Why Japan’s Traditional Ryokan Inns Are 2025’s Most Mindful Stay
In a fast-moving world obsessed with minimalism, speed, and digital convenience, the ryokan—Japan’s time-honoured inn—offers something utterly different: stillness, craftsmanship, and cultural depth.
Once reserved for samurai, pilgrims, and noble families, ryokans today have become an essential travel experience for those wanting to understand the heart of Japanese hospitality. As we enter the second half of 2025, this centuries-old tradition is not just surviving—it’s thriving. Modern travellers are returning to the ryokan for rest, ritual, reflection, and reconnection.
Here’s why your next trip to Japan should include a night—or three—in a ryokan, and how this tradition is evolving for today’s traveller.
What Is a Ryokan?
A Japanese inn built in traditional architecture that dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868). Nestled in mountains, hot spring towns, or along historic pilgrimage routes, ryokans were designed as tranquil stops where travellers could bathe, eat, and sleep peacefully.
You won’t find modern hotel conveniences like key cards or elevators. Instead, you’ll discover:
Tatami-matted floors that encourage barefoot comfort
Sliding shoji doors and minimalist decor
Futons rolled out at night by attentive staff
Public or private onsen baths, often fed by natural hot springs
Multi-course kaiseki dinners, served with seasonal, local delicacies
The Ryokan Renaissance in 2025
So why the sudden revival?
In a post-pandemic world, travellers seek slow, meaningful, culturally rich travel, and ryokans deliver precisely that. In 2025, the rise of “mindful tourism” and interest in heritage preservation has led to a resurgence of these inns, many family-run and over 100 years old.
Modern touches now enhance tradition without overpowering it:
Wi-Fi and eco-heating systems for comfort and sustainability
Bilingual staff and booking platforms for accessibility
Private onsens, ideal for couples or introverts
Fusion kaiseki meals for dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, halal)
Kaiseki: The Art of Seasonal Dining
One of the greatest pleasures of a ryokan stay is the kaiseki dinner—a refined, seasonal tasting menu served in your room or a private dining space.
Each dish is a reflection of nature and the moment, often using locally sourced ingredients:
Spring: mountain vegetables and sakura-themed dishes
Summer: chilled noodles, river fish, and citrus notes
Autumn: roasted chestnuts, mushrooms, and wagyu
Winter: nabe hot pots and warming stews
Pro tip: Don’t miss the traditional Japanese breakfast the next morning. Think grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables—a comforting and meditative start to your day.
The Onsen Ritual: Cleanse the Body and Mind
Most ryokans are located near onsen towns like Hakone, Kinosaki, or Beppu. Before soaking in the mineral-rich hot springs, you’ll shower and cleanse thoroughly—a sacred purification ritual.
Soaking in an onsen isn’t just about hygiene but healing and presence. Let your mind rest, your muscles relax, and your thoughts drift away in the steamy quiet.
Many modern ryokans now offer:
Rotenburo (open-air baths) with forest or river views
Private onsen tubs for couples or shy bathers
Herbal and sake-infused baths for a luxurious twist
Where to Experience the Best Ryokans in Japan
Whether you’re looking for mountain serenity or seaside charm, there’s a ryokan for every traveller.
Top Picks for 2025:
Gora Kadan (Hakone): A luxurious ryokan housed in a former imperial retreat
Yagyu-no-Sho (Izu Peninsula): Surrounded by bamboo and Zen tranquillity
Hiiragiya Ryokan (Kyoto): 200-year-old inn hosting writers and royalty
Ryokan Kurashiki (Okayama): A historic gem in one of Japan’s best-preserved canal towns
Tawaraya (Kyoto): Japan’s most famous (and exclusive) ryokan since the 1700s
Tips Before Booking a Ryokan
Book early: Especially in Kyoto or hot spring towns, ryokans fill up quickly
Check the rules: Many have etiquette around arrival time, dress (yukata), and bathing
Come hungry: Kaiseki meals are generous and exquisite
Ask about allergies or dietary needs in advance
Respect the peace: Ryokans are havens of quiet, perfect for a digital detox
When to Go
Spring (March–May): Enjoy cherry blossoms and mild weather
Autumn (October–November): Stunning foliage and cosy indoor vibes
Winter (December–February): Ideal for hot springs, snow views, and heartwarming cuisine
Final Thoughts: A Night in a Ryokan Is a Night in Japanese Time
In 2025, when the world is more connected than ever, disconnecting for a night in a ryokan is a radical act of travel.
It’s not just about where you sleep—it’s about how you live, even for 24 hours. It’s about the slow pouring of tea, the rustle of yukata fabric, the sound of silence broken only by your thoughts and the wind in the pines.
In that space, between then and now, you’ll discover a timeless Japan—and a version of yourself that might just be more present than ever.