Stepping into a traditional ryokan room feels miles away from a standard hotel stay. The calming scent of tatami mats and soft light filtering through shoji screens create a total sensory reset. It is more than just a room, it is a peaceful sanctuary. This guide explains the unique features of a Japanese room so you can settle in with confidence. Inside a Ryokan Room Most accommodations you will encounter are washitsu, which are traditional Japanese-style rooms. Unlike Western hotels that rely on heavy drapes and carpeting, a typical ryokan room uses natural materials to create a calm atmosphere. You will see plenty of wood in the pillars and ceilings, along with paper sliding doors that soften the sunlight pouring in from outside. About Tatami The first thing you might notice when sliding open the door is the scent. Fresh tatami mats give off a gentle, grassy aroma unique to the raw rushes used to weave them. This flooring is central to the experience and feels surprisingly soft unde … 続きを読む Inside a Ryokan Room