Traditional Style of Accommodations in Japan
Ryokan - A style of Japanese Inn or Resort | Part 1
Ryokan is not only a form of unique travel accommodation, but also a chance to experience the sensory richness of relaxation in traditional Japanese culture.
The Ryokan experience
Expereincing Ryokan is considered the optimal in relaxation, so it is worth trying to stay at Ryokan at least once in your travels to Japan.
Japanese people make a point of staying at Ryokan if they travel around Japan and we believe staying at a Ryokan should be the focal point of your travel to Japan experience.
Since Ryokan is a very traditional Japanese accommodation, with no comparable experience in western accommodations, Ryokan follow very formal and traditional rules of conduct. To truly experience Ryokan, it is best to have a basic knowledge and awareness of Ryokan before you arrive.
Entering a Ryokan
When you arrive at Ryokan, Ryokan staff call out 'Nakai-san' welcoming you. As nobody is supposed to walk inside of Ryokan building with shoes, please remove your shoes off at the entrance. You will be supplied with slippers. After you check in, a Ryokan staff takes you to a guest room.
A guest room interiors is always in the traditional Japanese style, with a Tatami mat floor. A tatami mat is type of a modular flooring having the dimensions 3' x 6' which also determine the dimensions of rooms. Please don't step on the tatami floor with your slippers, please remove your slippers and it is also recommended not to walk in your room on the tatami floor in the slippers from the washroom( toilet) room either. Considered bad taste.
When Ryokan staffs show you your room, you will be informed of a few rules and the time of dinner and the available hours for bathing.
Inside the guest room, Yukata (Kimono-like robe) is provided. You can wear Yukata for pajamas or as a robe around the Ryokan. You can go out of your room wearing Yukata and even out side of Ryokan. You can change your clothes into Yukata right after you come to your room to relax. Also in the guest room, there is a dish with little sweets (candies) provided for free.
Go to Details of Ryokan Accommodations
