For accommodation with a difference, Ryokan’s offer an experience that can only be had in Japan.

A typical Ryokan is a Japanese-style inn with an emphasis on the culture, customs and special atmosphere of the ancient traditions of Japan. Ryokans are the place to go to experience the lifestyle treasured and handed down by the Japanese people.

Originally Ryokans were used as accommodation for weary travels that needed to rest before continuing on their long journey. They can be traced back to the Nara Period (710-784). Back in those days large numbers of travelers died of starvation by the roadside, and so Buddhist monks who could no longer turn a blind eye set up the Ryokans with the aim of assisting travelers. The owners worked hard to make their guests feel as welcome as possible and still do today.

Nigel had the most relaxing overnight stay he’s had anywhere when he visited a Ryokan. He got straight into a robe and enjoyed a traditional tea service, followed by an afternoon bath. The bath is a communal bath where the idea is to bathe, than hop out of the bath to rinse off, bathe again and then rinse again. The custom of taking baths originated in the 6th Century when Buddhism was first introduced into Japan. Buddhists preached the virtue of bathing and washing away dust and dirt and this was regarded as an important duty to perform by those serving Buddha.

 After Nigel’s squeaky clean bath, he enjoyed happy hour with a glass of sake while he admired the spectacular garden and views. Many Ryokans cultivate a Japanese garden. This type of garden is constructed from trees, rocks and other natural materials, but the placement and design of everything is carefully thought out. Each season brings a different kind of beauty to a Japanese garden so you can enjoy a bit of Japanese elegance throughout the year. After a very relaxing good night’s sleep on a specially prepared sleeping quilt, Nigel dined on an exquisite breakfast consisting of delicacies like snapper, cod, miso soup and tofu. He left feeling like a brand new man.

 

A typical Ryokan guest room consists of:

• The “agari-kamachi”- after opening the door, guests step into a small area and take off their shoes
• “Shoji”-sliding paper doors separate the agari-kamachi from the room
• “Tatami” mat flooring -reed flooring matting
• Low wooden tables
• “Zubuton”-sitting cushions
• Futon -sleeping quilts
• A “tokonma”- an ornamental alcove built into the wall used for placing flower vases and hanging scrolls
• An “oshiire”- a closet for futon sleeping quilts
• An “engawa”- a glass enclosed sitting area separated from the room by a shoji.

 

In Japan there is the following proverb: “Go ni itte wa go ni shitage” which literally means “When in a village do as the villages do” and this is a unique experience is that should not be missed.

Ryotei Rangestsu
7 Susukinobaba-cho, Sagatenryuji , Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: +81-75-865-2000
Fax:+81-75-865-2001

From JR Arashiyama Station: 15 mins on foot. From Kyoto Station: 30 mins by taxi