ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Business trends

Travelers beware: Japanese inns now taking vacations of their own

Labor shortage and exhausted staff force ryokan to close on some days

Kagaya employees bow to departing guests: Workers who spend most of the year pampering customers at Japan's traditional inns are being told to take some time for themselves. (Photo by Masayuki Konozo)

TOKYO -- Japan's ryokan hotels typically operate all year round, but that tradition is giving way to a new trend that takes into account the country's severe labor shortage.

Bottom line: More ryokan are closing for a certain number of days every year.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more