Ryokan Ryokan Ryokan Naraya, Kusatsu Onsen 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 Japanese 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. In order to help set your mind at ease, the following pages offer an explanation of what to expect during a ryokan visit. Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat (Hepburn Springs, Australia) - UPDATED 2017 Inn Reviews - TripAdvisor Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat Write a Review Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat Show Prices 7 Lakeside Dr, Hepburn Springs, Victoria 3461, Australia Hotel amenities Trusted partner. We work with to make your booking as easy as possible. Secure payments. We use industry-leading practices to keep your information secure. Book on Ages of Children: change Please provide ages Child 1 Age or compare prices from up to 200 sites including: TripAdvisor members only.

Login for exclusive access to hotel deals up to 40% off Login to get best prices 145 more photos Star rating provided by Expedia. Luxury Free Parking Ages of Children: change Please provide ages Child 1 Age Rooms & rates for Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat We're finding you the best rooms at the lowest prices from our partner. Book on Getting you more information on this room See More Select Show available rooms for Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat We’re sorry, there are no available rooms for this property on TripAdvisor. Please change dates or see offers from our partners. We’re sorry, there are no available rooms for this property on TripAdvisor. Please change dates or view all Hepburn Springs hotels with availability .

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Start your review of Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat Click to rate “Mother Daughter Getaway ” Reviewed 2 days ago NEW via mobile Food was absolutely amazing! Geisha Facials the best I've ever had. A fantastic venue to relax and unwind in peace & quiet. I highly recommend a long hot bath after dinner in the beautiful bathroom overlooking your private garden. Thankyou Catherine - we will definitely be back! Report “Unique Experience” Reviewed 1 week ago This really was a unique taste of the Japanese culture. My husband and I were looking for a place to really unwind and relax. The surroundings were peaceful and serene. Catherine was very accommodating and gave us what we needed. Our room, being traditional minimalist Japanese guesthouse, was really different to what we were used to but that added to... More “Japanese experience” Reviewed 1 week ago We had a wonderful experience of a little slice of Japan,in a delightful area of Victoria. The staff & the whole ambience were a delight. We enjoyed a "must experience" of the Japanese breakfast. Look forward to a future visit.

Report Reviewed November 25, 2016 via mobile The bedrooms are absolutely well taken care, the staff is friendly and the Japanese breakfast is definitely a "must have"! The bedrooms replicate a Japanese environment and you'll have a chance to sleep on a futon and wear a kimono, it was a different and relaxing experience! Report Reviewed November 14, 2016 via mobile My new husband stayed for one night banquet dinner served to our room was sensational, with friendly and professional service. Catherine the new owner was delightful. The Japanese breakfast was also delicious. We both can't wait to return to be spoilt again by Catherine and her staff.. Report Reviewed November 2, 2016 via mobile My husband and I visited Shizuka Ryokan as we needed to relax and switch off after we had some negative news in our lives. We felt so comfortable and relaxed as soon as we walked into the retreat. The whole feel of the place just transports you to Japan and allows you to embrace the culture. The staff are all...

More “Restful oasis” Reviewed October 26, 2016 An excellent and authentic Ryokan experience in Victoria's spa country, great for a relaxing break if you want peace and quiet. The rooms are not large (authentically japanese) but well maintained, and both bedroom and bathroom look out on small Japanese courtyard gardens. You sleep on a futon on Tatami, so may not be suitable for those with joint problems... More Reviewed October 15, 2016 via mobile My husband and I have stayed here a couple of times and we absolutely love it. The grounds are divine, the service exceptional and the food is deliciously authentic. Plus it's not far from many great attractions in the Daylesford/Hepburn Springs area. Book in for a couples massage for ultimate luxury - you won't regret it! Report Reviewed October 9, 2016 via mobile Great service, great food, very relaxing. Highly recommend. Thanks Margie, you're amazing. Loved the banquet dinner and special breakfast. Only downside was that we wish we had have booked more than one night.

Report Thank Lenny L Ryokan, Owner at Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat, responded to this review Hi Thanks for your comments. Of course the other advantage of a longer stay is that the nightly rate gets lower! Please come again. Regards All the team alisamoon789 Reviewed September 29, 2016 via mobile Shizuka means peaceful and Ryokan means place to stay. Japanese traditional style spa and retreat is set in Hepburn Springs. I had a fantastic time for myself and also with my friend. This place everything are set to be calm and serene which bring a good source of energy around. And you would need to make yourself in a good... More Thank alisamoon789 Ryokan, Owner at Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat, responded to this review Hi Thanks for taking the time to review your experience with us. Best wishes, Team Shizuka More Questions? Get answers from hotel staff and past guests. Ask a question Explore similar hotels Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info. Reset zoom There are no pins in your viewport. Try moving the map or changing your filters.

