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“Ryokan”? How Do I Pronounce It Correctly?
I’ve often encountered English speakers having a bit of difficulty pronouncing the Japanese word "ryokan." Some of them say "Ri-o-kan," while others say "Ryo-o-kan." Why is that? It might be because the sounds "りゃ (rya)," "りゅ (ryu),"... -
What is a Ryokan? What’s the Definition? Are They Expensive?
For foreign travellers, staying at a ryokan (旅館) offers a valuable experience that allows them to directly engage with Japanese culture. Walking on tatami (畳) mats, sleeping on futons (布団), relaxing in an onsen (温泉), and enjoying ... -
Decoding ‘Ibaraki’: What Does it Mean in English?
To me, Ibaraki means "Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県)". It is a place I have been connected to since I was a child.I am talking about it in a geographical sense, but there are also other places in Japan called Ibaraki, as well as Ibaraki in ... -
Do I Need To Tip At a Japanese Ryokan?
Do I need to tip at a Japanese ryokan? I have been asked this question by foreigners planning to travel to Japan or those interested in Japanese ryokan(旅館), especially Americans. When I first travelled to the UK, I recall giving tips t... -
Experiencing the Tradition of Japanese Ryokans and the Room
Japanese ryokans are places where you can experience traditional Japanese culture. You can sleep on tatami mats (畳), enjoy onsen (温泉, hot springs), and taste seasonal kaiseki meals (懐石料理)—experiencing the hospitality unique to Jap...
