First time ryokan experience: What to prepare to avoid feeling "out of place"?
Japanese Ryokan is one of the most worth-trying experiences when traveling to the land of cherry blossoms in the fall. Not just a place to stay, ryokan is also a door opening to the world of traditional culture, where you can live slowly, touch the breath of nature and the original Japanese spirit. So what do you need to prepare to not be "out of place" when staying at a ryokan? The article below will help you answer all.
Việt Nam•29/08/2025
There is something very appealing about autumn in Japan. Not only because of the bright red maple leaves or the cool blue sky, but also because this is the ideal season for visitors to experience the real Japan – slow, deep and full of character.
And nowhere is that more evident than staying at a traditional ryokan – where time seems to stand still, and every detail is taken care of with a deep respect for culture, nature and people.
However, your first time in a ryokan can be confusing: When to take off your shoes? How to wear a yukata? Do you need to wear clothes when entering an onsen? Is it important to have dinner on time?... This article will help you prepare thoroughly to confidently enter the world of ryokan - especially in the Japanese autumn, when every experience becomes more profound and memorable than ever.
1. What is a ryokan? And why should you experience a ryokan at least once, especially in the fall?
Ryokan is not just a place to sleep overnight. It is an indispensable part of the journey to fully explore autumn in Japan. (Photo: Collected)
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, with distinctive architecture: tatami floors, washi paper sliding doors, futon mattresses, hinoki wooden bathtubs, and elaborate, art-like multi-course kaiseki dinners.
Unlike modern hotels, ryokan aim for tranquility, privacy and balance between humans and nature – this is most evident when autumn comes.
Imagine: you are sitting on the wooden porch, wearing a light yukata, sipping hot tea, watching the red maple forest right in front of you, and all around you is the sound of the wind blowing through the porch and the light scent of sandalwood in the chilly air...
2. What makes the ryokan experience “different” and sometimes confusing to first-time guests?
Learn about the unique features that make the Japanese autumn ryokan experience unique, along with tips to avoid confusion when you first visit. (Photo: Collected)
At a ryokan, everything follows a particular rhythm, almost like a ritual rather than a stay. This can make you feel a little “out of place” if you’re not prepared. Here’s what makes a ryokan different, and why you should understand it before you step in:
No shoes in the house: As soon as you enter, you will be asked to take off your shoes and wear slippers in the house. But when you go to the tatami room, you have to take off your shoes. This is a taboo if you don't know.
Shared onsen baths: Most ryokan have hot springs. But... shared baths, no clothes, and with clear procedures. For many Vietnamese, this is the first “shock”.
Strict timing: Dinner (kaiseki) is usually served on time – if you come back late, you may not get to eat. The staff will clear away your futon when you're done, and everything is done on schedule.
Absolute silence: Ryokan is a place to relax, meditate and rest. Loud talking, playing music, making loud phone calls… are all rude.
But it is these very things that make up the ryokan culture – where every experience has depth, a very unique “Japanese breath”. Especially in autumn, when the feeling of slowness and stillness becomes more evident than ever.
>> See Japan autumn tour: 1. Japan: Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Oshino Hakkai - Kyoto - Osaka (Helicopter Experience, Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise, Kobe Beef Experience) 2. Japan: Tokyo - Disneyland - Mount Fuji - Oshino Hakkai - Fujiten Park - Nagoya - Kyoto - Kobe - Osaka (4 nights hotel, Enjoy Kobe beef & tea ceremony experience - wear Yukata, Fruit picking)
3. What to do – what not to do when staying at a Japanese ryokan for the first time?
Discover what you need to know to have a complete Japanese autumn ryokan experience, from how to wear a yukata to culturally correct onsen bathing rules. (Photo: Collected)
The first time you experience a Japanese ryokan is one of the most exciting things to do when traveling to the land of the rising sun, especially in autumn – when the air is cool, the scenery is quiet, and all emotions seem to be doubled. But for first-timers, ryokan can also bring a “strange” feeling because it is very different from a regular hotel. So let’s go over the things you should and shouldn’t do – not to keep the rules, but to make the trip smoother, true to the Japanese spirit, and memorable in your own way.