Only show hotels with confirmed availability {providername} {price} We can't find prices for this accommodation From {rate_price} {rate_periodicity} 145 photos of this hotel Traveler photos: See what travelers like you saw Viewed Management photos: Courtesy of the property manager Viewed Hotels you might also like... Also consider these accommodations in or near Hepburn Springs 0.2 mi away Near Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat Top-rated Attractions Nearby Questions? Get answers from hotel staff and past guests. Ask a question Amenities Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi ) Free Parking Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi ) Services Concierge Official Description (provided by the hotel) Australia's renowned Japanese guesthouse, the award-winning Shizuka Ryokan is an indulgent retreat featuring traditional accommodation, delicious cuisine, luxurious spa treatments and holistic wellness services. Fully authentic in every detail including its architecture, furnishings and gardens the retreat offers genuine, warm hospitality and generous, personalised service. Couples, singles and small groups come to the inn to relax, indulge, rejuvenate and immerse in the romance and tranquility. It's a small piece of Japan just 80 minutes drive from Melbourne. ...

more less Additional Information about Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat Address: 7 Lakeside Dr, Hepburn Springs, Victoria 3461, Australia Location: Australia > Victoria > Hepburn Springs Price Range: $154 - $254 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room) Hotel Class:4 star — Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat 4* Number of rooms: 6 Reservation Options: TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Priceline and Agoda so you can book your Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers. Also Known As: Japanese Ryokans Vs. Hotels Onsen (hot springs) , and Japanese bathing culture & etiquette Your multi-course kaiseki dinner & traditional Japanese breakfast Traditional Japanese futon bedding Please keep in mind that not everything we will describe applies to every single ryokan. However, these common elements will give you a good understanding of what it’s like to stay at a ryokan.

There are some other things you’ll want to know, too, so keep reading (or watch the video above) for more details. Ryokan Kurashiki, a wonderful traditional ryokan Japanese Ryokan Basics As with hotels or inns in any country, every ryokan is different. They range from modest and basic properties akin to guest houses, to highly luxurious ryokans where you’ll experience the best in Japanese hospitality. Most people tend to associate ryokans with the countryside of Japan – and this is definitely the quintessential way to experience a ryokan stay. City dwellers retreat to rural ryokans to relax and rejuvenate for a couple of days. Grounds are usually very peaceful, with an emphasis on nature and beautiful gardens, or views of surrounding streams and mountains. But Kyoto and other Japanese cities are also home to some beautiful, traditional ryokans – even Tokyo has a handful – so if you’re eager to experience an “urban” ryokan, then Kyoto is the best place to do so.

Arrival by boat at HOSHINOYA Kyoto Arriving At Your Ryokan Upon entering your ryokan, the first thing you’ll do is remove your shoes in the indicated area, and slip on the slippers that have been provided for you. One of the first things you’ll notice is that ryokans are typically much smaller than most hotels. They’re often family run, and in many cases have been handed down generation to generation. Check-in formalities at a ryokan are usually much quicker and simpler than in a hotel. You’ll be led to your room by the nakai-san – your personal room attendant – who will politely show you the way. When you get to the room, you’ll take your slippers off – you don’t wear slippers on tatami mats (you can wear socks or simply be barefoot). If you’re not sure when to take the slippers off, the nakai-san will be happy to show you. He or she will show you your yukatas (robes) – change into these as soon as they leave the room. You’ll be wearing these comfortable robes for the duration of your stay!

Often, Japanese sweets will be beautifully laid out on the room’s central table for you, and your nakai-san may prepare your first cup of green tea for you. You don’t need to do anything – just enjoy the hospitality and the aromatic smell of the tatami mats. Tip: Before your nakai-san leaves the room, ask him or her to show you how to operate the electric hot water maker, your room’s heating system (particularly if it’s going to get cold at night), and the Japanese toilet – with all its buttons – since instructions for these are not always available in English. Tatami mats Rooms at a Traditional Ryokan When entering your traditional Japanese-style ryokan room, you may be surprised at what you find – or don’t find! Unlike hotel rooms, traditional Japanese-style ryokan rooms have very little furniture. In fact, when you walk in chances are that all you will see is a low central table, and some traditional zaisu (chairs without legs). The flooring is tatami matting, which is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to walk, sit or lay on. But you may be wondering: where are the beds? Don’t worry, we will discuss traditional Japanese-style bedding below.

As for the bathrooms: if you’re staying at a luxury ryokan, you’ll have your own private en suite bathroom, as you would expect. But at many very traditional ryokans (even at some fairly luxurious ones), your room may not have an en suite bathroom. This is very important to many travelers, so if you have any doubt make sure to ask before selecting a ryokan. Onsen at Hotel Kazurabashi, Iya Valley, Shikoku, Japan Bathing at Ryokans: Onsen Bathing is an important part of Japanese culture, and perhaps nothing is more enjoyable – and potentially confusing – to non-Japanese travelers than the bathing experience at a ryokan. We’ve included some helpful tips so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest – but it’s best to accept that, no matter how much you prepare, you’ll probably make an etiquette mistake (or two). Don’t worry! Japanese people are very understanding – the key is to always just be respectful, and if you don’t know what to do, ask – even sign language works (see our article on Japanese etiquette for more on tips and taboos).

