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Ryokan

What happens in a Ryokan, a Japanese stype inn

Formerly, the term, Japanese Style Hotel, was used in reference to Ryokan, but in recent years the Japanese term has become well-known and is used in many pamphlets introducing Japan to tourists.

In other countries the name of a hotel is usually suffixed by the word hotel. In Japan many words are used. The kan part of Ryokan means mansion. Other places offering overnight accomodations have suffixes such as so, villa; kaku or ro, palace; en, garden; or ya, house. Some hotels use a name that refers to a natural phenomenon such as akemono meaning dawn. These names are easily understood by the Japanese, but very confusing to foreigners.

In recent years many Ryokans have added to the confusion by also adding the word hotel to their names. Some of these Ryokan do feature western style rooms and furnishings, but most give the impression of being cheap lodging houses.

What is True Ryokan Like?

Traditions are still observed here. At the entrance, a hostess or clerk will welcome you in the Japanese way by bowing and ushering you in. Slippers will be placed on the slightly raised floor, so you must remove your shoes and don them for walking in the hallways. Remember to take off the slippers when you come upon the reed tatami matting in your room. At a Ryokan everyone walks around in slippers. Also a Ryokan provides you with a Yukata, a kimono-like wrapper (and a warm over-jaket if it is winter), plus wooden geta for walking about outside the Ryokan. It will be very pleasurable to take a stroll wearing Yukata and Geta as the Japanese do. Staying at a Ryokan is an unforgettable experience. You can taste the true flavor of traditional Japanese life.

A guest room at a Ryokan is typical traditional Japanese architecture. Most rooms face the garden and have a Tokonoma, a decorative alcove along one wall. The room is partitioned by sliding paper doors called fusuma or shoji. Another feature is that the room is used for several purposes. In the daytime it is a living and dining room, while at night it is transformed into a bedroom where Japanese style beds are made up for each guest.

Usually there are two chairs and a table on garden side of the room in a small gallery, but within the room there is only a low table and zabuton cushions on the floor. Foreigners who have trouble sitting down Japanese style should ask the maid to bring extra zabuton to form a low chair. The maid attached to your room will take care of your clothes, bring you a yukata and serve tea. Maids at Ryokan are trained to make the guests comfortable. When she comes to make up your bed, she will lay out thick soft futon quilt mattresses on the tatami.

Bathing Room: In most Ryokan the bath is prepared before dinner. Bath taking in the Japanese way is somewhat different from the Western way. You soap up and rinse outside of the tub because the hot water for soaking will be used by other guests in the ofuro bathing room. The purpose of the neck deep hot water pool is to have a good soak and to keep warm. Of course, if you have a private bath attached to your room you can bathe any way you please.
Eating: Meals at a Ryokan are generally Japanese. If you prefer, you can order tempura, sukiyaki or beef steak, and you can ask for a knife and fork instead of hashi shopsticks. The maid will be in and out of your room serving your food. Whenever you want anything, push the bell or use the telephone to call for help. Also, a western breakfast can be served if the order is placed the night before. All kinds of drinks are available. Occasionally Ryokan serve thier meals in a general dining room.
Charges: Rates at Ryokan usually include two meals, breakfast and dinner. The charge will be greater if you ask for special dishes. If you do not take your meals there, the cost will be deducted from the basic rate. This should be mentioned when you check in, or preferably when you make reservations.; If the cost per person is less than 4,000 yen per night, no tax is levied on the bill. If it is more, then 10 per cent is added. Any food or drink not included in the basic charge is, of course, added to the bill, and taxed at 10 per cent. No tipping is necessary because a 10 to 20 per cent service charge is added to the bill at Ryokan. If you feel the service charge is to small, you may add your own tip. The maid receiving the tip will not pocket the whole amount but will distribute it evenly among the hotel help that served you.; Check-in time is generally after 3 or 4 PM, and check-out time is 1- or 11 AM. Some Ryokan are air conditioned, but most are heated by a gas or an electric heater. Some old inns still use an hibachi or kotatsu. If you feel coldin bed you can ask for an electric foot warmer.

Most of the people at Ryokan do not speak or understand English and this is a constant source of misunderstanding. Also, the servants smile frequently, but this must not be misinterpreted. They are trying desperately to please the guests, and they cover their failure to understand English with a smile.

Many Japanese stay at Ryokan in preference to western style hotels in order to enjoy the home-like atmosphere. It is for you, too, to see what it is like to live in the Japanese way. It is an experience you should not miss.