Typical Accommodation
Each night you will be staying in a lovely Ryokan, Minshuku, or Japanese Lodge or Hotel. The rooms are always very comfortable and clean and almost always include ensuites (you will be advised if this isn’t the case). Meals are elaborate, especially dinner and breakfast, which often come in the format of either a multi-course extravaganza or a buffet where you can eat as much as you want. A yukata, a kind of jacket-type dressing gown, will almost always be supplied, so you can be dressed as you will find all the locals. Your accommodation is often a highlight of the day as you soak in an onsen, peering over the ocean in some cases.
Ryokans
Ryokans: These are Japanese guest houses that come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden structures to more of a modern hybrid hotel. Ryokans have Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping. Few Ryokan Hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms may or may not have ensuites. However, be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the Ryokan, especially when they are located in an onsen area. These are usually communal and separated by gender.
Meals are elaborate affairs from a Western point of view served in a traditional dining area. A traditional Kaiseki set meal is what is usually offered. Sometimes there is the option of a buffet at the larger Ryokans.
Minshukus
This style of accommodation are family-run accommodation that are often found in rural Japan. There is a fine line between a Minshuku and some smaller Ryokans, making it hard to distinguish between the two. Most Minshukus are very small, with only a few Japanese-style rooms, a bit like a Bed and Breakfast Japanese style. Staying at a Minshuku has its advantages, as it is a good chance to meet the local people and get right up close to the Japanese culture. The atmosphere is often like that of a home with traditional meals served much like at a Ryokan but with even more intimacy. Be prepared, as baths and toilets are often shared.
Japanese Hotels
Hotels are often stylised with Japanese design in mind. The rooms often have tatami mat floors and offer a blend of modern amenities and traditional hospitality. They can vary from luxury five-star establishments to budget-friendly business hotels, providing comfortable accommodation with essentials like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms.
Many hotels feature restaurants offering both Japanese and international cuisine, fitness centres, and sometimes spas. Japan’s hotel service is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and exceptional customer service, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay for all guests.