Onsen Basics In addition to the traditional hospitality (and the food), hot springs – called onsen in Japanese – are one of the biggest reasons travelers make the journey to rural ryokans. Not all ryokans have natural hot springs, but even those without onsen will offer a traditional bathing experience, and the etiquette tips below will also apply. Visiting a Japanese onsen is therapeutic, relaxing – and fascinating. It can be a little confusing the first time, but once you get the system down it’s both fun and incredibly rejuvenating. Hanamaki Onsen, Osawa, Iwate, Japan (Photo credit: Ghost of Kuji via Compfight cc ) Bathing & Onsen Etiquette Tips These tips apply to both onsen and to regular baths. No bathing suits allowed. Some onsen are gender-separated, and some are communal. Regardless, swimsuits are simply not permitted. If for any reason this sounds unappealing to you, another option is a ryokan with private onsen – a great solution for many travelers. Wash yourself thoroughly before entering.

When going to an onsen, first you’ll pass through a changing room, where you will disrobe and place your garments (everything but your small onsen towel) in the basket provided. Then continue into the shower area, where you’ll find shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Rather than standing while you shower, you sit on a short stool and shower there. Once you have thoroughly bathed, then it’s time to head out to the onsen itself. Don’t let the small towel into the onsen water. You’ll be given two towels: one large and one small. The large one is for fully drying off after your relaxing soak (leave it in the changing room). Take the small towel with you out to the onsen, however it’s important to not let the towel touch the water. Most people use the little towel to discreetly cover themselves while walking from the shower area to the onsen waters, and then place it on their head, tie it around their forehead, or lay it somewhere near the edge of the bath. There is no hard and fast rule, other than to keep it out of the onsen. Tattoos are not always permitted.

Tattoos are not common among the general Japanese populace, and have traditionally been seen as a symbol of the Japanese underworld. As such, many onsen have regulations that prevent people with tattoos from entering. While this doesn’t always apply to non-Japanese, if you have a tattoo and another guest complains, you may be asked to leave the bath. If at all possible, to prevent this from happening we recommend you cover the tattoo with a band-aid or large bandage. If this is not possible, but you really want to experience onsen, the best solution may be to select a ryokan that offers private onsen – fortunately, these are quite common. Kaiseki dining at KAI Matsumoto Food & Dining at Ryokans When staying at a ryokan, your main tasks are to soak in onsen, contemplate nature, drink green tea in your tatami-lined room, take relaxing naps, and partake of incredible, memorable meals. Cuisine is an integral part of the ryokan experience, and for most people one of the highlights. Most ryokan stays include breakfast and a kaiseki dinner, both of which typically feature a beautifully-presented and colorful array of local and seasonal specialties.

The kaiseki dinner is a multi-course affair, served either in the privacy of your tatami-lined room, or – at many ryokans – in a common dining room. Be sure to bring your camera, and your appetite. While every ryokan is different, dinner usually features: Local vegetables, both grown and foraged The bounty of the sea, and often local rivers Local meats The staples of Japanese food, such as miso soup, and of course rice Drinks including local sake or shochu, beer, and tea These beautiful feasts are an unforgettable culinary experience, and a great way to sample Japanese foods you may never get to experience again. Breakfasts are just as colorful: at breakfast you’ll usually find a selection of traditional Japanese dishes – fish, rice, miso soup – as well an egg, toast on occasion, and tea and/or coffee. Tip: If you have any dietary restrictions , food allergies, or other important requests, be sure to make this known as far beforehand as possible, as ryokans plan their meals well in advance and cannot always accommodate last-minute requests.

Kaiseki cuisine at Ryokan Kurashiki Traditional Futon Bedding The word futon is originally a Japanese word, and refers to the type of bedding you’ll experience at most ryokans. Don’t be misled by the word, as Japanese-style futon are quite unlike futons in Europe or the Americas! As you will have noticed when you first entered your room (described above), upon entering a traditional Japanese-style room, you won’t see any bedding. While you’re at dinner enjoying your kaiseki feast, ryokan staff will discreetly visit your room and lay out your plush Japanese-style bedding for you. To most travelers, the futon mattress is surprisingly plush and comfortable, and the down comforter is also very warm – making for an extremely restful night of sleep for most. However, if you are concerned about this type of sleeping arrangement, it’s worth noting that many high-end ryokans have begun incorporating some western-style elements – such as western-style beds – into their rooms. If having a western-style bed is a priority for you, simply take this into account when selecting a ryokan. Takefue Ryokan, Kurokawa Onsen, Japan Ready to Stay in a Ryokan?

For most of our clients, we usually recommend spending 1-2 nights in a ryokan if it’s your first time visiting Japan. Even though most people fall in love with the experience, it’s not always for everyone. But even among those who don’t love it, one night is usually worthwhile, if just for the fascinating cultural experience. Japan Travel Tips Sign up and receive our thoughtful (and infrequent) newsletter, full of free Japan travel tips and inspiration. Your email address “Ryokan” (Traditional Inns) | Nippon.com “Ryokan” (Traditional Inns) Simple view / Print Futons, Washoku, and Communal Baths Japan’s ryokan present a contrast to modern business hotels by offering a classical vacation experience. These traditional inns are fitted out with washitsu (Japanese-style rooms) with tatami flooring, shōji (sliding paper doors), and tokonoma (decorative alcoves) displaying hanging scrolls or ikebana (flower arrangements). Guests can enjoy sleeping on futons, eating washoku (Japanese cuisine), and relaxing in large communal baths in surroundings that recall a past era.

Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise and Tommy Lee Jones are among the international fans of ryokan. Lodgings vary in size, but as a rule they must have at least five rooms to qualify as ryokan—larger ones may have 80 or more. There are over 40,000 licensed inns around the country, each offering distinct cuisine and atmosphere reflecting the region where they are located. Staying in Ryokan Staff members welcome guests and show them around upon arrival. They also perform other tasks, including laying out futons at night and packing them away in the morning. They are also available to answer any questions the guests have. As in Japanese homes, ryokan guests should take their shoes off in the entrance hall, trading them for slippers provided by the establishment. It is often possible to borrow sandals or geta (wooden clogs) for brief saunters outside. Unlike hotels, there are no swimming pools or gyms at ryokan, but there are often large communal baths. These are separate for men and women and may feature an outdoor bath known as a rotenburo. There are often karaoke booths, table tennis tables, or other simple leisure facilities.

Rotenburo (open-air bath). Note that towels, present in this photo to preserve decorum, are not generally taken into the water. After a slow soak, guests may relax in their rooms wearing the yukata robes, which also double as nightwear. At ryokan, it is acceptable to walk around the building in these robes. In onsen (hot spring) resort towns, meanwhile, many people wear them as they stroll through the streets. Typically, dinner and breakfast are included in a ryokan package. Dinner may take place in a dining area or in guests’ rooms, in which case staff members will bring courses and take extra drink orders as necessary. Menus are often extravagant, featuring local and seasonal delicacies. Dinner laid out in a ryokan room. In all ryokan, it is best to reserve rooms in advance by Internet or telephone, rather than turning up unexpectedly. Tipping is rare in Japan, but the custom of providing money known as kokorozuke in the case of exceptional service can still be found at some high-end ryokan. The World’s Oldest Lodgings Staying in a ryokan is one way to see traditional Japanese architecture up close.

Establishments that have been in business for a century or more are common: these usually offer the opportunity to appreciate old-style amenities, including antique furniture and traditional tableware. Keiunkan in Yamanashi Prefecture was founded in 705 and holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest hotel. Another ryokan, Hōshi in Ishikawa Prefecture, was founded just a few years later in 718. The three most famous ryokan in Kyoto are said to be Tawaraya, boasting 300 years of history, where Steve Jobs regularly stayed; Sumiya, renowned for its tea ceremony and Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine; and Hiiragiya, which was popular with the Imperial family and literary figures in the Meiji era (1868–1912). Changing Times Ginzan Onsen in a wintry Yamagata Prefecture. Many ryokan also offer packages for bed and breakfast only. As a growing number of foreign tourists make their way to Japan, some establishments have started to provide English-language maps marking local shops and restaurants. Sawanoya in Ueno, Tokyo, is one of a few ryokan that particularly caters to international visitors.

A 2014 survey of foreign tourists conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism found that the main reason first-time guests chose to stay at ryokan was because they were interested in Japanese-style rooms and architecture. For those staying over five or more times, the biggest draw was onsen baths. When asked what the appeal of ryokan was, the top answers were the Japanese-style rooms and fittings (65.8%), the chance to enjoy the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere (60.3%), and washoku cuisine (59.7%). Some responded that they were able to overcome the language barrier through gestures, pictures, individual words, and the use of dictionaries. There are also support organizations (listed below) for helping foreign tourists to book and stay in ryokan. While retaining their traditional atmosphere, ryokan are adapting to new needs and providing Japanese-style hospitality to both domestic and international travelers. Links: Ryokan Styles | Japanese Guest Houses Understand that All Ryokans Are Different Different Styles have Good and Bad Point Select Your Ideal Style Just as there are many different ryokan room prices, there are also many different types or styles of ryokans.

No two ryokans are the same, and the quality of ryokan varies dramatically. On the low end of the scale is what we call a “standard ryokan” and at the upper end of the scale is our “luxurious ryokan.” In general, you get what you pay for. On the one hand if you are only paying 8,000 yen per guest then expect the basic, no-frills, ryokan experience. On the other hand, if you are paying 40,000 yen per guest then you will probably have an exceptional ryokan experience with wonderful food, a gorgeous room, a Japanese cypress bath, a view of a Japanese garden, first-class service, and so on. We have created a list of ryokan styles to help you better understand the different types of ryokans and what to expect if you stay at one of them: Standard Ryokan A standard ryokan offers guests a basic, “no-frills” version of a Japanese ryokan. The building is usually a plain, concrete building and it looks more like a small inn or hotel than a Japanese ryokan.

Inside a standard ryokan there is little traditional atmosphere or character, and while the rooms are Japanese-style they are very plain and simple. A standard ryokan is a ryokan experience “on the cheap,” a ryokan experience without the usually higher ryokan prices found in other traditional or modern-style ryokans. Modern Ryokan From the outside, a modern ryokan usually looks like a small hotel and indeed it has all the modern conveniences of a hotel. It is very comfortable and has Japanese-style rooms and baths. It is well maintained so both its interior and exterior look fairly new. There is some traditional Japanese atmosphere but there is little or no history to the place. It is close to a Japanese-style hotel but with touches of traditional Japanese culture here and there. The comfort of the guests is the number one priority, and the Japanese cultural experience takes second place. Traditional Ryokan A traditional ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn in the truest sense of the term. The owners take great pride in preserving the building’s traditional atmosphere and history. Indeed, the preservation of the ryokan in its original form is deemed more important than catering to the comfort of the guests.

