Ryokan Manual
Understanding Ryokan Culture
Experience authentic traditional Japanese culture and customs, and savor the traditional, time-honored Japanese hospitality and service. By understanding the customs and traditions of ryokans, you can have memorable experiences and make the most of your stay.
What Is a Ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that has been at the heart of Japanese culture for centuries. Here, you can experience traditional Japanese home life.
Check-In and Check-Out
Check-in begins at 14:30. To ensure dinner availability, please aim to arrive by 17:30 as dinner service may not be available after 19:00. Check-out is at 11:00.
For guests with reservations for the custom kaiseki plan - please note that the deadline for placing orders is 17:00. We recommend checking in around 16:00 for optimal arrangements.
Guest Rooms
Typical ryokan rooms mimic traditional Japanese houses, featuring sliding doors (shoji) that separate the living area from the tatami mat flooring.
- Tatami mat flooring
- Low wooden tables
- Zabuton cushions
- Futon bedding
- Tokonoma alcove
- Closet
- Glass-walled living area separated from the room by sliding doors
Checking into Your Room
The room attendants will assist you in making your stay comfortable. Please communicate any questions or requests related to the ryokan directly to the room attendants.
In-Room Etiquette
- Please remove your slippers before entering the tatami room.
- Yukata robes or Samue are provided for your use and can be worn in your room, around the ryokan, or for a brief stroll in the ryokan or hot spring town. If it's cold, a cotton kimono (jacket) is available.
- Usually, there is a raised floor area in the room, higher than the tatami, often used for displaying scrolls, vases, or ikebana arrangements. Placing your belongings or handbags there is considered taboo.
- In case of rain, be sure to close the outer glass windows.
Bedtime
The attendants will prepare futon bedding every evening and tidy up in the morning.
Inn the Central Building, two mattresses are laid out, and in Bessho Yura, we use the high-quality AirSX mattresses favored by famous athletes to provide you with a comfortable sleep.
Dining
Dinner is served from 17:30 to 19:30 (last seating), in-room breakfast is available from 8:00 to 9:30 (last seating), and the breakfast buffet is open from 6:50 to 9:30 (last admission) and closes at 10:00.
Bathing
Japanese people consider a long soak in the bath to wash away the fatigue of the day to be one of the great attractions of a ryokan, and it is worth finding the time to enjoy it. Private bathrooms are provided in the guest rooms, but you can also use the communal baths. Separate baths are available for men and women.
- Remove your clothes and put them in a locker, then cleanse yourself.
- Step into the tub. Do not use soap inside the tub as the bathwater is for everyone. The water temperature should be between 38℃ to 42℃, with the water level around chest height for adults. Do not put towels in the tub, and do not swim or wash inside the tub.
- Once you exit the tub, take a seat on the low stool within the shower area to thoroughly cleanse your entire body, including your hair.
- Use the shower or a bucket to rinse off any soap or shampoo left on the floor.
- Enjoy the bath while observing proper etiquette.
the shower area
