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ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF STAYING at a RYOKAN
- A unique, heart-warming experience -
Booking a stay in a 'ryokan' (Japanese style inn) is a wonderful way
for the foreign traveler to encounter the national culture and learn
first-hand about ancient customs and the art of Japanese courtesy.
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Welcoming Guests
A pleasant and memorable stay for the guest! |
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Hospitality, superb food and gracious service best describe a traditional Japanese 'ryokan' (inn). Owners and
staff at the inn consider it a pleasant duty to ensure the pleasure and comfort of their guest by paying attention
to the smallest detail. The classic courtesy of a deep bow from 'nakai-san' (room attendant) headed by the
'okami' (manager) welcomes guests at the door. The 'okami' genuinely
provides as close to motherly care and warmth as any weary traveler is
likely to receive anywhere.
From the owner through to the
maid, the spirit of congenial
yet respectful service is the
essence that defines Japanese
courtesy and genuine desire to
be kind and helpful to the
stranger far from home.
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Okami
 The 'okami'
is the 'mother-spirit' of the inn and as
such she'll happily bear the greatest
responsibility to ensure the guest's
comfort and pleasure; often she is
also an owner's wife.
|  Footwear
Ryokan staff welcome you at the
entrance upon your arrival. You might
be asked to take your shoes off at the
entrance of some traditional 'ryokan',
so please leave your shoes there and
the staff will take care of them.
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| >> Go To [Ryokan & Onsen TOP] |
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Japanese Style Rooms
Comfort, courtesy and tradition in a Japanese-style inn. |
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A guest room is called 'washitsu' (Japanese-style room)
with the usual fresh-scented 'tatami' floor made of woven
rice straw that is found everywhere in the Japanese home.
The 'futon' (bedding) is laid directly on the 'tatami',
however, some low beds may be offered in some 'ryokan'
for the comfort of foreigners. Soon after arrival, the
'nakai-san' in charge will bring a serving of tea and sweets, a
gesture of hospitality deeply rooted in Japan.
 
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Yukata
As is 'de rigueur' in every Japanese
home, guests are provided with
slippers to be worn inside, for obvious
reasons. Sets of 'yukata' (traditional
Japanese wear), 'haori' (a loose jacket
worn over the 'yukata') and 'obi' (sash)
are provided along with the usual
toiletries. You also don't
have to stay in
your room.
After changing
into your
'yukata', you
will feel
more a part
of Japanese
culture while
walking
around the
ryokan.
| Nakai-san
'Nakai-san' will take care of you
during your stay. After guiding
you to your room, he or she will
explain about the facilities,
including the public bath hours
and other special instructions.
'Nakai-san' will also serve
meals and set up the 'futon'
for you. In Japan you don't
have to pay gratuities, but
when 'nakai-san' are asked to
take care of small children or
seniors, it is a good idea to
give them a tip.
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| >> Go To [Ryokan & Onsen TOP] |
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Traditional Japanese meals
A ryokan's menu is a symphony of colour, aroma and gourmet food! |
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The knowledgeable traveler who prizes fine food can
do no better than dine in a 'ryokan'. 'Washoku'
(traditional Japanese fare) not only titillates the palate
but is presented in the most exquisite fashion to
delight the eyes. Prepared with pride by the house
chef, using only fresh and
delicious ingredients, each
elaborate dish is politely
explained by the attendant for
the diner's added enjoyment.
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A special feature of staying at a
ryokan, is having a delicious traditional
dinner served in your room. Let the
'Nakai-san' take care of serving you this meal.
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| >> Go To [Ryokan & Onsen TOP] |
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Onsen / Open-air hot spring bath
Rejuvenate body and soul in a 'ryokan's' hot spring! |
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Japan is known world-wide for the abundance and excellence
of its mineral and hot water springs originating from a volcanic geology. The therapeutic effects
of an 'onsen' (hot-spring) have been acknowledged for centuries and a 'rotenburo' (open-air
bath) set within a marvelous landscape is a memorable way to indulge one's body and soul in the
'ryokan' of your choice.
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Tips for 'Onsen'
'Onsen' bathing is a
part of Japanese culture, and much of its
customs. You don't need to be an expert to
enjoy the springs, but if you familiarize
yourself with the local way, you might
enjoy the springs even more.
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Just because the hot springs are good for you
doesn't mean you should overdo it. Try not to bathe
more than 2 to 3 times a day, about 30 minutes each
time including washing time. That's about 10
minutes actually spent in the water, with the water
temperature above 40C. If the water is below 40C,
then it is fine to soak longer.
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'Onsens' are essentially a public bath, and you will
probably want to clean yourself before you leave
it. Note, however, that the minerals don't get
absorbed by the skin for about 6 to 7 hours.
Therefore if you clean yourself, rinse with hot
spring water using the basins or take one last dip
after cleansing.
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The hot springs not only
contain beneficial minerals, but
the water pressure and
buoyancy are also thought to be good for the body.
Try floating in the water - this is believed to relax you by
simulating the environment inside a mother's womb.
By warming up, your pores open
and clear out, allowing the
minerals in the water to be
absorbed. Bathing in the
hot springs not only relaxes
you, but also balances your
nervous system.
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Some hot springs are
good for bathing and for
drinking. The water
contains minerals that are thought to stimulate
the metabolism. Be careful, make sure that the
water is officially fit for consumption, and use the
faucet that is designated for
drinking. Take your time, and try
to sip it slowly over 30 to 50
minutes. Hot spring water
should be consumed on an
empty stomach, and not
before sleeping.
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| >> Go To [Ryokan & Onsen TOP] |
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The etiquette of 'onsen' shower room facilities!
'Onsen' bathing is a
part of Japanese culture, and much of its
customs. You don't need to be an expert to
enjoy the springs, but if you familiarize
yourself with the local way, you might
enjoy the springs even more.
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1.
 Public shower rooms
are gender separated.
Enter the changing
room through the
appropriate entrance
for Women or for Men. |
2.
Remove footwear at the 'genkan'(entrance). Put them into cubicles, if provided.
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3.
Remove your clothes and
put them in the basket or
locker provided. Do not
bring your large bath towel
into the bath, most baths
provide a small towel with which to wash and
to cover yourself. Take only the small wash
towel.
* Do NOT wear bathing suits, or
any article of clothing in the bath
(unless otherwise specified).
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Keeping your privates covered with the wash
towel, enter the bathing area, closing any door
behind you.
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5.
Rinse or wash your body
briefly using the showers /
faucets before entering for
the first time. There are
stools and basins available for use at the faucets.
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Soak in the tub, being
careful not to get too hot.
DO NOT soak wash
towel in the water so
that it remains clean for
those who follow.
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7.
Clean your body with soap in the washing area.
DO NOT use soap in the bath tub. Rince suds
completely before returning to the bath.
* Washing clothes / cloths are not
allowed in the bathroom.
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After your last dip in the 'onsen', DO NOT rinse again.
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9.
 Wring out the small
towel and use it to
dry yourself before
returning to the
changing area.
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| >> Go To [Ryokan & Onsen TOP] |
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Japanese style garden and other facilities
A 'ryokan' offers classic Japanese architecture,
traditional gardens and souvenirs all-in-one!
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The discerning guest will discover in a 'ryokan' the
Japanese love of nature expressed in unique
Japanese-style gardens. Featuring seasonal trees,
bushes and flowers, with natural stones and sand
carefully arranged to produce diverse landscapes
in miniature, the garden is an integral part of
Japanese architectural expression. Conveniently, a
souvenir shop is often available to purchase
mementos and local specialties.
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| >> Go To [Ryokan & Onsen TOP] |
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