Staying in a traditional ryokan would be like staying in a European castle – wonderful atmosphere but at the expense of hotel-style comfort. The Japanese-style rooms and baths are comfortable but they can be dark and drafty. The hallways are also gloomy and there may be few modern conveniences. The building is made entirely of wood and there is usually a beautiful, traditional Japanese garden. Luxurious Ryokan A luxurious ryokan has a long history, traditional atmosphere, and the owners pamper their guests with comfort and all the modern conveniences. The owners and staff go out of their way to make sure the guests are treated like royalty; in other words, Japanese hospitality at its finest. The Japanese-style rooms and baths are very comfortable, and the traditional, “kaiseki-style” meals are outstanding. The ryokan is made entirely of wood and there is also a beautiful Japanese-style garden. Luxurious ryokans are very expensive and usually located in the major hot spring and tourist areas. Ryokan Hotel From the outside, a ryokan hotel looks like a normal hotel and when a guest enters the building the lobby is like a hotel lobby.

A ryokan hotel also has such amenities as a karaoke room, a bar, a gift shop / convenience store, a coffee shop, and a restaurant. The ryokan hotel is brightly lit and very comfortable. The only real difference between a hotel and a ryokan hotel is the ryokan hotel has Japanese-style rooms and baths but there may also be Western-style rooms. Guests can also often choose between having Western or Japanese-style meals. Minshuku A minshuku is usually a small, wooden, Japanese-style building. The building is generally not very big, and the rooms are Japanese-style but not as large as the rooms in Japanese ryokans. While the building and rooms are usually clean and comfortable, the rooms and hallways can sometimes be dark and a bit drafty. A minshuku tries to project a “homey” atmosphere and guests are served home-style Japanese cooking. Minshukus are generally inexpensive and the owners pride themselves on their friendly, personalized service. Buddhist Temple – Shukubo A great way to experience traditional Japanese culture is by staying at a Buddhist Temple. The most popular places are on Mount Koya (Wakayama Prefecture) and in Kyoto.

Temple lodging is known in Japanese as “shukubo” and while the style of accommodation can sometimes be basic the cuisine is often very, very good. The temple monks serve what is known as “shojin ryori” which is vegetarian cuisine, and at many temples guests are also welcome to attend the early morning prayer ceremonies. “Gassho-Zukuri” (traditional thatched gable roof houses) The “gassho-zukuri” are located primarily in Shirakawago, Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture. This style of traditional Japanese architecture means “praying hands.” This comes from the shape of the roof which is thought to resemble two hands clasped in Buddhist prayer. The steep roof is designed to prevent snow piling up on the roof, and it also keeps the inside relatively cool in summer. Another feature is no pegs or nails are used in their construction. and many contain “irori” (Japanese hearths) in the main central area. The smoke from these hearths permeate throughout the gassho-zukuri and have darkened the walls and wood over the years.

Traditionally, the smoke was used to keep the silkworms warm (these buildings were used to raise silkworms for making silk and the silkworms were raised in frames in the upper levels of the building). The smoke is also essential to provide a protective coating for the pine and chestnut pillars and beams against insects. Warning: the gassho-zukuri are clean and comfortable but primitive, rustic accommodation. The gassho-zukuri can be dark, gloomy, and drafty. All bathing and toilet facilities are shared, and local home-style cuisine is provided to the guests. Pension A pension is usually a ferrous concrete Western style building with Western style rooms. You will find these more in northern Japan and near outdoor activities like ski resorts. They are generally family owned and operated. Just like with Minshukus (see above) the owners pride themselves on a friendly and warm atmosphere. Cottage A cottage is usually a traditional Japanese house, in a rural, or semi-rural location. In contrast to the limited privacy experienced in a traditional ryokan, guests use the houses on their own. In a cottage you actually rent an entire house.

However guests will not be served meals, guests have to prepare their own meals. Also there is no maid service. Please note that most cottages cannot be reached by public transportation and that there are no restaurants or shops near by. Popular Ryokans Oshi Ryokan, Nagano, Japan - Booking.com Oshi Ryokan Just copy and paste! × Oshi Ryokan 2 stars This property has agreed to be part of our Preferred Property Program, which groups together properties that stand out because of their excellent service and quality/price ratio with competitive prices. Participation in the program requires meeting a specific set of criteria and takes feedback from previous guests into account. 381-4101 Nagano, Nagano, Togakushi Houkousha 2332, Japan – Great location - show map Excellent location – rated 9/10! Rated by guests after their stay at Oshi Ryokan. Lock in a great price for Oshi Ryokan – rated 9.2 by recent guests! Enter dates Wonderful 9.2 /10 Score from 150 reviews Cleanliness Free WiFi 8.6 The hosts attention to detail was exceptional.

