A Fashionable Adventure in Japan’s Ryokan

A Blissful Ryokan Experience Embracing Tradition Over Conventional Comforts in a Japanese Inn

I chose a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, over a Western-style hotel, despite not having a bed frame.

Photo of India wearing a blue floral print robe and sitting on the edge of a bath. She smiles and rests her hands on her knees. The bath behind her is out of focus and has turquoise tiles and is full of water. Courtesy of India Kushner

I recently embarked on a honeymoon adventure to the mesmerizing land of Japan. From Tokyo to Kyoto, my husband and I explored the magnificent sights and experienced the rich culture. And let me tell you, we had a fashionably fantastic time!

Our first stop in Kyoto was a traditional Japanese inn called Sakura Urushitei, a charming ryokan that transported us to a world of elegance and serenity. The ryokan, which has been around for centuries, had a modern twist with a nod to tradition. It was like stepping into a time machine, where contemporary and ancient beauty coexist.

The moment we arrived at Sakura Urushitei, we were greeted by a captivating entrance. The elaborate wooden sign beckoned us into a world of understated luxury. The lobby, adorned with wooden display cases showcasing lacquerware and beautiful Japanese ceramics, left us in awe. It was like being in a fashion museum, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Japan.

Our room was a minimalist masterpiece, designed with natural materials that exuded a sense of tranquility. The absence of a TV was a breath of fresh air, allowing us to truly disconnect and appreciate the beauty around us. As fashion lovers, we appreciated the room’s simplicity, which allowed us to focus on the true artistry of Japanese design.

Now, sleeping on the floor might not sound very glamorous, but trust me, it was surprisingly cozy. The Sukiya-style room featured a tatami mat floor and a futon mattress that invited us to surrender to its comfort. As we lounged on the floor, we felt like chic fashionistas in a stylish photoshoot. It was a fashion-forward approach to relaxation!

A photo of two wooden chairs without legs resting on the tatami mat floor around a small wooden table. Opposite, in the right corner of the room is a small alcove with a shelf that has a wooden box and below that two sliding cupboard doors. The walls are white with a thin carved wooden tree running from ceiling to floor. The ceiling is made with bamboo beams. Courtesy of India Kushner

Of course, our ryokan experience wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a hot bath. The private bath at Sakura Urushitei was inviting and hot! In fact, it was so hot that even my love for hot showers couldn’t keep me in the water for long. But fear not, we cleverly used a wooden bucket to add some cold water and found the perfect temperature to relax and unwind. After the bath, I was so blissfully relaxed, I practically floated back to our room.

Now, let’s talk about breakfast, because fashion and food go hand in hand. At Sakura Urushitei, we had the opportunity to savor a traditional Japanese breakfast. Each dish was a work of art, meticulously presented and bursting with flavors. From grilled salmon to miso soup, every bite was a delightful fashion statement on our taste buds. It was a breakfast fit for fashion royalty!

A picture of a tray with various bowls containing a piece of salmon, a Japanese omelet, shredded daikon radish, miso soup, greens, seaweed, broccoli with sesame seeds, carrots and tofu and rice. At the bottom is a set of chopsticks on a wooden chopstick rest. Courtesy of India Kushner

Now, I must admit that sleeping on the floor did give me a slight backache. But hey, suffering for fashion is part of the game, right? Besides, the incredible cultural experience we had at the ryokan made it all worthwhile. We immersed ourselves in the local traditions and ambiance, feeling like stylish explorers discovering a hidden gem. It was a fashion adventure that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Have you ever tried sleeping on the floor or indulging in a traditional Japanese bath? Share your thoughts and fashion escapades in the comments below!

Note: original content has been edited for humor and fashion flair.