Guide to the Yado
What's

   "Yado" ?

"Yado" means Accommodation. There are different types of "Yado", which are called "Ryokan", "Minsyuku" and "Pension" featuring services, pricing and management styles.

   "Ryokan" ?

If you like something luxurious but still want to experience something Japanese that is not found in city hotels, then a Ryokan may be a good choice. This is a traditional Japanese hotel, where you will have a Japanese living style in a room with tatami (grass woven  floor mats) and a futon (a Japanese blanket), although they may have western style rooms, too. Ryokan may be an excellent experience for those who want to enjoy Japanese atmosphere through make of houses/buildings, meals, Yukata (Japanese sleeping wear), interior,  gardens and so forth. If you can afford it you should definitely stay in Ryokan for at least a night. Basically, you can have meals served in your own room. If your selected Ryokan is located in hot spring area, then you can experience "onsen" (hot spring) in Ryokan. You may experience at least once while in Japan to know the reason why  Japanese like the Ryokan so much. Price varies greatly but  over 10,000 yen per person per night and perhaps much more. Per night price usually include dinner and breakfast.

   "Minsyuku" ?

 Minshuku is similar to a bed and breakfast; you rent a room in someone's house and eat meals together with the hosts / homeowners and the other guests (from 5-10 rooms on average). One night stay with breakfast and dinner is around 8,000 yen per person, although if you say you can't eat Japanese food they will often allow foreigners to opt out of the meals and pay only 5,500-6,000 yen per person without food. If you want to try interesting regional Japanese food then a Minshuku may be a good option as the meals are often served with the specialty of that region. Rooms are generally Japanese style with tatami (grass woven floor mats) and a futon (a Japanese blanket).

   "Pension" ?

 Pension in Japan is something like Western style of Minshuku. They keep beds in modern interior and meals are served in western style. It is similar to  B&B in U.K., however, some of them are almost hotels except for number of guest rooms.
Many Pensions usually don't supply any amenity goods such as towels, shaver, bathrobe.  Most pensions are located in health-resorts, mountain-side or seaside with good views and many pension-owners are proudly serving their original recipe of dinner and breakfast.    It will be a good choice for being away from the clamor of the city and enjoy outdoor sports or sightseeing. Price range is 8,000 to 10,000 yen per person per night with dinner and breakfast.