Ryokan

are Japanese style inns found throughout the country,

especially in hot spring resorts. More than just a place

to sleep, ryokan are an opportunity to experience the

traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality,

incorporating elements such as tatami floors, futon

beds, Japanese style baths and local cuisine, making

them popular with both and foreign tourists alike.

There are many different kinds of ryokan, varying

greatly in terms of size, cost and style. Some ryokan

are small, family run establishments with just a few

rooms, while others are large, hotel-like facilities

with hundreds of rooms. Ryokan also range from

no-frills, budget varieties to costly establishments

catering to the very wealthy.

While extremes exist, the average cost of a ryokan

stay is between 15,000 and 25,000 yen per person,

per night. While this may be too expensive to stay at

everyday, it is well worth indulging on one special

night during your travels. Also keep in mind that

ryokan stays usually include an elaborate dinner in

the evening, followed by breakfast the next morning.

Meals are typically kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine)

that feature local and seasonal specialties.

Because of their emphasis on traditional style and

atmosphere, ryokan may appear rigid and intimidating

for the first timer unfamiliar with the procedures and

etiquette. In reality they are a special and relaxing

experience that everyone should take the opportunity

to try.

These r sm of the Ryokan...

they r sooooooo BEAUTIFUL....

on top of e beautiful scenary of Ryokans,

e othr thg tht ATTRACKS my attention is ...

their HOT SPRING... oh my..

hmm.. wish to go..

1 day.. wil go visit Ryokan..

try their hot spring..