Ryokan coffee table book

Staying at a ryokan – Japan's traditional guesthouses – is an experience of the country's hospitality in its most refined form.

However, behind the often singular image of the ryokan lies great diversity and vibrant development. This book presents both centuries-old family-owned establishments and new, more experimental interpretations that challenge traditions. At the same time, it focuses on the people who run these places – some continuing classic crafts and rituals, others rethinking what Japanese hospitality might look like in the future.

Through the hosts' own stories and insights into some of Japan's most remarkable ryokans, the book shows how these places continue to evolve amidst demographic and economic changes, while preserving a unique cultural and material heritage. The result is both a journey through the Japanese archipelago and a nuanced portrait of an art of hospitality in constant change.

Product information:
Dimensions: W 21.5 x D 3.5 x H 30.5 cm
Cover: Hardcover
Pages: 360
Language: English