Do I need to tip at luxury Japanese hotels?

No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can sometimes be seen as confusing or rude. The service fee included in your bill is sufficient.

Can I book a ryokan if I have tattoos?

Many traditional ryokans have strict policies against tattoos in public baths. If you have tattoos, book a room with a private onsen (kashikiri) so you can bathe in privacy.

Is breakfast and dinner always included?

In luxury ryokans, it is standard practice. When booking, ensure the room plan you select lists 'half-board' or 'breakfast and dinner included'.

Booking Luxury Ryokans and High-End Hotels in Japan

Book directly through the property's official website at least 4 to 6 months in advance to secure the best rates and room types. If the property doesn't support English bookings, use high-end aggregators like Relais & Châteaux or TableCheck for reservations.

Check the official website first. Always start at the hotel's own website. Japanese luxury properties often reserve their best rooms—such as those with private onsen (rotenburo)—for direct bookings to avoid agency commissions.
Use specialized booking platforms. If you cannot navigate the Japanese sites, use sites like 'Relais & Châteaux', 'Tablet Hotels', or 'Ikyu' (use the English version). These platforms verify high-end standards.
Specify your dietary requirements early. Luxury ryokans provide elaborate kaiseki meals. Email them at least 14 days before arrival with a list of allergies or aversions, as their menus are often set daily based on seasonal availability.
Confirm transportation logistics. Many high-end ryokans are in remote locations. Use the hotel's concierge service to book the 'shinkansen' to the nearest station and verify if the hotel provides a private shuttle pickup service.

Do I need to tip at luxury Japanese hotels?: No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can sometimes be seen as confusing or rude. The service fee included in your bill is sufficient.
Can I book a ryokan if I have tattoos?: Many traditional ryokans have strict policies against tattoos in public baths. If you have tattoos, book a room with a private onsen (kashikiri) so you can bathe in privacy.
Is breakfast and dinner always included?: In luxury ryokans, it is standard practice. When booking, ensure the room plan you select lists 'half-board' or 'breakfast and dinner included'.