Hello!
These are my recommendations for family friendly ryokans in Japan.
In theory, almost all ryokans in Japan welcome children but there are some that are easier with kids than others.
If possible, I think it’s a great idea to incorporate at least one ryokan stay (one night) into a Japan holiday.
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links – meaning that, if you book accommodation using one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
I think it is also worth being realistic – a ryokan is considered a luxury style of accommodation. Therefore it is not going to be a “cheap” night away.
It is a traditional way to take in Japan. I speak about what a ryokan is in detail here but basically it is accommodation in a tatami room and almost always bedding is futons. Meals are also included in the price. A ryokan is not the place you stay and go out much during your time. The idea is that you relax and enjoy the facilities – especially the public baths / onsen.
Onsen’s require nudity at ryokans and are almost always separated by gender (see here for an onsen option in Tokyo that can be visited as a day visitor AND allow swimsuits.)
If all of these elements are NOT for you, you may be more interested in a more modern take on a ryokan. If that’s the case? I have lots of lovely suggestions here.
I, personally, don’t believe a ryokan is a fabulous option for your family if…
– your kids are not likely to eat a traditional Japanese meal (including breakfast) or if you don’t mind if some food goes to waste while you eat (for full transparency – up until recently, my own kids wouldn’t eat a meal with us at a ryokan so we opted for more modern ryokans that offer a kids menu or a restaurant option within the same venue.)
– if your kids like to get out and about at all times for adventure and have a hard time just having some downtime
-if you’re hoping for facilities such as an in-house laundry or an in-house gym ( a ryokan is not that vibe)
– you are looking for the cheapest accommodation possible
I believe a ryokan is an amazing option for your family if…
-you would all like some downtime in a traditional Japanese setting (almost always in the countryside)
– you want to experience the closest family experience to a home-stay environment but still with relaxing holiday vibes
– you want to take part in a special style of traditional accommodation – unique to Japan
– a ryokan is within your holiday budget
When looking for a ryokan for families in Japan, I recommend looking outside of cities for the best options. And, of course, mountainous areas with hot springs are the most famous for ryokans.
I also highly recommend following my friend Ryokan Wandering on instagram as she makes finding the best places her job. Her account is incredible.
Okay… enough of the pre-babble by me.
MY RECOMMENDED RYOKANS IN JAPAN FOR FAMILIES:
Yasaka Yutone, Kyoto
This ryokan is just one stop by subway from Kyoto Station or 15 minutes (approx 1500 yen) in a taxi.
This ryokan accommodates 2 adults and up to 2 children who bedshare and are under 5 years old (please note that there is an additional room charge for children.) All rooms have their own private Japanese cypress wood bathtub.
The meals included are kaiseki style (it is possible to book a “room only” rate without meals included.)
Please note that this ryokan does not have an elevator.
Biwako Hanakaido, Kyoto
This ryokan is 40 mins outside of Kyoto by train.
They have an option of Japanese or Western style rooms.
Rooms can accommodation as many as 6 people.
They have booster seats for babies and toddlers at meal times.
The ryokan run a shuttle between the closest station and their facilities.
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links – meaning that, if you book accommodation using one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
