Ryokan Etiquette: 3 Things to Know Before You Stay
At a ryokan, wear the yukata with the left side over the right, since right over left is how the deceased are dressed. Dinner has a set time, so tell the ryokan if you'll be late, and mention any allergies before you arrive.
Video out Oct 12The 19-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.
The 3 things to know
Left over right
Wear the yukata with the left side over the right. Right over left is how the deceased are dressed.
Dinner has a set time
Dinner has a set time. Tell them if you'll be late, since a late arrival can mean a missed or rescheduled dinner.
Tell them about allergies
Allergies? Tell the ryokan before you arrive.
Quick answers
How do I wear a yukata correctly?
Wrap the left side over the right and tie the obi at the hips. Right over left is how the deceased are dressed, so avoid it.
Can I wear a yukata outside the ryokan?
Check first, because some onsen towns welcome strolling in yukata and others do not.
What if I have a food allergy at a ryokan?
Tell the ryokan about dietary restrictions or allergies in advance. They try to accommodate requests.
Read the video transcript
Staying at a ryokan? Three things to know.
One. Wear the yukata left side over right. Right over left is how the deceased are dressed.
Two. Dinner has a set time. Tell them if you'll be late.
Three. Allergies? Tell the ryokan before you arrive.
Then just relax.
Sources & how we checked
The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:
- Updated
- Video
- 19 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
- Good to know
- Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.
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