In recent years, more ryokan have begun offering rooms with beds.
There are also ryokan that offer chairs and tables for guests who would prefer not to sit on the floor.
Traditionally at a ryokan, you do not sleep on a bed. You use a futon, a type of bedding that you lay right on the tatami flooring.
Why did futon bedding become standard in Japan? There are several explanations, including:
・Japan doesn’t have a lot of space. You can put away a futon each night, and even laid out, it doesn’t take up too much space.
・Japan is quite humid. It’s easy to pick up and move a futon to dry it out in the sun.
However, in recent years, in response to the needs of guests, there are more ryokan with:
・Japanese-style rooms with beds
・Mixed Japanese/Western rooms
・Completely Western-style rooms
If you want to stay at a ryokan, but you want to do it sleeping in a bed, just ask the ryokan!
Also, bear in mind that a room at a ryokan is usually furnished with low tables and legless Japanese-style chairs.
For those who prefer not to sit on the floor, some ryokan offer Western-style tables and chairs.
If you want them, ask the ryokan staff.