Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific

For 1,300 years, Japan's ryokan traditional inns have developed and maintained the spirit of hospitality known as omotenashi. The ryokan industry's prosperity is built upon the spirit of omotenashi, and behind this tradition is the Japanese sensitivity to the beauty of nature. The beauty of the four seasons and the appreciation of their changing are cornerstones of Japanese culture. In the omotenashi way of thinking, the appropriate setting (shitsurae ), appearance (yosooi) and conduct (furumai) are the most important considerations when welcoming guests under the most optimum conditions.

In the rooms, arranging flowers symbolizing the seasons, sprinkling water outside the entrance to purify it and lighting incense are all traditional ways to welcome the treasured guest. The staff wear kimono with designs symbolizing the seasons, and their elegant movements serve to welcome and entertain. Moreover, the meals at a ryokan exemplify all that is beautiful about Japanese culture.

This is the starting point of omotenashi, and it will ensure the ryokan industry's continued prosperity into the future. In a way, ryokan represent the culmination of Japanese culture. Here one can find the real Japan. Even in modern society, where virtual meetings are becoming commonplace, a true "encounter" allows one to experience the warmth and emotional connection of real human interaction.

To visit the Ryokan Collection resorts, follow the links listed below:

• Arcana Izu
• Niki Club
• Sankara Hotel & Spa
• Senjyuan
• Yagyu No Sho

Despite having thrived for 1,300 years, this "real Japan" is still not widely known around the world. At The Ryokan Collection, having selected 29 of the finest ryokan from all over Japan for participation in our group, we strive to continue the tradition of omotenashi. All participating establishments, which must be Japanese owned, must undergo a rigorous quality evaluation, performed in secret once a year.

To clarify our offerings for customers worldwide, the ryokans have been divided into three categories: Heritage, Traditional and Contemporary.

Heritage:
Ryokan in our "Heritage" category incorporate important historical structures and contain valuable cultural assets. In the past, many famous writers and artists have been inspired by these beautiful places, and celebrities from all over the world have come to rejuvenate themselves in their unique atmosphere.

Traditional:
"Traditional" ryokan feature Japanese-style rooms and traditional Japanese kaiseki haute cuisine, and the sleeping arrangements are usually futon on tatami mats, in the traditional manner. Some of these ryokan also include Western-style bedrooms and cuisine. Many Japanese say this style of ryokan is the closest to the true "Japan" lifestyle.

Contemporary:
The "Contemporary" category establishments have all the attributes of Japanese omotenashi, but in a variety of styles. These facilities feature Japanese modern rooms boasting sophisticated design, and many of them not only serve Japanese cuisine, but offer fine Italian and French cuisine as well.

Ryokan are traditional Japanese-style inns, the first having opened in 718 Ad, and have been a central part of Japanese culture for centuries.

Most ryokan are family-run inns that entertain travelers and make them feel at home, as if they were staying at a friend's home. Japanese culture arose as a result of both the delicate climate and omotenashi - the spirit of hospitality, the urge to entertain people and see them happy. These two unique ideas made the unique Ryokan culture flourish, and as a result, the number currently totals around 50,000 nationwide.

The big difference between a hotel and a ryokan is that the most important aspect of the ryokan is the meals. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the rooms and hot spring baths at a ryokan exist only in order for the guests to enjoy the meals. Most ryokan do not have a restaurant. The chefs create the daily meal based on seasonal ingredients that they obtain that day, so that each meal is unique and special and could only exist on that day and no other. This is the hallmark of ryokan cooking.

The onsen (natural hot spring) has been revered in Japan for its healing and restorative powers for over 2,000 years, and is a central part of Japanese culture. That is why fine hot springs are an important element of hospitality, and of the ryokan experience.

In order to help you have the best possible experience of traditional Japan, click here to view the Ryokan Featured Resort for a few key aspects of traditional ryokan culture, along with what you might expect in a typical day or two at a ryokan in The Ryokan Collection.

DISCOVER
secrets of a 300-year-old ryokan (traditional inn) steeped in traditional Japanese culture.

EXPERIENCE
the mystical art of Japanese entertainment in the privacy of the Ochaya (Tea House) with a geisha trained in traditional Japanese arts, music and dance.

SATISFY
your palate with a sumptuous feast prepared by leading master chefs with the finest seafood of the season.

IMMERSE
in the art of Kimono embroidery or take private lessons with leading masters of Ikebana (flower arrangement), Sensu (fan making) or simply partake in the cha-no-yu (tea ceremony).

RELAX
with a soak in a private open-air hot bath overlooking a picturesque snow-covered landscape while seeping a cup of hot Japanese matcha (green tea).