The accommodations that you arrange for yourself are one of the most important and possibly most frustrating elements of trip planning. And if you so happen to be considering an expedition to Japan in the near future, there is a fairly good chance that you will have to choose whether to inhabit a typical, western-style hotel or a Ryokan. A Ryokan is a variety of Japanese inn that dates back to the early seventeenth century; these inns normally served travelers along Japan’s thoroughfares. Providing that one does intend to travel to Japan, the disparities between these two dwellings must be sorted out so that the vacationer may make the most informed decision regarding their lodging arrangements.
By and large, economic feasibility is a very influential factor while wandering abroad. Therefore, one must first note that living in a Ryokan while on vacation is not cheap by any means. It is, however, the sort of transaction in which “you get what you pay for”. If you are looking for a ‘traditional’ Japanese experience, the Ryokan is the way to go. A Ryokan features tatami-matted rooms, public restrooms, and a common area for guests to socialize with one another. The rooms are furnished with a small table and a futon. When the guests leave their room for the day, staff will typically move the table aside and set-up the bedding. Dinner and breakfast is often included in the price of the room, and consists of traditional Japanese cuisine known as kaiseki, which refers to a simple, multi-course meal. These meals consist of small, varied dishes featuring seasonal and regional specialties.
On the other hand, a typical, western-style hotel is much more cost-effective than a Ryokan. You will experience what any western traveler expects from a hotel: air conditioning, private bathrooms, and the like.
Given that you now have knowledge of the differences between a modern hotel and a traditional Ryokan, you should be able to make an adequate decision with regard to your living arrangements while traveling abroad. Remember that staying in a Ryokan comes at a greater cost, but in return you are welcomed by friendly staff and a time-honored atmosphere that supplements the overall experience of the trip. A hotel will provide most of the comforts of home, at a fairly reasonable rate, but shies away from the temperament of Japan.
Photograph Source: Wikimedia Commons
