There are various types of ryokan: kanko-ryokan (resort ryokan) and onsen-ryokan (ryokan with hot springs) for sightseeing and pleasure: kappo-ryokan (ryori-ryokan, or ryokan for Japanese cuisine): shonin-yado (ekimae-ryokan, or ryokan in front of a railway station for example) in urban areas for business people or students on school excursions.
旅館の種類には、観光利用や行楽利用主体の温泉旅館や観光旅館、割烹旅館（料理旅館）などのほか、都市部にあるビジネスや修学旅行利用主体の商人宿（駅前旅館など）がある。