Anyone here ever stayed in a ryokan during an anime-inspired trip to Japan?

Arcenee · Post by **Arcenee** » 02 Dec 2025, 17:17

Hey everyone,
I’ve been rewatching a bunch of slice-of-life shows lately, and it got me thinking about those traditional ryokan you always see in onsen episodes. The vibe looks super chill compared to regular hotels.
I’m planning a trip to Japan later this year and I’m kinda tempted to try staying in a ryokan for one night, but I have no idea what the real experience is like. Is it actually as relaxing as anime makes it look? Tatami rooms, kaiseki dinner, onsen, all that stuff?
If any of you have already done it during an anime pilgrimage (or even just a normal trip), I’d love to hear how it went and if it’s worth the extra cost.
Thanks!

Rich-Allen1976 · Post by **Rich-Allen1976** » 02 Dec 2025, 17:22

No but as a former Japanese Karate student I'd like to visit Japan in general.

Post by **Ojisama** » 02 Dec 2025, 22:11

A former staff member used to go to Japan quite a lot. They haven't been on for a while, but they might drop by and see this.

Elgood81 · Post by **Elgood81** » 02 Dec 2025, 22:58

Ojisama wrote: ↑
02 Dec 2025, 22:11
A former staff member used to go to Japan quite a lot. They haven't been on for a while, but they might drop by and see this.

Yeah that former staff member would be me.

I visit Japan every year. I’m back in Tokyo in March 2026. I usually stay in hotels when I visit and I haven’t stayed in a Ryokan yet but I have stayed in a Capsule hotel. Maybe I’ll add a night in a Ryokan to my next trip. If you’re looking for an anime inspired trip then Akiba (Akihabara) is a must. It’s a complete anime sensory overload. Oooooh and that reminds me, if you have tattoos then going to an onsen is going to be tricky as most onsen don’t allow people with tattoos to use them (I believe it has something to do with gokudō (yakuza) and how having tattoos is frowned upon).