Enjoy
Stay,
Enjoy
Shizuoka

Check the ryokan’s house rules.

Each ryokan has its own rules. Ask in advance about their cancelation policy, check-in times, shuttle service, ability to handle diet restrictions, and if minors are allowed to stay.

Check the ryokan’s name and address.

Ryokans in different areas may have the same name. By confirming in advance the name and address of the ryokan where you made a reservation, you can avoid going to an inn in the wrong areas.

Tell them your check-in time.

Many ryokans serve dinner. Telling them your arrival time when making the reservation will help them provide you with smooth meal service.

Check on which languages they can handle.

The language in which communication is possible varies between ryokans.Some may only be able to speak Japanese. In those cases, translation devices orother means to aid in communicating with their guests are used.

Show your reservation confirmation e-mail.

Presenting to the staff the reservation confirmation e-mail you received when booking your stay will ensure a smooth check-in.

Check on the timing of payment.

Ryokans often settle the room charge at check-out. Consult with the staff if you want to pay the bill when  checking in.

Contact the ryokan if your check-in time will be significantly late.

Please contact the ryokan where you plan to stay if you will arrive later than their set check-in time. Dinner service may not be possible if check-in is significantly late.  

Take off your shoes when entering the guest room.

Most ryokans require guests to take off their shoes when entering the guest rooms. Be careful to not enter a guest room with your shoes on. And in some ryokans, you may need to take off your shoes at the entrance.

Check with the staff about what amenities can be taken home.

Some amenities cannot be taken home. Bath towels, yukata, and other linens are not souvenirs.

Many ryokans have large onsen baths and there are standard rules for entering a large public bath. These 3 rules are particularly important.

Remove clothing in the changing room.

Wash your body in the shower before getting into the bath.

Do not bring towels into the bath.

Confirm where meals are served.

Please check if meals are served in the dining room or in your room. Some ryokans may only serve dinner and breakfast in the guest room.

Check about the ability to handle food allergies & diet restrictions.

If you have food allergies or diet restrictions, please confirm in advance if they are able to provide meals that accommodate diet restrictions. Some ryokan may not be able to prepare meals that meet food allergy needs.

Sleeping on a futon.

Most ryokans provide futons and not beds for sleeping. After the evening meal, the staff will enter the room to lay out the futons.

Check if any of your things are left in the guest room.

Many guests forget their mobile phone chargers, underwear, jackets, etc. Please make sure you haven’t forgotten anything before leaving your room.

Confirm payment options.

Please check in advance which credit cards are accepted. It is rare, but some ryokans do not accept credit cards.