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Now You Stay in a Ryokan
Prelude to Relaxation
Japanese-style Hotel "Ryokan"
What is a Ryokan?  
How to choose a Ryokan
Okami, the Landlady
The Fee System & Prices  
Photo Gallery  
  Origins and History of the Japanese Ryokan (PDF)  
  The wonders of Japanese Architecture & the Japanese Garden (PDF)  
  An Invitation to the Profound Taste of Japanese Cuisine (PDF)  

Now You Stay in a Ryokan
Receiving Guests  
Prelude to Relaxation
To Your Guestroom  
Guestrooms of the Ryokan  
After Settled Down in Guestroom  
Japanese-style Garden  
Onsen, Hot Springs  
Open-air Hot Spring Bath  
Private Open-air Hot Spring Bath  
Yukata  
Dinner  
Massage & Esthetic Treatment  
Comfortable Slumber  
Breakfast  
Checking-out  
  How to use Chopsticks (PDF)  
  The four Seasons and the Seasonal Calendar of the Japanese Ryokan (PDF)  
  Glossary of Terms Related to the Japanese Ryokan (PDF)  
How to enjoy staying at a RYOKAN  
Ryokan Experience by Expatriates  

  Prelude to Relaxation
Seated in the Peaceful Lobby

An open-air 'lobby'

The short rest in the lobby will fill you with anticipation for the hospitality of the ryokan that is about to commence. All members of the ryokan staff will, without fail, extend words of greeting or make a bow upon encountering guests. A bow (the Japanese word being eshaku) is made by slightly lowering one's head with a smile, but the original meaning of eshaku is to show consideration for the other person and to respond with courtesy.The ryokan staff are always concerned about the needs of their guests and try to meet their needs. It is this spirit that is the essence of hospitality at ryokans.

Seated in the peaceful lobby, you can hear sounds from ingenious contrivances featuring water, or background music such as koto melodies, which create a soothing atmosphere.

Seated in the peaceful lobby   In the lobby, Japanese tea is served with sweets   From outside the lobby

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