Bedrooms
in a Ryokan are usually a large single room with traditional
rice-straw 'tatami' matting and ensuite toilet facilities.
Furniture
within the room does vary from establishment to establishment, however the rooms
furnishings are usually 'minimal' with often only a single low table in the room.
Doors
into your room are usually sliding 'Shoji' screens and guests sleep on Futon bedding
laid out in the evening by maids.
Your
room charge usually includes two meals per day, invariably
a simple breakfast and evening Japanese style feast with
many wonderful locally found ingredients. Meals are generally
served in your room by the maid. (Check itinerary for meal
arrangements).
There
are a few traditions and rules that must be followed when
staying in a Hotel or Ryokan with Onsen. These ancient Japanese
customs are part of the experience and charm of staying
in these traditional style Inns.
The
key rules are that guests remove their shoes at the threshold
of the inn and don slippers (provided) whilst in the hallways.
These slippers are then left outside your guest room and
only barefoot or stocking feet are allowed on the tatami
straw mats for obvious reasons.
Guest
also usually wear a traditional 'Yukata' cotton robe, which
is provided by the Inn during their stay.
Ryokans
can be both of traditional and modern style of buildings
externally. However internally they all provide a traditional
Japanese Inn experience, with high standards of service
and efficiency.
Bathing
- Rooms are usually provided without a bath in the room
(however some establishments do have baths en-suit and these
can be requested at time of booking).
Ryokans should not be confused with a Minshuku (Japanese
version of bed & breakfast accommodation), as the standard
of service, food and decor are not comparable.
Onsen
A
traditional style Ryokan or Hotel which offers Onsen (spa
bathing) facilities are generally built on the site of a
natural volcanic hot spring. Many different styles of Onsen
exist and some claim unique therapeutic qualities.
Onsens
specialise in providing a relaxing environment centred around
a indoor and sometimes outdoor hot spring. Onsens in Ryokans
usually are set around a beautiful garden for their residents
enjoyment and relaxation.
'When
in Rome do as the Romans do'
Our
selection of Onsens offer separate same sex communal bathing
for men and women. Bathing in an Onsen differs from western
style bathing, as you first must wash yourself with soap
and rinse thoroughly in the individual washing cubicles
prior to entering the bath water. Small towels are provide
for your modesty, as you will be nude in the hot steam baths
where you can relax, soak and chat to fellow bathers.
Please
note these pictures and accompanying explanation are typical
examples of conditions to be expected in a typical Ryokan
/Onsen and are for illustrative purposes only.