Japan’s ryokans were originally set up as coaching inns, places where feudal lords and their samurai warriors could rest en route to paying their respects to the Shogun in Edo (present-day Tokyo).

Today ryokans can range from being small, historic properties with just a handful of rooms to large 100+ room establishments set in a modern building with traditional elements only in some areas.

Ryokan rooms are designed to convey a sense of calm and simplicity. The traditional minimalist layout includes sliding paper screen doors, tatami mat flooring, low tables with floor cushions and plump futon mattresses that are laid out at night to sleep on.

You will find the futons very comfortable, but for those not keen/able to sleep on the floor, a selection of ryokans are able to provide a Japanese style room with twin western beds. Your travel consultant will be happy to talk you through the options.

Dining is sure to be a memorable part of your ryokan stay and most of our recommended ryokans include dinner as well as breakfast. Elaborate kaiseki (multi-course) Japanese meals may be served in the traditional way in your room or in a communal dining room. Your room host will advise on check in.

Meals are a set menu, showcasing seasonal and regional ingredients, and are always beautifully presented. Breakfast consists of eggs, small pancakes, grilled fish and vegetables. Dinners typically include miso soup, grilled meat & fish, sushi/sashimi, pickled vegetables and rice along with a light dessert. Tea is always served or you can wash it down with Japanese beer or sake.

Do be aware that most ryokans don’t offer western food and special dietary requirements cannot always be catered for, so please speak to your travel consultant so they can let you know the options.

Whilst it is not essential, guests are encouraged to dress for dinner in the traditional yukata kimono robe you will find placed in your room. Some guests may choose to wear the yukata throughout their entire stay if preferred. It is also acceptable to wear the robes to wander through the streets if you are staying in an onsen town such as Kinosaki Onsen.

All of our ryokan will offer some form of onsen, the traditional, hot springs baths. These may be indoor or outdoor - some look more like a plunge pool or a small indoor pool. Others will have beautiful landscaping set amongst rock gardens. Bathing in an onsen is an incredibly relaxing experience and the mineral-rich waters can ease muscle stiffness, soothe aches and pains as well as boosting circulation and leaving your skin feeling silky smooth.

Usually onsen are communal, single sex baths (no swimsuits so not for the shy!). Some ryokan provide rooms with a private onsen attached or the main onsen bath can be privately hired at set times.

Whilst attitudes are slowly changing, tattoos remain strongly associated with the yakuza, the Japanese mafia. Catching sight of a tattoo, even on a tourist, can cause considerable unease. It is recommended that tattoos are covered wherever possible to avoid offence. Do be aware that unless you are able to cover up your tattoo with a plaster, it is unlikely you will be permitted to enter a hotel's onsen unless booking a private onsen experience.

Undress in the spotlessly clean changing rooms - there are lockers where you can leave your belongings whilst you bathe. Don't forget to leave your phone and cameras here - photography is not permitted in communal onsen. Head to the washing area where you’ll see a bucket, a little stool and usually a handheld shower. Wash yourself with the soap and shampoo provided before rinsing thoroughly, no bubbles allowed in the onsen pool!

Long hair must be tied up so it doesn’t touch the water and for modesty reasons you may choose to cover yourself with the small towel provided on the way to the onsen pool. Whilst being naked in front of strangers might feel a little awkward at first, do remember that public bathing is totally normal in Japan and everyone is very respectful.

Before heading to the onsen pool, it is customary to pour a ladle full of warm water over your body from the tub placed close to the entrance. This can help you adjust to the temperature.

When entering the water, make sure you leave your modesty towel on the side of the pool. It must not go into the water with you. Some people choose to rinse their towel in cold water before folding and placing on their heads as they bathe. It supposably helps with regulating you're temperature, although I found I spent too much time trying to balance it rather than enjoying the experience! You must keep your head above water at all times and avoid diving, swimming or splashing in the water to maintain the sense of tranquillity. Then all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy one of Japan’s most restorative experiences.

A stay in a ryokan can feel a little unfamiliar, but please don’t worry as your hosts will always be incredibly gracious and happy to help if you have any questions.

Here’s a few important things to remember:

• Slippers are provided and should be worn indoors, with your shoes slipped off at the entrance foyer (shoe racks are provided). You may also see wooden clogs but these are only to be used in the outside areas.

• Always remove your slippers before stepping onto the tatami mats in your room.

• Meals are served at set times, and these will be shared with you on checking in. The food will be prepared to these times, so please be punctual.

• When tying your yukata robe, always fold the left side over the right (the other way is associated with funeral ceremonies).

• Upon checking out, please leave your worn yukata in the room.

• In keeping with the peaceful atmosphere that makes a ryokan stay so special, do try to keep noise to a minimum.

Hidatei Hanaougi

Nestled on the outskirts of Takayama, and built almost entirely from timber, this atmospheric ryokan has its own onsen both indoors and outdoors, looking over the beautiful Japanese garden.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

Set in the mountains surrounding Hakone National Park, this stylish ryokan offers a luxurious stay with stunning views of the valley below. Its two beautiful outdoor onsen provide a truly authentic Japanese bathing experience.

Aura Tachibana

Situated in the hills above Hakone, this lovely property blends a traditional ryokan with modern touches and gourmet cuisine.

Ryokan Asunaro

With its traditional façade and original features throughout, this charming family-run ryokan grants visitors a truly authentic and memorable stay just a short walk from a short walk from Takayama train station.

Biyu No Yado

This charming ryokan is located in the onsen village of Yudanaka, offering a backdrop of the picturesque mountains, just a short drive from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with its famously inquisitive macaques.