what I was intending to do. But the ryokan definitely would be my preference. It's been 55+ years since I left Japan and I still miss it, it's people, and the culture.

[@CodeZero2012]

My dream is to take my mother with me to Japan to explore museums and get a chance to really relax. I would love to stay at a ryokan and I think my mother would like the experience as well even though she is very used to American hotels.

[@tomithot261]

Your videos are excellent ... well organized, useable information, and you have a very nice style. Am hoping to come back to Japan in 2025, so will be checking in with you.

[@WanJae42]

Great video. Just a note that there are all kinds of places that call themselves 'ryokan', and at all price levels. At the low end, there is no onsen, there is nobody to setup your futon each night, and there is no food. You don't have to worry about where you can wear yukata, because there's nowhere to go in the ryokan except your room or maybe to visit the front desk. You must check websites carefully, and price will tell you a lot. If you're worried about international compatibility, a basic test is whether the website has English content. If they do, then they are certainly expecting international guests, but even if they do not, be adventurous! Most innkeepers would welcome any polite, interested tourist.

[@H.pylori]

Well done. With this information I can make a reasonable choice of ryokan. Thank you.

[@LaNoir.]

I would definitely choose a Ryokan but make sure that it has at least some benefits of today's era, like a proper toilet and shower. I never slept on a futon and wonder how uncomfortable it would be for my back, so that might be an issue as well. Otherwise I am definitely aiming for a traditional experience over a western hotel room, I love the look and entire feeling you get from it

[@ddrhero]

I went to a ryokan in hakone and it was lovely. I absolutely hated the dinner and still get a shudder down my spine when thinking about the fish. I don't eat fish, but I was afraid of offending my host. I ate everything and hated 90% of it. I may try one in gunma next time I go as I love the mountains and the roads on a motorcycle.

[@jim2950]

You did an admirable job on the presentation. It is hard to translate feelings. It is like explaining Japanese Spas. it is only really understood when you experience it. This is real Japanese culture on display. Most westerns probably think of Tokyo. They no idea of Nikko and the bamboo forests. Or Nara with the huge wood temple with ancient Buddha. It is a feeling. now that is the real Japan to me.

[@marinos9985]

Your videos never dissapoint shogo-san! Great video!

[@MaDmanex100]

Since ryokans can be more expensive id go less to them but id visit for sure. Then go for the cheaper alternaive more often, planning a 2 week cycling trip to japan. so my budget will be abit tighter than a weeklong trip.

[@MrHerrebrugh]

Ryokan prices are a bit litle higher than the inexpensive hotels, But there are resonably priced ones, that are worthwhile. A hotel is moore of a place just fort the night, A Ryokan is more like a place to restup and enjoy your stay, make sure to take your time, I like to arive early after a day of travel , restup change in to my yukata, soak in the onsen and get redy for dinner. If you have never done so, you have to ejoy public onsen and experinace sleeping on tatami en futon with you family

[@joergsonnenberger6836]

Ryokan pricing is quite interesting, especially if you travel outside the main vacation times. My own Japan trips were mostly in winter and/or early spring. Often, the Ryokans were comparable in prices to very moderate hotel rooms, especially if you include the price of the food.

[@garydell2023]

Arigatogozaimashita Shogo-san. I'll keep this one close. Answered my questions.

[@Jonobrook123]

I will staying at a Ryokan if at all possible.

[@rjvzz]

Great video! Thank you!

[@dreadogastusf3548]

Thank you for another excellent video. I always find them informative and well made. For myself, definitely stay at ryokan. I am a bit uncertain about what you mean by "renewal". It seems you mean what I would call rehabilitating an older building. That is, keeping the main structure and rebuilding the interior.

[@bg2986]

very informative, as always

[@EddyTeetree]

Having had the good luck to travel to Japan many times and staying in Hotels from budget to the Mandarin Oriental and also Ryokan and also Bed and Breakfast I can definitely recommend Ryokan if you want to experience Japanese culture but they are expensive. A good bed and breakfast run by owner/family would be my next choice. Just remember to learn enough Japanese language to be polite and you will be rewarded many times over for it.🌞

[@geraldshields9035]

@Let's ask Shogo -Your Japanese friend in Kyoto I am considering neither, opting for a AirB2B setup with staying at Hostels as backup. The only problem though is if Japan relaxes it's travel restrictions, I may not have the option of doing so since they may want me to do a week quarantine first.

