A ryokan is not a run-of-the-mill experience
Many travellers associate a ryokan with Japanese hospitality, tatami mats and special meals. However, ryokans vary considerably. Some have futons, others have extra beds; some offer communal bathrooms, others private facilities. You should therefore make it clear right from the start exactly which rooms and services your ryokan actually provides. A well-known image of a ryokan must not be used in place of a description of your own offering.
Then describe what makes a stay with you special. Is it a small house with a personal welcome, a place for a quiet night’s sleep on a longer journey, or a stay with meal times agreed together? Stick to specific observations. Guests will find this more helpful than generalised statements about the only ‘correct’ or particularly ‘authentic’ way of living in Japan.
Meals often set the rhythm of the day
A carefully prepared evening meal requires planning on both sides. You should therefore state early on whether meals are included in the stay on offer and at what time they will be served. Also explain where meals will be eaten: in the guest’s own room, in a communal area or at another location. Guests can then plan their journey so that neither they nor your kitchen are put under avoidable time pressure.
Use images and descriptions that match the food you actually serve. An elaborate menu is not a standard feature of every ryokan. When it comes to allergies and dietary requirements, timely, specific consultation is more helpful than a blanket promise. State clearly which adjustments you can make and which you cannot. Even an overnight stay without meals deserves a clear description to avoid any unspoken expectations.
Clearly distinguish between different types of baths and their uses
A private en-suite bathroom, a shared bathroom and a bathroom that can be used privately at certain times are different options. Explain these differences in simple terms. Which facilities are inside the room and which are outside? Are there specific times for use or do arrangements need to be made in advance? Take photographs of the accessible areas so that guests can understand the layout without showing other people or private areas.
Only refer to a bath as an ‘onsen’ if this actually applies to your property. The accommodation type does not imply either a hot spring or a specific bathing facility. Explain your own house rules in a friendly manner and in good time, for example regarding washing before bathing or the use of communal areas. Do not generalise them into rules that supposedly apply equally in every Japanese home.
- List private bathrooms and shared facilities separately.
- Describe times and necessary arrangements clearly.
- Show any special access points or steps in the images.
- Only advertise bathing areas that are actually available.
Help guests arrive without any uncertainty
For international guests, even the entrance can feel unfamiliar. A brief explanation of where to take off your shoes and where to put your luggage is more welcoming than a long list of prohibitions. If you provide slippers or clothing for use inside the house, describe their purpose. Don’t assume these things are standard just because other ryokans offer them or travel guides mention them.
Also, provide a realistic arrival time and clear directions. A nearby railway station does not automatically mean that the walk with heavy suitcases is easy. Describe any slopes and stairs, if applicable. If guests arrive late, they should know how to contact you and which previously agreed arrangements may be affected as a result.
Describe the sense of cosiness and seclusion within the property
Show where guests can have privacy and where social interaction takes place. A sliding door in the picture says nothing about soundproofing or whether it can be locked. Describe the actual boundaries of the rooms and shared corridors. If noise from adjoining rooms can be heard, providing factual information is more helpful than promising complete silence. The times when shared facilities are in use are also part of the picture of your property.
Choose photos that give an honest sense of the space. A close-up of tatami mats or crockery can complement an overall view, but should not replace it. Show light sources, windows and any heating or cooling facilities. If there are several room types, each description should correspond to the relevant images. This helps guests understand which room they are looking at and which features are only available in another part of the property.
Clear explanations make for a personalised listing
Read through your draft from the perspective of someone who has never stayed in a ryokan before. Can they picture their first evening there without having to look up any further terms? Briefly explain any unfamiliar terms in everyday language. This doesn’t detract from your ryokan’s character in any way. Rather, it shows that you welcome people who are just getting to know your procedures and wish to understand them respectfully.
If the rooms, meals and facilities are clearly described, you can list your ryokan on BookNoFees free of charge. The hosts’ area is the general starting point for your accommodation. Before you offer any dates, check the requirements for operating your business at that location. In your listing, only promise what is actually available during those specific stays, even if further options are available at other times of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a ryokan have to offer futons instead of beds?
Describe the sleeping arrangements your property actually offers. Travellers should be able to tell whether they will be sleeping on futons on the floor, in beds or in rooms with different layouts. Photos showing the rooms as they would look at night are helpful. Specific facilities should not be assumed simply because the property is labelled a ‘ryokan’.
Does a ryokan automatically include an onsen?
No, you should not imply the presence of a hot spring in the name of your accommodation. Explain the actual bathing facilities on offer and only use the term ‘onsen’ if it applies. The description must also explicitly state whether the bath is for private use, communal use or available at specific times.
How do I explain fixed meal times without coming across as strict?
Explain the reasons behind the arrangements and ask guests to plan their arrival accordingly. Specify specific time slots and a way to coordinate this in good time. This is clearer than simply banning late arrivals and helps guests plan their journey or day trip sensibly.
What information do guests with no experience of ryokans need?
Information on sleeping arrangements, use of the bathroom, meals and arrival at the property is particularly helpful. Explain any unfamiliar terms in a short sentence. Your actual procedures are more important than a general cultural guide, which may not even apply to your property and how it is currently run.
Can I list my ryokan for free?
Yes, you can list it free of charge in the hosts’ area at BookNoFees. Use up-to-date photos and a description that clearly links the rooms to the services on offer. This page will help you get started; the process for creating a listing follows the same general steps as for other hosts.
