Lonely Planet has included spending a night at a ryokan among its 25 Best Experiences for 2026, praising it as one of the most mindful and memorable ways to experience Japan. Each year, the travel publisher's Best in Travel list highlights places and experiences that encourage slower, more meaningful exploration, and the ryokan perfectly fits that spirit.
A ryokan is Japan's traditional style of inn, rooted in centuries-old hospitality. Rooms are lined with tatami mats, meals are prepared with local ingredients, and the rhythm of the stay is deliberately unhurried. Guests leave their shoes at the entrance, slip into a light cotton robe known as a yukata, and sleep on futon bedding that is laid out in the evening—Western-style bedding is available at some of them, though! The simplicity is part of the appeal, and everything is designed to help you slow down.
Many ryokans are also onsen inns, built around natural hot spring baths. Soaking in mineral-rich water beneath a roof of cedar or in an open-air pool surrounded by mountains is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Meals are another highlight. A typical stay includes dinner and breakfast, both beautifully presented and highly seasonal. Menus might feature anything from local vegetables to grilled river fish, or top quality wagyu to freshly-made mochi. Even a simple meal feels like a small ceremony.
Additionally, each season offers its own version of the ryokan experience. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers cool retreats in the mountains, autumn glows with color, and winter invites quiet reflection in snow-covered landscapes.
Lonely Planet's recognition of the ryokan speaks to what many travelers now seek, which is a slower, more attentive form of travel that values atmosphere, craftsmanship, and connection. You can learn more about a ryokan stay via this article on our site.
