RYOKAN Japanese Inns

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.