[@theofilos4202]

If I visited Japan, I would prefer Ryokan, just for the experience. Nice video. 👍

[@LetsaskShogo]

▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠️I do not use e-mail） In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips upon 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! Please check out the description box for more videos recommended for you! ▼Join our Membership▼ kzbin.info/door/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin ●Membership benefits -Limited behind-the-scene videos kzbin.info/aero/UUMOn7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw -Weekly live stream -Priority reply to comments Every single yen we earn from this membership, we will be donating to groups of people who are fighting to solve social problems in Japan, the Japanese schools where foreign students can study, or use it to spread the works of people working with traditional culture in Japan to preserve the arts they are doing. ▼Sub channel “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ kzbin.info/door/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA The perfect channel to learn about Japanese culture and history in your spare time, during your walk to school or work, and when you are cooking or doing house chores. Not only will I be covering the topics in this main channel, but also some topics that you will only be able to enjoy in the sub-channel, like answering questions I receive, and my opinions towards some of the comments. Thank you again very much for watching!

[@madarasamanta2494]

I would definitely prefer to stay in Ryokan. ❤️ If it is possible I always choose to stay in less crowded places like Air BnB, guesthouses or small hotels. Or with friends. It is more comfortable and peaceful for me 🥰

[@gwillis01]

In my trivial opinion, the most important part of going to a ryokan is doing a soak in the onsen. That is what would make the experience uniquely Japanese for me. I don't want to stay at the Japanese version of a Hilton hotel. I want something different that I can only experience in Japan.

[@bamboescheut7756]

Hello I am danny damveld from enschede city, Netherlands I have see your video about hotels and RYOKAN And I choose for A RYOKAN and the reason is that I want to Experience traditional Japanese culture and Customs. And I want to learn everything about japan and specialy the old Japan. I feeling that I want everything about it and Experience and learn from it , and also i want to understand the Japanese culture very much, its a bigg wish of mine . I want to visit Japan in the near future very much. Greetings danny damveld from enschede city, Netherlands.

[@bamboescheut7756]

I love your channel and I learned allot from your channel. 🙂🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍👍

[@Pdor_figlio_di_Kmer]

Definition of a vacation: go in a hospitable place and do nothing all day... Where do I sign? Once upon a time, when the world was younger, and I too was, I liked lively, even chaotic situations when in vacation, like Italian-style summer campings for a rough stay in a tent aimed at night-life and wild clubbing, comfort was optional and as long the stay was cheap, could even be scarce... ...if I tried that now I'd have to take a vacation to recover from the vacation. Nowadays doing nothing all day in a place with no-one harassing you is just heaven for me. I am not that young anymore, sadly.

[@victoriazero8869]

I laughed so hard when you said pleasant experience.

[@garethjax]

When i can travel again to Japan, i WILL definitely experience at least one night in a ryokan!

[@shiimeica]

Thank you so much for the video. I really want to stay at ryokan when I go to Japan one day. This video at least helps me a lot to plan first before visiting Japan one day (hope we are able to go overseas asap >

[@johnnie543]

Ok but I had no business laughing when the Dave in Japan logo popped up!!

[@sportstermissions]

Shogo, you rule!

[@judithsmoot6365]

A roykan for sure! Simply if you want to experience all of Japan then you should stay in a Japanese roykan. 👵🏻❤️

[@rossb9984587]

I've stayed in two different eyokan in Hakone, and one in Hiraizumi and I always really enjoy staying in them. I think when I'm in a city like Tokyo, Osaka, Sendai etc. a hotel is better for me as you have more flexibility, but I do like to spend a couple of days in a quieter area during my trips to Japan and for those I prefer ryokan as they're more relaxing, and since there's less going on in the surrounding area the flexibility around meals is not so important.

[@GuillermoSmyser]

3:16 lol loved this hilarious inclusion!

[@kellygoodman6167]

The funny thing is I'm watching this for this mini novel story I'm writing just to get accurate Japanese history lol. If I had the choice I'd stay at a Ryokan just to wear yukata all day , I also love Japanese traditional houses and buildings.

