We are staying at four ryokans on our upcoming visit - all serve dinner in the room. Will there be an option of beer or sake with dinner or can we bring our own if we find something we like? I noticed that our reservations noted that alcoholic beverages were not included so I assume there is an option but I wasn't sure what the custom may be.

Thanks,
Suzanne

You almost always need to order your alcoholic drinks at the ryokan. Absence of proper liquor law means anyone can serve alcohol without license or permit, so all ryokans serve drinks (it's an important part of their profit). Bring-your-own (BYO) is pretty unheard of. Just order them at the start of your dinner, or let them know what you'd like earlier in the day (say at breakfast).

Great - thanks!

We recently stayed at the Iwaso ryokan in Miyajima. We happened to have a bottle of sake with us that we had purchased the previous day and respectfully asked if we could have this with our in room dinner. No one seemed to mind. Joanne

You are probably right, joannecam, but you were in Japan, at a guesthouse no less, so I think you would never know if they did mind.

Yes, mrwunrfl - that is my concern. It is probably not that important anyway - I've run out of larger things to fret over regarding this trip. I probably just need to go pack and not worry about BYOB. I also didn't realize the situation from the perspective that Alec noted.

Thanks all!

There is a comical phrase in Japan, 'genkan beeru', or 'doorstep beer'. It's about a practice of some people who have enough drink before they go out for the evening, so ordering no or few drinks when they get to a restaurant or bar. It's something frowned upon by those in the trade.

Upon reflection, you are absolutely right mrwunrfl. How would I have known? The Japanese are, in general, the kindest group of people I have ever encountered.