There are many possibilities for how to stay in Japan: standard hotels, AirBnB, capsule hotels (check our article on those) and a lot more. Today though, we will take a look at a very specific kind of stay, which might is the most “authentic Japanese” : the Ryokan (旅館).
A Ryokan is a type of traditional inn that originated in the Edo period when such inns served travelers along Japan’s highways. They typically feature tatami rooms, Sentōs and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with other guests and the owner which , besides being extremely Japanese, gives a very warm and welcoming feeling to it. 

Ryokan are difficult to find in larger cities nowadays because many are a little bit more expensive compared to hotels, and Japanese people increasingly use hotels for urban tourism. Nonetheless, some major cities do have reasonably priced ryokan, with some costing as little as ¥4000 a night. However, ryokan are more typically located in scenic areas, such as in the mountains or by the sea, for example, if you’re in the Fukuoka area, there are some Ryokan in Itoshima. 

A typical ryokan has a relatively large entrance hall, with couches and chairs where guests can sit and talk, guest rooms are constructed using traditional Japanese matters: flooring is tatami, and doors are sliding doors. Almost all ryokan feature common bathing areas, usually segregated by gender, using the water from a hot spring if any are nearby. Typically ryokan provide guests with a yukata to wear while using the bathing facilities or moving through the house.
Bedding is a futon (maybe take a read on yesterday’s article about those Japanese mattresses) 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 will normally 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 consist of traditional Japanese food, which features seasonal and regional specialties.
We highly recommend you to stay in a Ryokan while in Japan, it’s a good chance to see traditional Japanese housing, make friends and relax!