Abstract
The purpose of this research is to clarify how the Ryokan's image has been influenced by its representation in the media, and to explore the interrelationship between Ryokan image and the formation process of the Ryokan. In the "cognitive period" of Ryokan image, the category of accommodations called Ryokan became popular and people dreamed of visiting such a place. In the "penetration period" of the Ryokan image, travel was popularized and people confirmed Ryokan by their own experience. At this time the Ryokan's image and its actual condition corresponded most closely. In the "runaway period" of the Ryokan image, the media conveyed a variety of information about specialized Ryokans such as those emphasizing "relaxation" or "Japanese emotion." In the relation between the Ryokan's image and its actual condition, at first the image preceded, and then the actual condition caught up. Now the image has a large lead again.
