ALTHOUGH it is undoubtedly true that the charm of Japanese inns (ryokan) is quickly disappearing because of their rising prices and gradual Westernization, international visitors
still find them a refreshing change from Western style hotels.
One of the most unusual aspects of the ryokan experience for a tourist has to do with
bathing. First time visitors are surprised to find clean Japanese loungewear (yukata) folded
neatly in the closet. If one leaves the room between 5:00 and 6:00P.M., one should expect to
see Japanese guests wearing only slippers and yukata and carrying bath towels. This, of course,
is because Japanese like to relax before dinner, and the quickest way to do this is to soak in a
nice hot tub. Not knowing this, many tourists are slightly embarrassed when their maid encourages them to bathe. Many foreigners think of bathing as a necessity and not necessarily a pleasurable experience. Personal hygiene, to many, is a private matter
An aspect of ryokan life that is appealing to many is the peace and quiet that can be found. It is a luxury to be served in one's room, but it is an even greater luxury to be served by a highly professional and pleasant woman dressed in a beautiful kimono. The beauty of a traditional Japanese table setting is truly a feast for the eyes and often pleases tourists so much that they may even stop to take pictures of the dinner before beginning to eat. The relaxed pace
of service is also bound to be appreciated by
everyone except the most time-conscious or
sleepy foreign guests.
The dining area and sleeping area in a ryokan room are the same. After dinner the
table is simply cleared and moved aside, and the bedding is laid out on the floor. Some foreigners find it difficult to adjust to eating meals and sleeping in the same part of the room. Of course in Western hotels guests may have their dinner in their room, but usually the table is
some distance from the bed. And although many people would not hesitate to have breakfast
in bed, few would have dinner that way.
For those who enjoy the relaxing, romantic appeal of dining in their rooms, Japanese inns are ideal. Since both breakfast and dinner are included in the room charge, ryokan are very
convenient as well. For people who like to eat at different times and in different kinds of restaurants, however, ryokan can be expensive. For meals that are not eaten, the ryokan usually allows only a small discount.
Americans in particular are often unpleasantly surprised at checkout time when they are
asked to pay their bill. Usually they have asked about room rates before checking in. The price
they were quoted, however, probably did not include the standard 10- or 15-percent service
charge. Giving tips to hotel staff members is a habit for an American, but when tipping at
home the customer always has the option of deciding how much to give. The amount given
is based upon a subjective opinion of the quality of service one has received. With a fixed
service charge, however, this decision-making privilege is taken away.
For every visitor who complains about service charges, however, there are many more
who prefer the Japanese system . These people are happy that they do not have to think about
money every time a hotel employee enters the room or performs some special service. These
kinds of travelers go back home thinking that tipping should be abolished in their native
countries.
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