[@charlesghannoumlb2959]

I will certainely stay at a ryokan, bcoz when i visit japan i wana absorbe and experience as much cultural aspects as i can

[@damien2359]

I want to stay at ryokan the whole time except for the breakfast and dinner always being there, because I still want to get out and go see local businesses, so I think I will do ryokan 60-70% of my stay and hotel 40-30%

[@jnharton]

Interesting. It’s a little bit like the difference between a hotel and a ‘bed and breakfast’ in the US, with some specific cultural differences. - Usually with a bed and breakfast it’s somewhat like being a guest at someone else’s house. Rooms are not the multipurpose space that a hotel tends to be. Bathrooms are probably shared, though there could be more of them. Breakfast will commonly be provided, but could be at a specific time.

[@Izziany]

Ok shogo. You just convinced me to go to a ryoukan during my honeymoon.

[@shermanstreet3783]

For me I love Japanese culture so RYUKAN is the one for me

[@paulj9221]

Thanks for this very informative video. Is there any ryokan that you would recommend for a couple visiting Hiroshima and Osaka area? We’d like to experience the traditional Japanese dining hospitality either in our room or a dining room. But most importantly, we’d like to be able to enjoy the onsen. Thanks a lot.

[@bigbrowntau]

I have a favourite hotel I stay at in Tokyo, where the service is the best I've ever experienced in any establishment anywhere in the world. To be honest, ryokan are intimidating for me. The yukata supplied won't fit me (it'll be a miniskirt), and there'll be food I can't eat. Is it ok to bring your own yukata? Any suggestions for ryokan with a bit more choice over food? And thank you again Shogo for another wonderful video. I hope you hit your subscriber goal soon!

[@garysandiego]

Curious about your favorite hotel in Tokyo…

[@animeotaku307]

I’d like to stay at a Ryokan at least once over a trip, but they can get costly, so other accommodations will have to be used for the rest of the trip.

[@zandatsuu]

Ryokan for sure I like traditions

[@ShadowSiren88]

I hope to find ryokan for honeymoon, my fiancee and are are large people and most hotels have separate beds. At least at ryokan we can still sleep next to each other and futons will be large enough to accommodate us.

[@talesfromunderthemoon]

First time commenting in this channel. I'm not sure if it was a ryokan during my visit to Kawaguchi Lake, the place name is Mi-Fuji-En, and it is pleasantful to see Mount Fuji when I wake up. P.S.: it was my VERY first time visiting Japan, and I felt… a little bit akward.

[@larkmacgregor3143]

Both! Sometimes, you just want a place to store your gear and a place to drop to sleep after exploring all day. That sort of thing is best at a hotel, I think, where service is much more impersonal and you aren't interacting much with the staff, and convenience is the top priority. But there are also times where you want to soak up the atmosphere that makes a new experience unique. You can't stay in a place more emblematic of the Japan of the past than a Ryokan, and I can see going there, and doing nothing all day! Except you aren't doing nothing if this is a new experience, are you? You're learning, taking in the differences from your own culture, perhaps eating things you've never eaten before, and then soaking all cares away in the bath. Sounds like a dream to me!

[@hektorlitch4993]

Your English is excellent, you sound just like a Midwesterner!

[@kuzeyboy]

Thanks for the video, it was really useful but I have some specific questions which I hope someone can help with. I am a large size guy (XXXL) - would the Ryokan clothing fit? Also, I have mobility issues getting up and down from the ground, is there any suitable alternative issues available?

[@markcontini5396]

I'm excited to stay at a Ryokan when I visit. I'm visiting Japan for new experiences, so why would I want to sleep in a western style hotel?

[@timexgirl]

I want to stay at a ryokan. It sounds more appealing than a hotel.

[@soju81]

I'd REALLY like to stay at a ryokan in Shirakawago and Kyoto.

[@APEXoftheAVATAR]

I would love to stay at a Ryokan, but I have a few questions. Do the onsens follow the same rules as public onsens? Do they follow rules about tattoos? Are you allowed to come and go from the Ryokan as you please, even late into the night? And lastly, do Ryoskas serve meals with dietary restrictions?

[@slamethariyanto3580]

Maybe i will choose ryokan

[@EfiP.35]

If I have a business trip I will use hotel. For traveling Ryokan.

