Departments
Intermediate Japanese - Free Online Course
RYOKAN / RYŌTEI
旅館・料亭
(traditional Japanese inn / restaurant)
The ryokan and the ryōtei are traditional Japanese-style establishments. Although they compete, to some extent, with more “modern” Western-style alternatives, both kinds of establishment still enjoy wide patronage, especially in cultural centers like Kyoto.
The ryokan is a Japanese-style inn. In Japan, Western-style hotel chains are common; but the ryokan retains its own distinctive charm. Ryokans feature authentic tatami rooms and sliding shoji doors. Many ryokans are family-run businesses, similar to the “best and breakfast” inns of the rural United States.
A ryōtei is an upscale restaurant that serves authentic Japanese food. The atmosphere and furnishings of one of these restaurants conjures up the bygone days of old Japan. The ryōtei is the scene of many important business dinners. Entertainment at such dinners may include geisha performances.