An LGBT friendly Ryokan Hotel in Kyoto

In the past five years, Japan has become a top favorite of LGBT tourists because of the increased acceptance for gay couples. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei, as a LGBT friendly ryokan Hotel in Kyoto provides a harmonic atmosphere and many activities for a once in a lifetime experience.

History of the Japanese Ryokan

The Japanese in the Edo period built traditional hotels to entertain feudal lords and traveling samurai retainers. Such a traditional Japanese inn is called a Ryokan. It became a symbol of Japanese hospitality and warmth. Most centuries old Ryokan are still standing as reminders of the Japanese history. They use mainly wood along with tatami mats for flooring. Sliding doors, shoji screens, futons and chabudai are common features of each tatami room. A chabudai is a low table with folding legs that is set up along with cushions at meal times. A futon is a traditional Japanese bed set up on the floor only when required.

How a Modern Ryokan looks like?

Modern day Ryokan are very different from the historic designs. There is something for every tourist and traveler. Large groups can stay in sprawling hotels with attractive courtyards and group activities. On the other hand, Ryokan with only a dozen rooms are also designed for people looking to relax in a cozy, quiet setting. All over Japan, you can find ryokans with intricate decorations that reflect the rich local history. The town of Kyoto is visited by scores of tourists because of its historic importance. Naturally, a large number of Ryokan have been built in Kyoto to serve visitors. Similarly, rural areas are dotted with Ryokan to attract more people. Towns and villages with hot spring spas or onsen are ideal locations for Ryokan to be set up.

What makes a high-end Ryokan experience?

First class Ryokan experience is expensive but completely worth it. You get individualized services like a relaxing hot bath, elaborate tea ceremonies and traditional Japanese cotton robes (yukata). Enjoy an outdoor thermal bath (onsen) or rotenburo. A hostess wearing traditional Japanese kimono serves you tea and sweets personally to make the experience more relaxing. Rooms also have indoor hot baths as well as communal bath facility. Exclusive Ryokan experiences may include a view of a private garden from the room. Food options are as diverse as the people staying at a Ryokan. The kaiseki dinner served at Japanese inns is a combination of local and seasonal delicacies. You can enjoy it privately in your room or the dining hall. Most Ryokan offer both Western and Japanese dishes at breakfast. The Hotel staff normally speaks both Japanese and English to make guests feel at home.

If you are low on budget and do not need personalized services, there are affordable ryokan options in Kyoto as well. They offer buffet for groups and families. Eat and enjoy local food in a communal dining hall. Rooms have a futon and tatami mats to experience the most common features of every Japanese home. Choose a low cost ryokan if you wish to see the city sights rather than relax in a traditional Japanese setting. It may seem expensive but a top class Ryokan is what every tourist should invest in when traveling to Japan. It is a once in a lifetime chance to make good use of visiting Japan.

What is the situation of PDA and LGBT couples in Japan?

The Japanese people are conservative when it comes to public displays of affection (PDA). Normally, couples do not walk hand in hand or even kiss each other in public. It is still considered to be impolite to be openly affectionate with your partner.  Both straight and gay couples need to be careful when out and about. LGBT couples were not very welcome in Japan even in the year 2010.

The Japanese have accepted the rights of LGBT couples but overt affection in public is still a big no for all couples. Nevertheless, LGBT community does have legal cover and protection in Japan. This is the main reason LGBT couples are visiting Japan freely.

We believe that your personal choices should never come in the way of experiencing the Japanese culture. Our hotels welcome everyone with open arms. We provide all exclusive and individualized services to LGBT couples as well. In recent years, people have started accepting the LGBT reality in Japan now. Within the premises of our hotel, you can enjoy and relax freely with your partner. You can expect nothing short of a memorable experience at our inn as a gay couple.

An LGBT friendly ryokan Hotel in Kyoto: Sakura Urushitei

Tokyo has recently seen an increase in its LGBT population. In the past five years, Japan has become a top favorite of LGBT tourists because of the increased acceptance for gay couples. In order to find a hotel or ryokan open to LGBT couples, you will have to stick to a few locations. Osaka and Tokyo do have exclusive hotels for LGBT travelers. On the contrary, Kyoto is at the top of the list of LGBT friendly areas. You will not find many hotels and ryokan specifically advertising rooms for LGBT couples because Kyoto is LGBT friendly overall. Therefore, you can be yourself when you visit our inn. We strive to be inclusive and understanding of LGBT community’s needs.

Please see some of the activities you can choose from in our ryokan or check our gallery too see more. We also recommend you to take a look at our recent post (A Kyoto Ryokan for couples) to see more activities you can enjoy in our Hotel with your partner.

See you soon by a cup of hot tea in Kyoto!