A ryokan can often spook people away when choosing accommodation in Japan because of the cost ( and, trust me, if it’s tooooo cheap…there is a reason.)
A stay in a ryokan can be lush and a truly memorable Japanese experience.
Staying in a ryokan in Japan is truly experiencing a new side to Japan.
It is one of the most popular way Japanese people like to holiday when remaining in Japan – usually for one night or two.
It is designed to be a luxurious, almost-always fully inclusive holiday.
Ryokans are commonly used by couples, young families or extended families ( as many people have small families in Japan it is not easy to have everyone sleep over for a special holiday so it is not uncommon to all go to a special ryokan together instead and truly connect.)
Why are ryokans so good for families?
1) The rooms are simple and calming.
My little boy slept through the night for the first time on a futon in a ryokan. I also think this is to do with the onsen bath before bed.
2) The service & the food
The food is often brought to your room in many courses. If your kids are like mine and wont try too many adventurous options, I would just explain that at the beginning and perhaps ask for a kids plate with a small selection OR just ask for rice or break for them and tell them that they will try little options from your plates ( whether that be the case or not.)
You are waited on hand and foot and with the best ingredients of that particular region.
Then, each morning and evening, the futons will be packed away or laid out * to allow for more space and a simplistic/relaxing interior in the room.
*I’ve had many people ask if its impolite to ask for the futons to be left out all day. Short answer is no it’s not rude but it is messing with the system and the experience. The only reason I would request this is if one of us was unwell, for example, and needed to nap all day. Also the tatami mats and futon need to be aired out during the day to prevent mould.
3) The onsens
Like I said above, my little guy slept through the night for the first time while sleeping on a futon after a relaxing onsen bath.
Onsens are almost always open 24 hours a day but check first. It is must common to take a bath right after dinner BUT if you are a bit more shy ( I am) if you go when most people eat dinner or earlier in the evening, you will “miss the crowds.”
In order to have a mixed gender bath (and bathe as a family) it is probably best to organize a ryokan with a private onsen.
Also, for small children, you may want to find out the temperature of the onsen once you check in – at some places my kids have only been able to last a minute or two ( not that they cared as they just washed their bodies with the taps and buckets next to the bath ( remember that you are to all wash your body before getting in the onsen. The onsen is for soaking not for soap and bubbles.)
4) The futons
Futons are, despite many preconceived notions, very good for your back.
And you know what is fantastic for a futon when you have small children? They can never roll off or fall out of bed ! It’s so handy!
5) Ryokans introduce children (and adults) to life led, and holidayed in another way
I find that almost all travellers who choose Japan are mindful and want to experience a new culture and all the differences that come with that. What better way to truly drink in a new culture than to spend the night right in amongst it? You won’t get that staying a global hotel chain, that’s for sure.
6) Because kids dressed in yukata is just the cutest thing ever!
And if one night at a traditional ryokan price is beyond your budget, I wrote some tips on how to have a similar ryokan experience without the cost.
See here for my recommended family friendly ryokans in Japan.
