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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 30 July, 2023
Expert travel writer: Rob Goss

To stay a night at one of Japan’s ryokan (traditional inns) is to immerse yourself in living history – the oldest hotel in the world is a ryokan, established in 705 and still going strong 51 generations later.

Ryokan can be modest or uber-luxurious, but there are defining traits.

Almost all have tatami mat rooms and futon beds, staff wearing traditional attire like kimono, and an air of calm and quiet. Many have in-house onsen baths, and serve traditional kaiseki-ryori dinners (if not the full 12-course extravaganza, then at least simpler multi-course dinner that focuses on local produce and specialities).

But it won’t be for everyone. Kids can find ryokan a bit dull – and the food challenging. The service, though often superb, can also be inflexible, with mealtimes locked into narrow windows and many mid-range and above ryokan not offering room-only stays. The best approach is to stay for just one night.

Hiiragiya Ryokan

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan

|Official star rating:

Traditional bedding in ryokan

Indulge in luxury the authentic Japanese way at this 200-year-old ryokan in the heart of Kyoto that ticks all the traditional boxes. The price includes a 12-course kaiseki-ryori dinner.

Average £200

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Hoshinoya Kyoto

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan

|Official star rating:

Hotel by river bank

Contemporary resort meets traditional ryokan at this uber-luxe retreat in a tranquil corner of the bustling Arashiyama district. An experiential stay, that includes an artistically presented kaiseki-ryori dinner.

Average £900

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Price from: £-
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 night

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Kyoto

Kansai, Japan

Geisha woman with white face paint

Ancient temples and shrines, sublime cuisine, manicured gardens, colourful geishas and living history in spades – Kyoto is traditional Japan at its best.

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