@lucaonthego — 19x breakout

Loading video…

WHY I DON'T EXPERIENCE RYOKANS IN KYOTO

@lucaonthego

9.4K followers · usually 1.6K views a post

Views

29.7K

Likes

1.2K

Comments

161

Why it worked

The video offers an "unpopular opinion" about a popular tourist destination, which creates intrigue and encourages viewers to watch to understand the reasoning. The creator also provides a clear alternative and actionable advice, making the content valuable.

Summary

The creator explains why they wouldn't recommend staying in a ryokan in Kyoto, citing that Kyoto is not an onsen destination and many ryokans there don't offer a classic onsen experience. They suggest that the premium price in Kyoto is due to location rather than the experience, and that ryokans are best enjoyed in towns built around onsen culture.

Structure

1Introduction to unpopular opinion about ryokans in Kyoto
2Kyoto lacks natural hot springs and authentic onsen experiences
3Premium pricing in Kyoto is location-based, not experience-based
4Kyoto's busy nature conflicts with the slow enjoyment of a ryokan
5Recommendation to choose onsen towns for a better ryokan experience

Call to action

leave it in the comments and don't forget to follow for more!

On-screen text

WHY I DON'T EXPERIENCE RYOKANS IN KYOTO Here's why I personally wouldn't do a ryokan stay in Kyoto. It's one of my unpopular opinions about Japan. The first issue is that Kyoto is not an onsen destination. There are no natural hot springs in downtown Kyoto. Many Ryokans don't actually offer a classic onsen experience Also, the issue that I have with it is that you're paying a premium because you're in Kyoto The upcharge is just because of the location. In my opinion it makes no sense. But also, when you're in Kyoto, your days are gonna be packed of activities, so you're always gonna be running around between one place or the city. And the other said your vacations are meant to be enjoyed slowly. Check in early, you relax in the baths, you go around wearing the yukata. If you're outside seeing all day, which you should because it's Kyoto, you're missing half the experience that you're paying a premium for. Personally, I would saved the Ryokan experience to a true onsen town like Atami, Ito, Shima, Kinosaki Onsen, Gero Onsen, Kusatsu Onsen. I could go on Better to prioritise and choose a place that was built around the onsen culture and honestly you'll get a more memorable experience anyway. If you have any questions or suggestions, just leave it in the comments and don't forget to follow for more!

Original caption

Would I choose Kyoto for a ryokan experience? Probably not. 👀🇯🇵 Kyoto might be the first place people think of when they imagine staying in a traditional Japanese inn. But if you're looking for a truly memorable ryokan experience, I think there are better choices. The reason? Kyoto is one of Japan's most visited cities. Prices are often extremely high, especially for ryokans in areas like Gion, yet many properties are competing more for location and atmosphere than for the full traditional experience. A great ryokan is not just about sleeping in a tatami room. It's about: ♨️ a meaningful onsen experience 🍱 exceptional kaiseki cuisine 🌿 a peaceful environment 🏯 a feeling of being disconnected from everyday life And Kyoto doesn't always offer that. The city itself is busy, urban, and full of things to see. Many "ryokans" here are closer to luxury hotels with Japanese-style rooms rather than the quiet countryside inns people often imagine. For a first ryokan experience, I'd personally look more towards places like: ♨️ Kinosaki Onsen: a beautiful traditional onsen town where walking in yukata between seven public baths is part of the experience. ♨️ Kurokawa Onsen: a hidden mountain village in Kyushu surrounded by nature and famous for its outdoor baths. ♨️ Arima Onsen: one of Japan's oldest hot spring towns, easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe. ♨️ Noboribetsu Onsen: a dramatic Hokkaido hot spring area with volcanic landscapes. Kyoto is incredible. It deserves time. But a ryokan stay is about choosing the right atmosphere, not just the most famous destination. Sometimes the best traditional experiences are found outside the places everyone is already looking at. 🇯🇵✨ Where would you choose for your dream ryokan stay? #kyoto #travel #japantravel #traveltips #japantrip