Wanting to visit Japan? Now there’s an easy-to-follow English video guide on enjoying Japanese-style inns known as ryokan!
Staying at a ryokan can be a unique experience and a very enjoyable one at that, but it also might be a bit different from what you’re used to. To make sure visitors know what to expect when staying at a ryokan, the folks at Wakura Onsen Toursim Association and Wakura Onsen Tourism Cooperative have produced a helpful and informative English video titled “Learn How To Enjoy A Japanese Ryokan with Hot Springs in 9 minutes“.
Wakura Onsen is a hot spring area in the Noto Penninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, located on the Sea of Japan coast of the central main island Japan, and the tourism industry in the area has been putting significant effort into welcoming foreign visitors to their hot springs, including their multi-lingual website and now this video. The video shows what guests at a ryokan typically go through, from checking in to donning a yukata and bathing in a Japanese onsen.
▼ Some highlights from the video: After checking in, the helpful nakai-san (room maid) will show you to your room and explain the facilities of the ryokan.
▼ The video also points out some things about Japanese-style rooms that should make your stay more interesting, like the tatami mat flooring.
▼ Here, you can see how to put on the casual yukata provided by the ryokan.
▼ And there’s also a detailed explanation on bathing in a Japanese hot spring onsen, so you won’t feel too lost, even if you’ve never used a public Japanese bath before.
▼ The video also shows the futon mattress that you’ll be sleeping in, which the nakai-san will lay out for you.
▼ Be sure to watch the full video for more tips!
We hope the video is both entertaining and informative for those of you planning to stay in a ryokan or simply interested in traditional Japanese accommodation!
Source and images: @Press press release
Related: Wakura Onsen Tourism Association website
Rakuten Travel reveals the top 5 best-rated, off-the-beaten-track Japanese ryokan inns
The 10 best ryokan inns in Japan, as chosen by travelers
Cheap Japanese ryokan at Kusatsu Onsen is hidden at the back of a traditional store
“The best ryokan I’ve ever visited” – A photo tour of Akita Prefecture’s Miyakowasure inn
The pros and cons of working from a Japanese hot spring inn
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
7-Eleven Japan releases new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing range for autumn, with a must-try daifuku and teriyaki burger
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Kobe middle schools begin abolishing extracurricular activities, shift to community programs
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top five best multiple-hot-spring hotels in all of Japan
Japanese travellers give their answers to the Hotel vs. Ryokan Japanese inn debate
Ryokan etiquette: What not to do when staying at a traditional Japanese inn
Hakone onsen ryokan offers crazy cheap “Gimme a flippin’ break from the coronavirus” room deals
Survey reveals the most popular time to slip into a yukata at a traditional Japanese inn
Japan’s 10 best ryokan inns and top 10 hotels, as chosen by foreign visitors
Ibaraki Prefecture promotes onsen hot springs with muscly man bathing in 4K【Videos】
Japan’s top five retro hot springs for a time trip back to the onsen past, as chosen by travelers
Wear samurai armor while playing video games? That’s an option at this Japanese inn【Video】
Japanese hot spring inn lets you spend night for under US$1 if you do something special in return
Oldest ryokan at Japanese onsen resort goes bankrupt due to coronavirus
Japanese pot sticker restaurant chain also runs flat-rate hot spring inn, but is it worth staying at?
Japanese-style accommodation at the new Premium Dormy Inn hotel in Asakusa will blow your mind
Low-cost Japanese inn welcomes foreign guests with hot springs, sake tastings, cosplay backdrops
Kurokawa Onsen celebrates 40 years of its beloved bathing pass with redesign, summer festivities
A private onsen bath with a karaoke machine is two of Japan’s best things with zero embarrassment