The traditional Japanese food, with a hint of western flavours was outstanding. Traditional ryokan rooms were large and the futons extra comfortable with a double matress. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with Mr and Mrs Oshi Chris, Australia Really kind staff. Food was great. Thanks for everything. Sbstin, France Everything! Our best stay in Japan during 3 and a half weeks trip. The incredibly caring hospitality of the owners Hidenori and Tomoko Oshi makes this ryokan unforgettable experience. Thank you so much! The house is beautiful. The meals were exceptionally tasty, beautifully served in a private dining room, by far the best traditional meals we have in Japan. We enjoyed everything about our stay and if it was possible to give higher score than 10 it would be! Anna, Israel The hosts are amazing and speak excellent English if this is important for you.. Friendly, insightful and genuinely caring. The food option is an absolute must if you stay. The walks in the region are fabulous. Local villages offer good food options as well. This is the perfect place to stay if you want a traditional Ryokan experience but were too afraid to give it a go. It is also great to escape the big cities and relax.

David, Australia Oshi Ryokan was a highlight of our trip to Japan. We took the meal option (both lunch and breakfast) and it was amazing, the food was top quality and the serving and presentation were wonderful. As for the accommodation itself, we had a spacious room and the staff were helpful in every way. Some of the facilities were a bit older, but nothing which would hinder our experience. The location is very nice, there is a beautiful temple in the forest just a couple of minutes away. If you choose this accommodation, definitely go for the meal option as it really enhanced the experience! Ilya, Slovakia Beautiful location and property. Owners upgraded us for free to a huge room/suite with private bathroom. They were very welcoming and friendly, and helped us with some travel plans. Great location. Would highly recommend this place!! Sumi, United States of America This is the best ryokan for this trip. Oshi ryokan located on the mountain and great view on the way to ryokan. We received a warm welcome form Mr.Hidenori and his family. He was very kind and helped us all. We're appreciate delicious local food and culture. This is the perfect experience that we love it.

Juthamas, Thailand The owner is such a lovely host. He had received that day French cheese and kindly included some in my meal, what a treat! Room was extremely clean, and spacious. Meals are highly recommended as well, exquisite well presented Japanese cuisine. And the area is wonderful if you like hiking, really! Will be back for sure! Dorothee, United Kingdom the food was excellent, the hotel stab: very welcoming, the room with a view: very beautiful, the best futons we had in Japan. Åshilld, Japan A truly cozy and enjoyable abode! The hosts, Oshi and his wife were extremely hospitable and accommodating. Highly recommend the dinner plan -- an exceptional home-cooked Japanese kaiseki dinner at affordable price! The location was perfect for exploring the Togakushi shrines and Ninja village, and the view from our ryokan's room was breathtaking during winter! Phoebe, Singapore 9.8 One of our top picks in Nagano. Situated just a 5-minute walk from historic Togakushi Shrine, Oshi Ryokan is traditional lodging accommodation in the peaceful mountain area, which used to cater for pilgrims.

The main building is 250 years old with a thatched roof. Guests sleep in Japanese-style rooms located in annex buildings. Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding, the rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a seating area with a low table. Bathroom is shared with other guests. While staying at Ryokan Oshi, guests can enjoy a range of activities like golfing and skiing. The property provides ski storage and ski equipment rentals. Luggage can be left at the front desk. JR Nagano Station is a 50-minute drive or bus ride away, and the Togakushi Hokousha Bus Stop is just a 1-minute walk from the property. Togakushi Ski Resort is a 15-minute away, while Nagano Country Club is within a 10-minute drive. Guests can savour homemade meals at the spacious dining room with a historic charm, located in the main building. Dinner features local speciality soba buckwheat noodles. This property is a ryokan, which is a type of traditional Japanese Inn. Learn more What's a ryokan? A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn.

They usually feature bathhouses, multicourse dinners, communal spaces where guests can relax, and rooms with woven-straw flooring and futon mats. Like hotels, a range of ryokans (from budget to luxury) is available. What originated centuries ago as a free rest house for long-distance travelers has evolved into a popular destination for relaxation surrounded by therapeutic mineral springs. What are the big differences between a ryokan and a hotel? Unlike a hotel, where the guest room is just a place to turn in for the night, a ryokan is more than just a place to sleep. In Japan, many travelers journey long distances to relax in a hot spring bath and feast on a traditional multicourse dinner – staying in a ryokan is an experience in and of itself. These ryokans typically have Japanese-style rooms with woven-straw floors and futon beds (no Western beds and carpeting). You should also remove your shoes at the entrance of the room, or before you enter it. Modern ryokans might serve buffet-style meals in a dining area, while more traditional ryokans tend to serve in-room dinners. Some ryokan rooms have a private bathroom, and others might just have a shared bathroom.

What's a kaiseki meal? Kaiseki is the culinary highlight at a ryokan, embodying beautifully presented dishes that delight both the palate and the eyes. Every one of the 10 to 15 dishes that make up the multicourse Japanese dinner is prepared in a way that highlights the unique textures, colors, and flavors of featured seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Most commonly served at special restaurants and ryokans, a traditional kaiseki dinner usually consists of bite-size appetizers, fresh sashimi (raw fish, like sushi), soup, grilled fish or meat, a hot-pot dish, rice with miso soup, and a small dessert. What's a yukata? A yukata is a casual summer kimono or robe, typically made of light cotton. Many ryokans provide guests with yukata robes during their stay. In some areas, it's common to see guests strolling through the neighborhood in their yukatas. The loose-fitting garment is perfect for sleeping and relaxing in. How should I wear a yukata? First, put your arms through the sleeves like you would with a robe. Take the right side of the yukata and wrap it across your body.

