Japanese

"Ryokan"

In Japan, one finds a Japanese-style lodging called "Ryokan", which often features an accommodation in traditional Japanese-style room of tatami mat, sliding door named fusuma, a view of a beautiful garden, and a public bath, etc. The system such as reservation, check-in and check-out are the same as that of western hotels, however there are some manners one should be aware of when staying at Ryokan. Here are some guidelines for respected and un-welcomed manners during your stay at Ryokan.

[Tip]
Since the service charge is included in hotel expenses much like in western hotels, it's not necessary. Although the custom of tipping is unusual in Japan, we are used to tipping a person in charge of room called "Nakai-san" in appreciation for taking care during the stay. This tip, called "kokoro-zuke", or literally, "a heart's touch", is especially common when staying with large numbers including kids and elderly. In some classical Ryokans, it is said
that the quality of service may depend on the tip. When you hand a tip, you should put tip in a small envelope or wrap up in a white paper. The average rate of tip is 1,000-3,000 Japanese yen.

[Yukata]
Every Ryokan prepares a set of Yukata for the guests. Yukata is a simpler kind of kimono, and one wears it by overlapping the left side of yukata over right, before fastening the belt over yukata. Women fasten the belt on their waist and men fasten it around the hip.
At hotels, it is not approved to walk anywhere wearing Yukata and slippers outside of the room. However, in Ryokan, it is generally allowed to walk with Yukata and slippers beyond the room, including the baths and dinner halls.

[Meal]
You should confirm the time and style of meal in advance. There are two styles of meal, one is to have meal at the designated hall and the other is to have a meal set in each room. If you had a meal at your room, call Nakai-san after a meal to have her take away the dishes.

[Bath]
As one of the features of Ryokan, there is a public bath besides a room bath, which is called "Dai-yokujo". At the dressing room of public bath, locker or a basket is prepared to put clothes in. In case of a basket, one should use one, and not several baskets as a common
sense. It is important to pour water over your body using a ladle to rinse quickly before you have soak in the bathtub. After you leave the bath, you should wipe your body with a facecloth before entering the dressing room in order to avoid excess water dripping on floor.

Staying in a nice Ryokan is part of an enjoyable trip. Sharing good common sense and respecting minimum manners at Ryokan should make the stay even more delightful. (End)