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Shoes should be removed at the entry to the inn. Oftentimes,
there is a stone or concrete block in front of the landing,
where guests can step onto the stone, take off their
shoes and then slip into guest slippers, which are provided
for walking around the inn's indoor public areas. Street
shoes are stored until guests depart or decide to venture
out.
Wooden geta are provided for walking in the garden
or walkways outside the inn.
The owner or the maid, as the case may be, escorts guests
to their room, carrying their bags if he/she insists.
Slippers are removed at the entrance to the guest suite
as only bare or stockinged feet are allowed on the cushioned
tatami floor mats. In many cases, there are special
slippers for use in the toilet area only.
The owner/maid welcomes guests with a cup of green tea,
arrange for time of dinner and breakfast service and
answer questions guests may have.
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| Once settled in, guests change
into the yukata (cotton robe) that is normally
stored in a basket or in one of the cupboards. The proper
way to wear it is to overlap the left side OVER the right
side, tie with the obi (sash) into a knot or bow and shift
to the back. Yukata can be worn throughout the
inn's public areas. If the weather is cold, a woolen robe
or vest is also provided. If the woolen robe is full-length,
tie the sash over the outer robe, binding both layers
at once. |
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| Hot Baths |
Said to have originated
with Buddhism, bathing in Japan is a means of purification
and a way to cleanse and rejuvenate the spirit. Unlike
western-style spas with bubble jets, Japanese baths feature
still hot water that allow guests to quietly meditate,
enjoy the beautiful scenery and simply relax.
Bath taking in the Japanese style is very different from
the Western way. Because the communal bath is used by
other guests, it is important to keep the bath hot water
absolutely clean. Therefore, bathers soap up and thoroughly
rinse in the bathing room before entering the tub or ofuro.
Procedure
In the changing room, clothes are removed and placed in
a basket. A small, rectangular towel (oshibori)
is provided for use as a drape in front of the body.
In the bathing room, guests take a stool and a wooden
bucket for ladling water. They sit on the stool and soap
themselves using the hand-held shower to thoroughly rinse
off. If there are no hand-held showers, water can be ladled
from the bucket.
Before getting into the communal bath, it is important
that all soap suds be washed off. Bringing soap suds into
a communal bath is a no-no. That also means not taking
the hand towel (oshibori) into the bath, either.
Some people wrap the towel around their heads while others
leave them off to the side.
After soaking and enjoying the warmth, bathers usually
get out of the tub and wash again before re-entering the
bath.
Temperatures in hot springs baths can run from 102 to
120 degrees Fahrenheit (note: most western-style hot tubs
average 104 degrees). For overseas visitors, the temperatures
can be unusually hot. It's best to remain still in a very
hot tub as moving around makes the water appear even hotter.
After taking hot baths for several days, visitors will
get accustomed to the high temperatures and figure out
that the hotter the water is, the more relaxed one feels
afterwards. |
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| Dining |
Breakfast and dinner are normally included
and served in the rooms, however some ryokan also
offer meal service in a general dining room. Guests can
notify the inn in advance regarding any food restrictions.
The higher class ryokans such as members of Small
Luxury Inns of Japan, offer a western-style breakfast,
which needs to be ordered in advance.
For multi-course kaiseki dinner service, courses
are eaten slowly as presented. Rice, soup, and pickles
are served last.
If desired, the ryokan can make special arrangements
for lunch to be served. |
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| Bedtime |
| After dinner, a staff member
prepares the main room for bedtime by taking out the futon
for sleep. Guests can opt to stay in the room, go and
have another bath, check out the bars/reading rooms in
the inn or go for a walk in town. Walking in the streets
in yukata and the wooden clogs (geta) is
acceptable in hot spring towns. |
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| Morning/Departure |
In the morning, guests are
awakened by the maid, who will knock at the door with
a wake-up call and bring hot tea.
Breakfast service will follow at the pre-selected time.
Guests can dine in their yukata or street clothes.
Upon checkout, guests may ask about purchasing a souvenir
from the inn such as a yukata and obi as a special
memento.
A service charge is normally included in the bill but
if guests wish, an additional gratuity of about 2,000
yen can be presented to the maid in an envelope or wrapped
in paper. Tips should never be given to the okami
(madam of the inn), only to maids |
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