Japan is one of the dream destinations for a wedding, known for its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage. While shrines and temples are iconic venues, there’s another unique option that provides both authenticity and intimacy: the ryokan (旅館).

Here are some reasons why you should choose a ryokan as your wedding destination.

What is a Ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn where one can experience Japanese culture. Unlike modern hotels, ryokans are designed to reflect Japanese culture and tradition. Expect tatami-mat guest rooms, sliding paper doors (shoji, 障子), futon bedding, and soothing hot springs (onsen, 温泉). 

Many ryokan are also located in scenic locations such as Japanese gardens and feature seasonal menus that highlight the region’s flavors.Below are 5 reasons why you should choose a ryokan as your wedding destination.

Reason 1: Authentic Japanese Experience

At the heart of every ryokan is omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of heartfelt hospitality. From the moment you arrive, the staff anticipate your needs—welcoming you with tea, arranging seasonal flowers, and ensuring every detail is thoroughly taken care of..For your wedding, this means you and your guests will be surrounded by warm, personalized care. Unlike large hotels, ryokan allow everyone to cherish the moment in a more personal way.

Reason 2: Exclusive and Intimate Setting

Ryokans are typically much smaller than commercial hotels. This creates an exclusive and intimate atmosphere, perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel personal.

Instead of hosting your celebration in a large Western-style ballroom, you can enjoy every moment—from the ceremony to the reception—as a shared experience just with you and your loved ones.

Reason 3: Scenic and Serene Locations

Some ryokan are located in Japan’s most beautiful settings: mountain valleys, riversides, historic towns, or near hot springs. These surroundings make for stunning backdrops to your ceremony and photos.

Picture exchanging vows under cherry blossoms in spring, posing with vibrant maple leaves in autumn, or capturing images against a traditional Japanese garden. A ryokan’s setting allows your wedding to blend with Japan’s natural beauty.

For those who want a cherry blossom wedding, Yoshino Mountain is hard to beat – see why it’s one of the best sakura wedding venues in Japan.

Reason 4: All-in-One Convenience

Planning a wedding abroad can be complicated, but ryokans make it simple with everything in one place. 

Unlike weddings at shrines or temples, a ryokan often includes:

• Gardens or banquet spaces for the ceremony
• Seasonal cuisine prepared in-house
• Comfortable lodging for you and your guests

There’s no need to arrange catering and accommodation separately—a ryokan offers a smooth, convenient experience from start to finish.

Reason 5: Traditional Japanese food with local ingredients 

Food is always a highlight of a ryokan stay. Guests are treated to kaiseki meals (懐石料理), an elaborate multi-course dining style that features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. 

For your wedding, this means your reception dinner becomes part of the experience—dining at a ryokan is unlike anything you’d find at a typical hotel wedding.

Timing is key — read our full guide on when to plan your Japan wedding for sakura, foliage, or snow backdrops.

Conclusion

A wedding at a ryokan is more than a ceremony—it’s a cultural journey. With exceptional hospitality, intimate settings, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable cuisine, a ryokan offers everything couples need for a truly special destination wedding in Japan.

It will be an experience you and your guests will remember forever.

FAQ – Why Choose a Ryokan for Your Japan Destination Wedding?

Yukino Tsuchihashi

Experience writing over 1,000 articles. A versatile writer skilled in creating engaging, culturally informed content. Having attended multiple Japanese weddings, she brings a firsthand understanding of Japanese customs and aesthetics to her work.

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