minshuku

Minshuku (民宿) are a form of traditional Japanese lodging, typically family-run inns that offer basic accommodations at modest prices. They are smaller in scale than ryokan, often with five to twenty rooms, and are frequently located in residential neighborhoods, near train stations, or in rural and onsen towns. Many are operated by families who may live on site or nearby, providing a more personal, home-like atmosphere.

Rooms in minshuku are usually simple and furnished with tatami mats, futons, and low dining tables. Guests sleep on futons laid out on the tatami, and bathrooms are often shared, though some properties provide private facilities. Public baths may be available in some places but are not required. Meals, when offered, typically consist of breakfast and/or dinner featuring home-cooked Japanese dishes. Dinner is usually served in a shared dining area or, less commonly, in the guest room. Unlike larger ryokan, minshuku generally do not offer formal kaiseki cuisine or extensive spa facilities.

Check-in times and house rules vary by property; guests are typically asked to remove shoes at the entrance. Hosts are usually welcoming, but English proficiency may be limited in rural areas. Rates are generally affordable, with prices commonly ranging from a few thousand to around ten thousand yen per person per night, depending on location, season, and whether meals are included.

Minshuku are a common option for travelers seeking an inexpensive, authentic lodging experience and are found throughout Japan, from urban neighborhoods to scenic countryside. They form part of the broader tradition of Japanese inns alongside ryokan and guesthouses.