Hi,<BR><BR>I would like some advice/comments on a ryokan experience. I want to visit Kyoto but am deciding whether I should stay in a ryokan or just any hote. Will staying in a ryokan add another dimension to my visit to Japan? Do you think it is worth it to stay and experience the ryokan stay - the whole deal with two meals costs at least 10,000 yen. Worth it or not? Thanks.

Some of our most wonderful experiences in Japan were staying in ryokan. I would be concerned at how inexpensive 10,000 yen is, unless it is the per person price. Can you find out more? Is there a website where you can see what the baths look like? What sort of cuisine do they serve for dinner? Etc.<BR><BR>The places we stayed were mostly on the Izu peninsula, so I can't recommend anything in Kyoto. But if you are going to be out all day seeing Kyoto, then I don't think you will get the full benefit and enjoyment of the ryokan experience -- which is focused on relaxing in the baths and strolling the grounds, always in your bathrobe (yukata) for your entire stay.

Lynne- I think that staying in a ryokan will definitely give you a different level of experiencing japan. One thing to consider is if you like Japanese food...if not, you might not find the expense "worth it". If you do like the food, I'd try to stay in a ryokan at least one night. It is one of the easiest ways to experience much of the best of Japan culture, and can't be duplicated anywhere else.

If I don't stay in a ryokan for at least one night during my stay, my trip just doesn't seem complete. <BR><BR>Expect to pay at least &yen;12000 person for a ryokan stay with 2 meals; more if you'd like to enjoy seasonal or regional specialties. Sometimes you can get a good meal for less, but they may cut back on service by having you dine in a dining room rather than ensuite.<BR><BR>But it's not just the food, it's also the atmosphere, the service, and the smell of fresh tatami which makes a ryokan stay so special. <BR>

Hi Lynne.<BR><BR>We were in Kyoto in August and stayed in Ryokan Hinomoto. It was fairly affordable and enjoyable. You can find our full Japan trip report including a lot of info about the Ryokan experience on our web site at www.browndogdaily.com under our Japan link. Feel free to e-mail me any questions.<BR><BR>Katherine<BR>Katherine@browndogd aily.com

I go to Kyoto every year or two after business in Tokyo. I have always stayed at the same place, Hiragiya Ryokan. I'm afraid to say that it is much more expensive than the figure you quote, but is one of the two most famous Ryokan in the world, and the tariff includes wonderful meals. I would recommend staying in a Ryokan to anyone wanting a truly Japanese experience, far different from what you can find in a hotel.

Thank you everyone for responding to my question.

I second Katherine's recommendation. I've been staying at Ryokan Hinomoto for 12 years. It's a gem of a place with only 8 guest room. Nothing fancy but tatami in all rooms. Cool wooden lined tub in the basement. The price is cheap (for Japan) and it's a 5 minutre walk to the main intersection of Kyoto. The two larger rooms in the front are worth spending a little extra on.

I agree that the ryokan experience is definitely worth it. I also agree with one of the others who mentioned that 10,000 Yen per night, unless this is the fee per person, is on the cheap side, so I would inquire into more details about the inn. One more thing to add to what the others have said: most inns have a policy whereby guests must be back in their rooms by a certain time (usually around 11 PM), so you might want to be aware of this ahead of time. A ryokan experience, therefore, is not at its best, then, when you are combining it with an active nightlife at theaters, restaurants, or Japanese bars. It is much more suited to a day or two of lingering, relaxing, bathing, and hiking.<BR><BR>M

Hi,<BR><BR>I couldn't get a reservation at Ryokan Hinomoto but I managed to get one at Heianbo. Thanks for all your advice. Will let you all know how it goes.

Both the Hinomoto and the Heianbo fall squarely into the budget category, so you may not enjoy the same experience which some of the above posters have raved about. However, I think you'll still find it enjoyable.