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Glamping vs Ryokan in Japan: Which Should You Choose?

Glamping or Ryokan? A Choice Worth Getting Right

When planning a trip to Japan, most travelers think about where to go. But how you stay can shape your trip just as much as the cities you visit.

Two of the most distinctly Japanese options are glamping (luxury outdoor camping) and the ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). Both offer something you can't get from a regular hotel — but they're very different experiences.

This guide breaks down the differences so you can decide which one fits your trip, or whether to do both.

What is a Ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, many of which have been run by the same family for generations. The experience is built around Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) and usually includes:

Tatami-mat rooms with futon bedding laid out on the floor

Kaiseki dinner — a multi-course meal of seasonal, beautifully presented dishes

Onsen (hot spring baths), often both public and private

Yukata (a light cotton robe) to wear during your stay

A ryokan is about slowing down, soaking in hot water, and being quietly taken care of. It's deeply cultural.

What is Glamping in Japan?

Glamping — "glamorous camping" — is a newer trend that has exploded across Japan in the last few years. You sleep in a stylish tent, dome, or cabin set in nature, with real beds and modern comforts. A typical glamping stay includes:

Furnished tents or domes with beds, heating/AC, and electricity

Private BBQ dinner at your own site, often with premium wagyu beef

Outdoor settings — forests, lakesides, or views of Mount Fuji

Activities like kayaking, fishing, or fire-making

Glamping is about being in nature without giving up comfort. It's relaxed, social, and great for couples, families, and friends.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Ryokan	Glamping
Atmosphere	Traditional, calm, cultural	Modern, outdoorsy, relaxed
Bedding	Futon on tatami	Real beds in tents/domes
Dinner	Kaiseki (multi-course)	BBQ (cook your own)
Setting	Town or hot-spring village	Forest, lakeside, mountains
Bath	Onsen hot springs	Some sites have private baths
Best for	Culture, relaxation, couples	Nature, families, groups
Price / night	¥20,000–¥60,000+ per person	¥15,000–¥50,000 per person
Language support	Varies; smaller inns limited	Often more English-friendly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a Ryokan if...

You want a deep cultural experience — tatami, kaiseki, onsen

You enjoy being looked after and don't mind formality

You love hot springs and slow, quiet evenings

It's your first trip to Japan and you want something quintessentially Japanese

Choose Glamping if...

You want to be surrounded by nature without roughing it

You're traveling with family or friends and want a social, fun atmosphere

You'd rather grill your own dinner under the stars than sit through a formal meal

You want outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking nearby

You want a setting like a Mount Fuji view from your bed

Why Not Both?

Here's a tip many travelers miss: you don't have to choose.

A popular itinerary combines the two:

2–3 nights in cities (Tokyo, Kyoto)

1 night at a ryokan for the cultural, hot-spring experience

1 night glamping for the nature-and-comfort experience

Many glamping resorts in Yamanashi and Chiba are near traditional onsen towns, so you can easily do a ryokan night and a glamping night back-to-back. You get the best of both worlds — tradition and the outdoors.

A Note on Cost and Value

Both options sit in a similar price range (roughly ¥15,000–¥60,000 per person per night), and both typically include dinner and breakfast — so you're not just paying for a bed.

Compared to a high-end city hotel that charges similar rates for a room without meals or a view, both glamping and ryokan stays offer strong value for what you get.

How to Book

For glamping activities and tours, the easiest option for foreign visitors is GetYourGuide — English-language booking, international payment, and free cancellation on most tours.

For accommodation (both glamping resorts and ryokan), Booking.com lists many options across Japan with English-language support. Search "glamping Yamanashi," "glamping Chiba," or "ryokan onsen" for current availability.

Final Thoughts

There's no wrong answer here. A ryokan gives you tradition, hot springs, and quiet refinement. Glamping gives you nature, comfort, and a more relaxed, social vibe.

If you only have one night to spare, pick the one that matches the trip you want. If you can spare two — do both. Either way, you'll come home with a story most travelers to Japan never get.

Ready to explore Japan's outdoors?

Browse activities and experiences on GetYourGuide — English booking, international payments, free cancellation on most tours.

Browse Japan Experiences on GetYourGuide →