3.1. Wear yukata properly – and wear it with respect
When you check in, you will be given a yukata – a simple traditional garment that is often worn when staying at a ryokan. You should wear the yukata with respect for Japanese culture: the left flap should always overlap the right (not the other way around), tie the belt neatly, and you can add a haori if the weather turns cold in the fall. Wearing the yukata to dinner, strolling around the ryokan, or soaking in an onsen is a gentle way to blend into the local lifestyle.
However, don’t take the yukata lightly as a costume. Wearing it the wrong way around, tying it loosely, or refusing to wear it because you’re “shy” will easily make you look out of place. In particular, don’t turn the yukata into pajamas or wear it just to take a photo and then take it off immediately – the Japanese will notice this superficiality in a split second.
3.2. Bathe in an onsen properly – and don't turn a sacred place into a strange place
Bathing in an onsen is an essential part of staying in a ryokan, especially in the fall when the hot water and mist create a meditative atmosphere. Before entering the onsen, you should thoroughly wash your body with soap and shampoo your hair if necessary, dry your body, and then immerse yourself in the hot water. A small towel (tenugui) can be worn to cover yourself while moving around, but it should not touch the water.
On the other hand, entering an onsen without bathing, wearing a swimsuit, talking loudly, or taking photos is considered extremely rude. Many ryokan will even ask you to leave the bathing area if you violate these rules. Be extra careful if you have tattoos – ask first, as some places still restrict them to maintain privacy for others.
3.3. Eat on time and don't take kaiseki dinners lightly
Ryokans often serve kaiseki-style dinners – a series of artistic dishes, meticulously prepared from ingredients to presentation. In autumn, typical dishes such as matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, salmon, lotus root… make the party not only delicious but also bring the flavor of the season into each dish.
You should arrive at the appointed time (usually 18:00–19:30), maintain a respectful attitude and enjoy each dish slowly. Kaiseki is not just “eating”, but a refined cultural ritual.
On the other hand, if you arrive late, skip a meal without warning, or insist on a sudden change of course (unless you’ve disclosed your allergies in advance), it’s embarrassing for both the staff and the chef. Kaiseki isn’t “recooked” like a restaurant order – each tray is a part of the experience that can’t be replayed.
3.4. Sleep on a futon – and don't expect a high bed
One of the characteristics of a ryokan is the futon – cotton mattresses laid directly on the tatami floor. After dinner, the staff will come and lay out the futon for you, or you can roll it out yourself to enjoy the space yourself.
You should check the thickness of the futon, and if it feels thin or cold (especially in late autumn), you can request an extra mattress or blanket. Lying on the futon listening to the wind outside the porch, feeling the light smell of wood and the rusticity of the space is an experience that hotel beds cannot provide.
What you shouldn’t do is wait for a high bed, or drag heavy suitcases across the tatami floor – it can get scratched and dirty easily. Also, don’t sit on your futon in slippers, even indoor ones – it’s considered rude in Japanese culture.
3.5. Keep quiet and don't break the slow pace of life
Ryokans are places of meditation, and autumn makes every sound more pronounced—leaves, wind, footsteps on wooden floors. While you’re here, keep your voice down, use headphones if you need entertainment, and close the door gently when you leave.
On the contrary, turning on the speakerphone, making loud phone calls, laughing loudly or dragging suitcases around late at night are taboos. This space is not for “living fast”, but for “hearing yourself”. Respect that.
3.6. Take off your shoes at the right time – and don't leave modern footprints on the tatami
The Japanese place great importance on cleanliness and the clear division between “outside” and “inside”. When entering a ryokan, you should take off your shoes right at the entrance, then put on the slippers provided by the ryokan. In particular, when entering a bedroom with a tatami floor, you must take off your slippers and go barefoot or in clean socks.