Then, take the left side and wrap it over the right, making sure that the robe is level at your ankles. Pinning the yukata closed on the right side, wrap the sash around your waist a couple of times and then tie a bow. Generally, the bow is tied around the waist for women, and the hips for men. What's a Japanese hot spring (onsen)? Onsen (literally "hot spring") is a term often used to refer to both the mineral-rich hot springs and the bathing facilities that house them. Whether the bath is public or private, gender-segregated or mixed, indoor or outdoor, soaking and unwinding in the soothing geothermal waters at an onsen is a millennia-old custom deeply embedded in Japanese culture. What's standard bathing etiquette? At a bathhouse—onsen or not—guests are expected to remove all clothing in their respective changing rooms before entering the bathing area. As a common courtesy, once inside the bathing area, guests should wash and rinse their bodies thoroughly before quietly stepping into the hot water. Whether you relax in solitude or converse softly with others is up to you, but guests should always be mindful of others. Wash towels are often used to cover one’s private areas while walking around.

However, note that you should not put towels in the water. Why are tattoos not allowed? While tattoos have become more popular among Japan's youth, many Japanese people still associate them with outlaws and organized crime. Nowadays, not all businesses ban customers with tattoos, but you might still be refused admission to bathhouses and swimming pools. Small tattoos can be covered up using waterproof bandaids, but keep in mind that each property has the final say on what’s acceptable. This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Nagano! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area. This property is also rated for the best value in Nagano! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city. We speak your language! Oshi Ryokan has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Jul 2, 2013 Hotel Rooms: 8 Read more Booking.com Guest Review Guidelines To keep the rating score and review content relevant for your upcoming trip, we archive reviews older than 24 months. Only a customer who has booked through Booking.com and stayed at the property in question can write a review. This allows us to verify that our reviews come from real guests like you.

Who better to tell others about the free breakfast, friendly staff, or their comfortable room than someone who’s stayed at the property? We want you to share your story, with both the good and the not-so-good. All we ask is that you follow a few simple guidelines. Reviews Vision We believe review contributions and property responses will highlight a wide range of opinions and experiences, which is critical in helping guests make informed decisions about where to stay. Reviews Principles Contributions to Booking.com are a reflection of the dedication of our guests and properties, so we treat them with the utmost respect. Whether negative or positive, we'll post every comment in full and as quickly as possible, provided the guidelines are met. We'll also provide transparency over the status of submitted content. We'll use the same guidelines and standards for all user-generated content, and for the property responses to that content. We'll allow the contributions to speak for themselves, and we won’t be the judge of reality. Booking.com’s role is to be a feedback distributor for both guests and properties. Guidelines and Standards for Reviews These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly, without limiting expression or strong opinions. They're also applicable regardless of the comment's tone.

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Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses. Review Score Japan: Ryokans - TripAdvisor New! Find and book your ideal hotel on TripAdvisor — and get the lowest prices Japan: Ryokans Review a place you’ve visited JOIN We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Japan each week. Japan Traveler Article: Comments (2) Japan is truly a unique country, and one of the aspects that makes it so original is its accommodation system. One of the options that you might have is ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn. Staying in ryokan initially can seem intimidating but it is not that difficult to arrange and could offer you a great deal of insight into a traditional Japanese way of life. With the Internet at hand, it is really easy to book a ryokan. is a good website which is an association of Japanese inns and another good site is . Both of these sites are easy to navigate and book your trip.

The advantages to staying in ryokans are multifold: it’s truly different to staying in the usual hotels, it is not expensive at all, and if you book a ryokan that is located in the area of hot springs, it can provide truly unforgettable experience of taking a bath in the hot springs (some ryokans even have outside baths). The most important difference between ryokan and the regular hotel is that guests sleep on the floor on the sleeping mats which for some people is very convenient and comfortable. You can not walk in your shoes in the ryokan, but slippers are provided. That way the place is cleaner, and it actually feels like you are in somebody’s house rather than in a hotel. In your room you will find yukata, which is a Japanese robe similar to kimono (but simpler) which you can put on while you are in the ryokan. You can also try a Japanese breakfast in your ryokan (it is usually not included in the price – it is about 7-10 dollars per person), and you don’t have to eat it everyday. The food is really unusual and it is definitely not your Western breakfast. It is beautifully presented and very filling.

Some places like Hakone (close to Tokyo and next to Mount Fuji) have ryokans that are built in the area of hot springs. Traveling to Hakone is a good idea for a trip, where you can indulge for a night or two in the stay in the traditional ryokan and take a bath in the hot springs (as often as you want) and have a beautiful and delicious kaiseki-style dinner and breakfast. It is an expensive option but for those who like to try things such as this, it's worth the money. The prices in the ryokan are per person and can be cheap to very expensive. Remember that you get what you pay for and avoid cheap ryokans if you want a positive experience. Share your knowledge ryokan - Wiktionary ryokan Etymology[ edit ] From Japanese 旅館 ‎(りょかん ryokan), from Middle Chinese 旅館 (ljó-kwán "inn", "traveller's lodge") (compare Mandarin lǚguǎn 旅馆), from 旅 ("travel") + 館 ("lodging-house"). A traditional Japanese inn with communal baths and other public areas.

