Elegant Stroll Through Japanese Onsen: Q&A on Staying at Ryokan

By MOOK Editorial Department
 
Experiencing the simple, natural scenery and streets of onsen in Kyushu offers visitors a deeply relaxing experience. Staying at a local ryokan, leisurely strolling through the onsen town, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the quiet town, enjoying the surrounding scenery, and savoring the blissful time of one night, two meals, and three hot spring soaks—plus spare moments admiring the garden—can be truly delightful. Taking some time to learn about ryokan etiquette in advance can make your rare onsen experience even more perfect.

What should I pay attention to when eating?
The dinner at an onsen ryokan is mainly kaiseki cuisine. After you are seated, the server will ask what drink you would like. These drinks are all extra and will be added to the bill the next day. Also, the rice in kaiseki is served last, unlike Chinese meals where you eat rice with the dishes. After the meal, simply return the utensils and bowls to their original places, and put the bowl lids back as well.

Traditional ryokan will ask about your breakfast time after dinner, and the next day your meal will be ready for you at the scheduled time—don’t oversleep.

The general serving (eating) order may vary by place, and nabe (hot pot) often appears in kaiseki meals. It’s okay if you’re not clear about the serving or eating order—there’s no need to be too formal, just enjoy your meal relaxedly.

What if kneeling is too tiring?
Many ryokan serve meals on tatami mats. You don’t have to force yourself to sit rigidly “kneeling.” Men can sit cross-legged, and women can place their legs to the side—it’s more comfortable that way.

Can I wear a yukata outside?
After the female attendant introduces the ryokan upon entering your room, you can change into a yukata. At an onsen ryokan, it’s perfectly fine to wear a yukata for meals, hot springs, or strolling in the garden. If there’s an onsen town nearby, you can also wear a yukata outside, but remember to change into outdoor slippers.

How do I wear a yukata?
Wearing a yukata is very simple: put it on, have the left side over the right, then wrap the obi belt around your waist one or two times and tie it. If you have trouble, just ask the attendant for help.

 
More onsen ryokan tips: Complete Self-Guided Trip to Kyushu 》》

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