Absolutely do not wear shoes or slippers in the tatami area, not even for a few steps. Also, do not climb on the futon in slippers or leave dirty luggage on the floor. These are small details, but they are enough to completely ruin your appearance.
4. Suggested autumn ryokan for first-time visitors
Discover outstanding ryokan - Enjoy the Japanese autumn experience with red leaves and unique traditional culture. (Photo: Collected)
To make your autumn ryokan trip more complete, choosing the right place to stay plays an extremely important role. For first-timers, you should choose ryokan that is convenient in location, has good support services, and especially has a space close to autumn nature.
Here are some typical ryokan, easily accessible from big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto or Nagoya, outstanding for both autumn leaves scenery and traditional cultural experiences:
4.1. Ryokan Gora Kadan – Hakone (near Tokyo)
Nestled in the mountains of Hakone, Gora Kadan is famous for its quality hot springs and the space blending with the brilliant autumn trees. This is the top choice for those who want to relax in the warm water while watching the red leaves change color around the ryokan. The rooms are exquisitely designed, serving seasonal kaiseki meals, helping you clearly feel the flavor of Japanese autumn.
4.2. Ryokan Yoshidaya – Kyoto
This is a traditional machiya ryokan located in the heart of Kyoto, convenient for you to relax and explore the old town in autumn. Yoshidaya is known for its friendly service, helping first-time guests easily get used to ryokan life. The room area has a traditional feel, close to famous autumn leaf viewing spots such as Arashiyama Forest and Kiyomizu Temple.
4.3. Shirakawa-go no Yu – Shirakawa-go
If you want to experience a traditional ryokan, Shirakawa-go in autumn is the time not to be missed. Shirakawa-go no Yu features typical gassho-zukuri architecture, local service, and a valley open to the red maple leaves. This is a great choice for those who want to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese autumn nature.
5. Some notes when choosing an autumn ryokan for the first time
Always bring a pair of clean, nice socks – You’ll be wearing socks quite a bit in the ryokan. (Photo: ANA)
Book early: Fall is peak season, especially for famous ryokan near the fall foliage areas, so you need to book at least 2-3 months in advance.
Choose a ryokan with English support: Helps you avoid confusion during check-in, questions and service booking.
Read ryokan rules carefully: Some places have restrictions on foreign guests or special rules about tattoos or special foods.
Optional extras: Many ryokan offer sightseeing tours, cultural experiences, or shuttle service from nearby train stations.
Choosing the right ryokan will not only help you avoid the initial confusion, but also make autumn in Japan more complete, sophisticated and memorable. A standard ryokan experience, with the red autumn colors everywhere, will be a journey to "remember" forever in your heart.
>> See Japan tour fall 2025: 1. Japan: Tokyo – Mount Fuji – Oshino Hakkai – Kyoto – Osaka (4 nights hotel) | Experience the shinkansen & watch the Geisha show (6 days 5 nights) 2. Japan: Tokyo – Mount Fuji – Oshino Hakkai – Kyoto – Osaka (4 nights hotel) | Experience the shinkansen & watch Geisha performance | Experience tea ceremony and wear Yukata to walk around town (6 days 5 nights) 3. Japan: Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Oshino Hakkai - Kyoto - Kobe - Osaka (4 nights hotel) | Experience the shinkansen & enjoy Kobe beef | Visit Shibuya Avenue | Free gold-plated ice cream (6N5D)
Don’t let the confusion hold you back. Plan your trip to Japan today to immerse yourself in the charming traditional ryokan atmosphere of autumn in the land of the rising sun. Your dream trip is waiting for you! - For more information about the program, please contact: VIETRAVEL 190 Pasteur, Xuan Hoa Ward, HCMC Tel: (028) 3822 8898 - Hotline: 1800 646 888 Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ vietravel Website: www.travel.com.vn
Source of article: Collected and compiled @traveltips #traveltips
![[Photo] President Luong Cuong receives Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament Gerry Brownlee](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2025/8/29/7accfe1f5d85485da58b0a61d35dc10f)
Comment (0)