What is Ryokan?

Ryokan is a traditional Japanese style Inn with the rooms usually Japanese style ones. Usually there is a Onsen (hot spring) or a bath at the Ryokan, some have even private baths in the rooms, but usually the onsens are communal. In Ryokan, the floor of the room is out of tatami (straw-mat) and you sleep on a Futon that is brought to your room and set out for you by a service lady.

How is Ryokan different from a Hotel?

As from the description of Ryokan you can already seem, Ryokan are very different than Hotels. Among the already mentioned things Ryokans do not usually have showers in the basic rooms because of the Onsen or bathing area, where Hotels usually do. Also, where in Hotel you might be provided with a bathrobe in ryokai you are provided with a Japanese style clothing called yukata and you can walk freely in the ryokais property wearing only yukata, where in a hotel it would not be ok to walk just in your bathrobe outside of your room. As it is a tradition to take your shoes off in Japan when going in to some one’s house, it is the same way in ryokai, you take your shoes off when entering in. In hotel, you usually only get house service if you ask for it, in Ryokai most things are brought to your room, depending on the Ryokai even dinner might be brought to your room to enjoy. For some of you who are interesting finding out what it is like to stay in Ryokan in Tokyo, here are our reccomandation!

Homeikan

This Ryokan’s concept is the harmony between European style and Japan style.
It’s built with wood, so you can feel the country of Japan.
Address:
5-10-5 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku
Access:
10-minute walk from Hongo 3 tyome Station of Tokyo Metro
Phone:
03-3811-1181
Web site
Minimum charge with 2 days and 1 night without meal:
6,800 yen a person

Sawanoya Ryokan

Sawa Isao, who was selected as a charisma of Tourism, manages this Ryokan.
The tatami mats in the room are very traditional.
You can enjoy also fragrant while you bathe because the bathroom is made of hinoki(cypress bath).
Address:
2-3-11 Yanaka, Tito-ku
Access:
7 minutes’ walk from Nezu station of Tokyo Metro
Phone:
03-3822-2251
Web Site
Minimum charge with 2 days and 1 night without meal:
5,000 yen a person

Sadachiyo

This is a Ryokan where you can taste of Edo period. It is easy of access to Sensoji Temple and Skytree Tower.
You can experience traditional hospitality and meals here.
Address:
2-20-1 Asakusa, Tito-ku
Access:
10 minute walk from Tawaramachi Station of Tokyo Metro or 10 minute walk from Asakusa Station of Toei Asakusa Line
Phone:
03-3842-6431
Web site
Minimum charge with 2 days and 1 night without meal:
14,000 yen a person

Annex Katsutaro Ryokan

This Ryokan was awarded the prize of “Traveler’s Choice 2012.”
The foreigner who stayed here before praised that it was like an “Oasis of Tokyo.”
In this lobby, you can use their PC, send E-mail or check information.
Address:
3-8-4 Yanaka, Taito-ku
Access:
7 minute walk from Sendagi Station of Tokyo Metro or 2 minute walk from Nippori Station of JR line
Phone:
03-3821-5400
Web site
Minimum charge with 2 days and 1 night without meal:
6,300 yen a person

Tsuruya Ryokan

You can go on foot to Skytree in 10 minutes from this Ryokan.
If you wish to minimize the cost of accommodation fee, then it is your choice.
Address:
2-18-2 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku
Access:
5 minute walk from Asakusa Station of Tokyo Merto
Phone:
03-3622-9819
Web site (only in Japanese)
Minimum charge with 2 days and 1 night without meal:
5,400 yen a person