Planning Your Stay

Ryokan Packing List

Packing for a ryokan is different from packing for a hotel. Your inn provides far more than a Western hotel would — but there are a few things guests consistently wish they'd brought. This list covers everything.

What Your Ryokan Provides

Leave these at home — your ryokan has you covered. Note that budget ryokans (under ¥15,000/person) may not include all items. Check when booking.

Clothing & Linens

✓Yukata (lightweight kimono for your stay)
✓Tabi socks and sandals (geta)
✓Tanzen (heavier robe for cooler evenings)
✓Fresh towels daily + tenugui (thin bath towels)

Bathroom & Toiletries

✓Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
✓Toothbrush and toothpaste
✓Razor and shaving cream
✓Cotton swabs and cotton pads
✓Hair dryer

Room Amenities

✓Green tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets)
✓Electric kettle
✓Room slippers

What to Pack

Essentials

PassportRequired at check-in by Japanese law.

Cash (Yen)Many ryokans are cash-preferred or cash-only. Bring enough to cover your full stay.

Power adapterJapan uses Type A plugs (same as US). European and Australian travelers need an adapter.

JR Pass or IC CardIf travelling between destinations; Suica/ICOCA for local transport.

Clothing

Fewer outfits than you thinkYou'll spend most of your stay in your yukata. 1–2 casual outfits for travel days is enough.

One smart-casual layerFor areas where yukata is not appropriate.

Warm layers for outdoor onsenThe walk between the changing room and rotenburo can be cold in autumn/winter.

Slip-on shoesYou remove shoes frequently at ryokans. Avoid complicated lacing.

Clean socks (multiple pairs)You'll pad around in socks regularly. Bring presentable ones.

Onsen Specifics

Hair tiesHair must be kept out of communal onsen water. Essential for long hair.

Small waterproof bag or mesh pouchFor carrying toiletries to the onsen changing room.

Post-onsen skincareMineral-rich onsen water can be intense. Bring your usual routine if you have sensitive skin.

Tech & Practicalities

Portable WiFi or local SIMRural onsen towns can have limited cell coverage. A pocket WiFi or SIM is recommended.

Offline mapsDownload Google Maps offline for the area before arrival.

Small tote bagFor carrying essentials to the onsen and day trips from the ryokan.

What NOT to Pack

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Most toiletries — Your ryokan provides shampoo, soap, toothbrush, and hair dryer.

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Swimwear — Communal onsen are used naked. Swimwear is not permitted in traditional baths.

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Strong perfume or cologne — Fragrance is discouraged in onsen areas.

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Bulky luggage — Many ryokans have narrow corridors and limited storage. A medium carry-on or soft duffel is ideal.

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Outside food — Bringing outside food to a ryokan — especially if you booked with meals — is considered disrespectful.

Luggage Forwarding (Takuhaibin)

If you're moving between multiple ryokans on a longer trip, Japan's luggage forwarding service (takuhaibin) is a revelation. For around ¥1,500–¥2,500 per bag, courier companies like Yamato Transport will pick up your luggage from one ryokan and deliver it to your next — usually overnight.

You travel light, your bags travel ahead. Book through any convenience store or your ryokan's front desk.

The Short Version

Pack These

Passport, cash (yen), 1–2 outfits, slip-on shoes, hair ties, light layers for outdoor onsen, power adapter, portable WiFi, small tote bag.

Leave Behind

Most toiletries (provided), swimwear (not permitted in communal onsen), bulky luggage, strong fragrances, outside food.

Don't stress: ryokans are some of the best-prepared accommodations in the world. If you forget something, they've almost certainly thought of it for you.