"Roughly translating to "inn," ryokans lie at the heart of Japanese culture, known for their home-cooked meals on cushioned floors and snug sleeps on tatami mats. Often built atop natural hot springs, called onsen, communal bathing is also common to these cozy establishments, while sliding paper walls, called shoji doors, are also fundamental to these intimate spaces, cleverly filtering through natural light while maintaining absolute privacy."
"Ryokans are rooted in tradition, and there are plenty of historic places to choose from-but a flurry of new developments has reimagined their iconic Japanese customs for modern audiences. Mineral-rich waters in private bathrooms, low rather than floor beds, and entire ryokan rentals are just some adaptations that have entered the scene-but all share the same goal of immersing guests in the ultimate authentic experience."
Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that center on warm hospitality, thoughtful design, and cultural immersion. Guests dine on home-cooked meals seated on cushions and sleep on tatami mats. Many ryokans are built atop natural hot springs, or onsen, and feature communal bathing as a core ritual. Sliding shoji doors filter natural light while preserving privacy. Contemporary ryokans adapt traditions with features such as mineral-rich waters in private bathrooms, low beds instead of floor futons, and whole-inn rentals. These adaptations aim to preserve authentic experiences while accommodating modern comfort and privacy preferences.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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