What Is the Etiquette for Staying in a Ryokan in Japan?

Learn the main manners for a ryokan stay, from shoes and slippers to yukata, baths, meal times and futon, so you can relax with confidence.

Published October 20, 2026 at 10:01 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: At a ryokan, remove your shoes at the entrance, take slippers off before stepping on tatami, wear the provided yukata with the left side over the right, wash before entering the shared bath, and be on time for meals. Staff set out the futon for you. Rules differ slightly between inns, so follow the instructions the inn gives.

Shoes, slippers and tatami

Etiquette starts at the front door. Removing shoes indoors is standard in Japan, and ryokan follow it carefully. The Japan Ryokan Association explains that practice varies a little between inns: some inns ask guests to change into slippers at the entrance, while others allow shoes until the guest room. Staff will point out where to leave shoes, and the usual practice is to leave them neatly together at the entrance.

The tatami floor has its own rule. Slippers are left at the room entrance or on the step before the mats, and guests walk on tatami in bare feet or socks. Tatami is made of woven rush straw and is used for sitting and sleeping, so keeping it clean matters. Clean socks without holes make a better impression, and most people carry a spare pair.

Cushions are another small point. The low cushion at the table (zabuton) is for sitting, and it is considered impolite to step on cushions, whether yours or someone else's. Sit on the cushion rather than stand on it, and move it gently if it needs adjusting.

How to wear and where to wear the yukata

The yukata is a light cotton robe provided in the room, and wearing it is part of the ryokan experience. It is wrapped with the left side over the right and held with a sash called an obi. The association describes the same rule for both men and women (see its yukata page), and room staff will help if a guest is unsure how to fit it.

Guests typically change into the yukata after bathing, in the guest room. Many inns allow guests to wear it around the property, including to the dining area and the bath, and some allow a short stroll in the hot-spring town. Rules about wearing it outside differ, so ask the front desk. In cooler months an extra padded jacket may be provided to wear over it.

Bath manners

Shared baths follow a set routine. Bathers wash and rinse thoroughly at the washing stations before entering the hot water, and they do not wear swimsuits. Hair is kept up and out of the water, and the small towel is kept out of the bath, usually folded and placed beside it or on the head. After soaking, many people choose not to rinse again.

Baths are usually separated by gender, with the entrances marked by signs or the Japanese characters for men and women. Policies on tattoos differ between baths, and some inns ask guests with tattoos to use a private bath or cover them. If this applies, asking when booking is considerate. Many inns also offer private baths that can be reserved by the hour.

For guests unfamiliar with shared bathing, the routine is easier than it sounds. Staff or posted signs often explain the steps, sometimes in several languages, and a quick look at the bath room before entering shows where to wash and where to leave clothes. If a bath feels uncomfortable, a private bath or a later, quieter time are good alternatives.

Meals, schedule and the futon

Dinner is prepared for a set time, and inns ask guests to be punctual so that each dish can be served in order. Staff usually confirm the dinner and breakfast times soon after check-in, once guests have settled in. Dishes are served in order, so the pace of the meal is shared between guest and attendant.

At night, staff lay out the futon on the tatami, often while guests are out of the room at dinner or the bath, and move the table aside. Guests do not need to prepare the bedding. In the morning, the futon is folded away after breakfast, so leaving the room tidy and the belongings in one place helps the staff. Check-out is often around 10 or 11 am.

Voice, space and shared areas

Ryokan are known for quiet. Voices are kept low in corridors, particularly in the evening, because walls and sliding doors are thinner than in a standard hotel. Phone calls and music are usually best kept to the room, and doors are closed gently. This consideration is part of the calm atmosphere guests come for.

Shared spaces have their own habits. The lobby, tea corner and bath dressing rooms are for everyone, so belongings are not left behind. It is polite to greet staff with a nod or a simple word of thanks, and to avoid stepping on the cushion of another guest. Photography is best avoided in baths and dressing rooms, and it is polite to ask before photographing staff or other guests.

Respect for staff time matters as well. Room attendants usually plan the evening around the dinner and bath times agreed on arrival, so changing plans at short notice makes their work harder. A polite request, made early, is nearly always welcomed.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent slip is arriving after the agreed time without notice. Because dinner is prepared in advance, a late arrival can mean a missed meal that is still charged. A message to the inn before arrival solves this. Another slip is skipping the included dinner to eat out, which can lead to disagreements over meal charges.

Other common mistakes include wearing the yukata the wrong way round, wearing slippers on tatami, putting a towel in the bath water, wearing outdoor shoes in the corridor and leaving wet towels on the mats. None of these are serious, and staff are generally forgiving of visitors, but small corrections make the stay smoother.

Practical tips and next steps

Read the inn's guidance when booking and again on arrival, since house rules on meal times, bath hours and outdoor yukata wear differ. Bring clean socks, a small towel for the bath if one is not provided, and a pouch for toiletries. If there is any doubt, ask staff, because explaining customs is part of their role.

Telling the inn about arrival time, dietary needs and tattoos in advance prevents most problems, and it also gives staff time to prepare the room and meals the way the guest prefers. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ryokan guests have to wear the yukata?

No, wearing the yukata is optional, but most guests do because it is comfortable and part of the experience. It is usually worn after the bath and at dinner. Guests can wear their own comfortable clothes if they prefer, and should follow the inn's guidance on outside use.

Is tipping expected at a ryokan?

Tipping is not a normal custom in Japan, and ryokan prices generally include service. Some inns add a service charge to the rate. A thank-you to the staff, or a polite note, is the usual way to show appreciation. Check the booking terms for any charge.

Can guests refuse the futon and ask for a bed?

Some ryokan offer Western-style rooms or low beds. Ask when booking, because availability varies. Futon are usually set out by staff, so a bed request is best made before arrival.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: What Is a Ryokan and How Is It Different From a Hotel in Japan?, Can you stay at a ryokan as a solo traveler? and Ryokan and Onsen With Children: Rules and Tips for Families.