Food, onsen and futon. Yep, those are my three favorite elements about staying at a traditional Japanese inn called ryokan.
- Food
I think anyone who has ever stayed at a ryokan will agree with me that the kaiseki ryori (traditional Japanese multi-course dinner) often served there, can be pretty life-changing. A staff dressed in a beautiful kimono typically stays with you as your main host throughout the evening, and brings anywhere between 7 to 14 dishes directly to your room, each meticulously plated and cooked with only the best seasonal ingredients. Of course, you can get a wide range of experiences depending on the price point, generally speaking, kaiseki ryori feels like a feast for royalty!
- Onsen
Ryokan almost always offers a shared onsen that uses hot spring water that has been naturally heated underground and pumped up to the surface. Warming up your core and every inch of your body in an onsen, and then drinking a cold glass of milk afterwards is a classic way to spend an hour before bed at a ryokan–Japanese style. Why milk? Well, rehydration after soaking in a hot bath is absolutely necessary, and milk has been established as a source of rich nutrients perfect for replenishment. In fact, you will find not just straight milk, but also coffee and fruit flavored varieties usually sold in vending machines near the entrance of the hot spring.
- Futon
So, now that you’ve devoured delicious food and reached peak relaxation in an onsen, now it’s time for bed. Oftentimes, your futon (floor mattress) has already been perfectly laid out and neatly made by the staff, which always gives me such a warm feeling in my heart. Also, since I sleep on a Western-style bed at home, it’s a great feeling to kind of return to my Japanese roots and sleep on a futon. For international visitors, it may take some to get used to, but you can always ask the staff to add more bedding to make it more comfortable.