2008 April 27, “Gift to the Mailroom, From the Boardroom”, in New York Times Staying At A Ryokan | JapanVisitor Japan Travel Guide Staying At A Ryokan Accommodation in Japan: Staying at a Ryokan Simple pleasures - No visit to Japan is complete without one night in a traditional Japanese inn Jono David "At last I had found one country on earth where simplicity is supreme." Frank Lloyd Wright The American architect's commentary on traditional Japanese design was not only profound for its own simplicity, but an astute observation of a country known for its crowds, clutter, and chaos. Contrary to the sad, even inevitable, diminishment of the ryokan, or traditional-style inn, Japanese people still revere these perfectly simple retreats as necessary diversions from their personal commotion and cacophony. The ryokan is where the body reposes, the mind plays, and the spirit frolics. Historically, the Japanese have worked diligently at perfecting the art of relaxation, and ryokan are prominent evidence of this ethereal recreation.

A typical tatami-mat floored room in a Japanese ryokan For the visitor whose idea of luxury is surely stuffed with exquisite fixtures and an unabashed show of opulence, a top-grade ryokan with its no-frills-no-weight-room compound and exorbitant price tag may seem almost like larceny. Indeed, one must leave such expectations at the door with the shoes. From the instant the foot employs the slippers and the okami-san reverently bows in welcome, to a departure bid with grace and gratitude, the senses are treated to a sort of metaphysical massage. Book Ryokan Throughout Japan For the bulk of visitors, a stay at a ryokan will be their most intimate encounter with the country's ancient traditions, even way of life. A ryokan is, after all, an effective example of bygone housing. The ryokan's inception came about during the Edo Period (1603-1867) as rudimentary lodging along the Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo ) highway. As their popularity grew, the Japanese interpretation of exquisite fixtures and settings became equal to spartan simplicity, dispelling the myth that more is somehow better, grander, or representative of comfort.

Visit any mokuzo-kaoku ryokan , or even a temple or historic house in Japan, and you will find only the plain and the modest. Such simplicity stands in clear and striking contrast to the cluttered home of virtually any contemporary Japanese. A traditional Japanese dinner served at a ryokan in Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Japan A ryokan's simplicity embodies the pursuit of a veritable nirvana. In architectural terms, it is the materials: the wood, the paper doors. In spiritual terms, it is the resonance of silence and stillness save for the pond's trickle. In design terms, it is the clean, straight lines of the tatami mats and shadows fluttering on rice-paper doors. The minimalism of a solitary flower arranged in the alcove curiously compels us to admire its beauty. A ryokan visit begins at a sliding door at the end of a cobbled path in the shadow of bamboo or some other equally delightful green. You admire the maid's plain kimono as she quietly leads you to your suite where she serves green tea and perhaps a sweet presented on a simple porcelain dish.

The crouching lacquered table in the centre of your room is flanked by cushions and brocade armrests. More on Japanese Guesthouses - Ryokan As you sink to the floor, realizing there is no bed, the smell of the pristine straw mats fills your nose and you breathe deeply for a greater taste as the maid slips behind the closing rice-paper doors, leaving you to the stillness of the room. You turn to the window and your eyes are treated to a view of a perfectly pruned garden or a sweeping vista down some sun-soaked valley or even the sea. A calm descends upon you and a harmony unites your heart and mind, or perhaps you and your partner in a warm embrace. It is soon time to bathe, either in your own room or in a communal room. You remove yourself to the cedar bath, disrobe, and crouch upon a little wooden stool on the tile floor to wash with douses of water from cedar pans. Then, at last, you immerse yourself into the fiery bath, slowly, convinced you will blister all over but then falling into the grip of the heat, your body surrenders its tensions, aches and pains.

Book Ryokan in Kyoto When you return to your room the maid is poised ready to serve you a seemingly endless assortment of vegetables, rice, and other locally grown treats, each to be admired for its colour, its art and when at last you are finished, you wipe your hands and face with a steaming towel as the dishes and table make way for the futons to be laid out neatly in the centre of the floor. Feeling rested, pampered, and with the sake you were drinking weighing your extremities down, you want to resist the drowsiness which feels like a drug, for to capitulate is to relinquish this nirvana and sleep only brings on the morning and a regrettable departure. In the morning, after the traditional breakfast of rice, miso soup, vegetables and perhaps fish, you collect your belongings and return to the entrance for your shoes, quite as alien to the inside of the ryokan as the existence you left behind the day before. The maid sees you off just as okami-san welcomed you, quietly, and with a deep, long bow. She may stay there, lingering, till you are firmly out of sight. At home among your own clutter and chaos, memories of your ryokan also linger.

In particular, the Nakai-san not so much your maid, as your angel.

Question: A Ryokan is a traditional inn in which country?
Answer: Japan