Top tips for ryokans with kids
Shōji rice paper doors, beautiful gardens and natural hot springs make ryokans the most calming and authentic accommodation in Japan and a truly charming way for the kids to experience Japanese traditions. But a ryokan stay is a widely different experience to staying in a hotel, and there is a certain etiquette involved. Here are our top tips for a comfortable stay.
1 Ask in advance
Ryokans are known for their paper-thin walls and silent guests. Some lodgings don’t allow little visitors, so it’s important to ensure your desired inn is familyfriendly before making a booking.
4 Dine in style
A big advantage of ryokans for family trips is the fact that meals are often served in the room. This means no tantrums or misbehaving at restaurants. Breakfast and dinner are included in the original price in the form of a kaisekiryori (Japanese haute cuisine) experience. The range of intriguing dishes is bound to keep the family playing ‘guess the ingredients’.
2 Find the right fit
Ryokans vary in size, from B&b-style to hotel-scale. If your youngsters are a little too rowdy, but you still want an authentic experience, a ryokan-hotel may be your best bet.
5 Walk in their shoes
A ryokan’s tatami floors are delicate and outside shoes must remain off at all times inside a ryokan. Make sure everyone wears the special slippers provided. There is even bathroom-specific footwear.
7 Camp out
After dinner, staff will clear away your room’s table, and futons and mattresses will appear, which kids tend to see as an extremely comfortable, indoor camping trip.
3 Dress the part
The kids are bound to be excited at the prospect of wearing a yukata robe, a must when walking around your ryokan’s public spaces and gardens. Just remember, the left side of the yukata goes over the right. Only corpses wear them the other way.
6 Bath time
Onsens are the conventional way to bathe at ryokans. These communal baths are filled with rejuvenating spring water and bathers aren’t permitted to wear swimming costumes (or any other clothes). They are also silent, so there’s no splashing around. Some do allow children, however, it is important to check beforehand.