Japan Travel Updates
Take your shoes off just as walk in the entrance (right before where the slippers are placed) and put on the slippers. The slippers are used for walking inside the RYOKAN on the corridor, lobby, dining hall and to the bath.
The shoes are handled by the RYOKAN and will be placed at the RYOKAN you can use the RYOKAN’s sandal or GETA(wooden clogs).
Inside the Room
When you open the door to your room take off your slippers before getting on to the TATAMI(straw mat floor). Do not walk on the TATAMI with your slippers. The TATAMI is always tread upon barefoot or with your socks on and you can squat down or just lie down on it.
This is a Japanese-style room. In the room there is a table, cushion, and dresser. On the wall side, there is a TOKONOMA (alcove) and at the window there is a SHOJI (paper sliding screen) . You should remember that the TOKONOMA (alcove) is for placing flower vases and hanging scrolls and is not to be used as storeroom. please inquire as to where to place your luggage. The SHOJI (paper sliding screen) as you can see is made of paper, therefore, on rainy days or at night be sure to close the outside glass window.
Also a YUKATA (robe) is provided for each person. Use this as a robe as well as a pajama and you can go out of your room in the YUKATA. During cold periods there is a TANZEN(outer robe) to wear over the YUKATA. Always wear the TANZEN over the YUKATA.
How to Use the Bath
Do not use soap in the bathtub. Please remember that the tub water is not for one person only but is to be used repeatedly, therefore, do not pull out the drain plug.
- Place all of your clothing in the basket or shelf in the changing room.
(Nothing is to be worn inside the bathroom except your small towel.) - Cleanse your body with soap outside the bath tub.
- After thoroughly washing off the soap, step into the bath tub.
- When you immerse yourself in a tub of water that is a little on the hot side, you will be able to relax your strained nerves and muscles. When the water is too hot you can adjust it by running cold water into the tub but be sure not to overdo it.
- Please do not unplug the drain in the tub when getting out.
* In regard to use of the bathroom (for taking baths), there will be those that will be used together with other guests in case of large bathrooms and there will be those in which certain times are set for use by different families and groups