[@nntt252]

Hi Shogo! so which one do you think is the best for a family with a 1 year old baby? Thanks in advance 😊

[@caesarhiro3630]

Sir, if you mind, would you talk about camping area in Japan? I watch anime about camping and it looks camping in Japan seems like rent a room in hotel. So I like to know more Thank you in advance

[@KateeAngel]

Nice video! Unfortunately I am too poor and sociophobic to travel so far away right now (I live in western part of Russia, more than 5000 km away). Lets hope that'll change 🙄😁

[@KateeAngel]

But I like insects which don't bite like moths 😆

[@riftalope]

I keep getting Sento and Onsen confused. Have you covered it, and "onsen-friends" culture?

[@DYhalto250]

For me a hybrid due to physical impediments.. so hospitality + handicap accessibility

[@Tiana_Skye]

I would like to stay at a Ryokan for the first 4 days of my trip if I were being honest.

[@meirin5316]

i really wann see japanese culture so a ryokan would be so interesting

[@edmg7]

Of course I'd like to stay at a Ryokan if visiting Japan. ....still need someone to travel with 😅 Edit: I wouldn't stay indoors all day like you did. I like seeing the sites too much.

[@michaeloyeniran1287]

Shogo San Konnichiwa! Are solo travelers allowed in Ryokans?

[@doktoruecker]

I for myself would always choose a ryokan. But this video should have been the pros and cons to ryokan against hotel and not a short "ryokan are better" and then go to which ryokan to choose.

[@benklehr1824]

These are great tips Shogo, but one thing I wish I knew before travelling to Japan was how HARD the beds are. While tatami feels soft on the feet, it's hard on the back even with a futon. Even western style hotels have very firm beds. It always struck me as odd that it's hard to find soft beds while traveling in Japan. Is there a reason why?

[@hananokuni2580]

I heard that it has to do with providing adequate back support since Japanese people usually sleep on their backs.

[@subhadra107]

Can you be vegetarian in a Japanese ryokan? Please discuss travel as a vegetarian in Japan.

[@thecrazyToolfan]

What are your recommendations for ryokan in countryside vs seaside shogo?

[@MaxSMoke777]

A Ryokan is basically a Bed and Breakfast (B&B).

[@resolute123]

Are there ryokan equivalent in Okinawa? I often do searches and nothing comes up. Is the concept of ryokan uniquely a mainland practice? A hostel seems to be the closest on Okinawa.

[@beautyandthesimp]

How about natural hot spring? Is it called ryokan?

[@crystalevans2123]

But where do hotels such as Capsule Hotels that have the elements of security that regular hotels do but provide shared bathrooms and locker rooms that regular hotels don't and the capsules are based on a Japanese model just for sleep?

[@andrewbritch5821]

Ryokan i would want to experience the local culture which is the hole reason to visit Japan

[@santdhai]

If their prices are equal, I would like to stay at an Onsen Ryokan, which is to have me dine in a canteen.

[@clearhero7487]

I feel like I'd enjoy ryokan bc it seems peaceful and quiet. I always thought Japanese culture was beautiful and wanted to get the full experience. ( even though I'm freaking out about being disrespectful tourist?

[@boredfangerrude]

I'd probably stay at a Ryokan since I can't find one in any other country.

[@jennyli7749]

This question isn’t related to ryokan although thank you for a fab and interesting one! I wanted to ask if it’s is correct that Japanese government have given permission to release the waste water from the nuclear power plant that blew up a few years ago and do Japanese public have an opinion about it if it’s true? This info was gained from usa government website

[@zenki36830]

my wife and i are disabled (we can walk so its not as bad as it could be) she has many tattoos, i would like to take her somewhere with a therapeutic hot spring, and i am looking for good food. where do you think i should go?

[@charlesghannoumlb2959]

Can you dine witb other guests at a ryokan and meet other people? 🎎

[@lavenderjade8]

do you have privacy in your room at a ryokan if so then i would choose a ryokan.

[@GrayNeko]

I know which one I would want to stay at. Alas, I also know which one I could probably afford. ^_~

[@moonlightsweetener4309]

So a ryokan is kind of like a bed and breakfast?

[@803midd]

Should have been mentioned that depending in your room grade, you might not have the option to choose where to eat.