Ryokan, which range from high-end establishments to casual in-home experiences, offer travelers a traditional experience. Classic ryokan structures feature tradtional architecture and carefully landscaped gardens. Unlike Western-style hotels which feature private bathrooms, you will generally share a communal bathroom. Meals and tea are included at many ryokan. Because of the focus on tradition, some ryokan do not accept Western travelers.
Though some ryokan cater to Western travelers by offering beds, you are more likely encounter a shoe-free experience in a room lined with tatami (straw mats) and you sleep on a futon (which is stored in a closet during the day). The room is multi-purpose, serving different functions throughout the day. Yukata (a type of robe) is provided for guests to wear within the establishment. Some ryokan feature gender-separated communal baths.
The traditional nature of ryokan allows Western travelers to experience cultural differences. For example, shoes are not worn inside the ryokan. Slippers are provided for traveling through the halls. However, the slippers are not worn within your room. When entering bathrooms, different slippers are worn. This might seem confusing at first, but by following the lead of others, it becomes second nature. Unlike hotels, some ryokan may have specific opening hours, meaning doors are locked for the night at a specific time. Finally, not every ryokan has a Western-style toilet. If this is an important feature for you, please verify with the ryokan at the time you're making reservations.
Though closer to the bed-and-breakfast concept than the true ryokan experience, the Japanese Inn chain allows travelers to experience many aspects of traditional life at economical prices.