Page 303 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

WHERE T O ST A Y  301

the water either with an
unwashed body or soap
and shampoo.

Eating Arrangements
Meals are sometimes served
in a dining room, but more
often in the room by a maid
or the okamisan. The more
exclusive the establishment,
the more likely meals will be
served in private.
Meal times are usually set
quite early in the evening.
Depending on the situation,
Small communal bath and separate low shower for cleansing the okamisan may stay for a
while, explaining the dishes,
Handle everything in the room (konyoku) used to be the norm demonstrating how they should
with care, and walk only in bare but is very rare these days. be eaten, and to chat. Or she
feet or socks on the tatami. The size of the bath and may leave discreetly, returning
bathroom naturally dictate only to clear the table.
how many people can bathe
Wearing Yukata
at any one time. Check with
Somewhere in the room will be the okamisan if you are Staying in a Minshuku
traditional robes for you to unsure about the house These family-run enterprises
wear, called yukata. Most rules, which vary between open the family home to
people change into yukata for establishments. travelers as and when demand
the duration of their stay, since In the bath room, there will requires. With rates from
the loose cotton kimonos be an area for undressing; ¥4,000–¥10,000, this is an
symbolize relaxation and a low shower or tap area; economical option as well as
leisure time. In resort towns and the large bath itself. a good opportunity to see
and hot springs, they are even The golden rule to observe how regular working people
worn outside on the streets, is that you must wash with live. The atmosphere is more
together with the high wooden the shower first and not enter homey than professional;
sandals called geta. A loose the hot bath until you are guests are treated as part of
jacket may also be provided. It clean and fully rinsed. The the family at mealtimes and
is best to follow the example of bath itself is intended only bathtime, and should fold
others as to exactly where and for therapeutic relaxation. up and stow away their
when to wear the robes. The same bathwater is used own bedding.
Fold yukata left-side over by other guests; thus it is
right. Right-side over left considered extremely bad Staying in Lodgings
symbolizes death in Buddhism manners to contaminate
and, although most people People’s lodges, or
either will not notice nor care, Kokumin-Shukusha, are
it could cause upset. Use the moderate-rated accom mo da-
obi sash provided to secure tions within the national parks.
the gown. Rooms, baths, and toilets are
Japanese style. Meals are often
very good. Mountain lodges,
Bathing Arrangements Yamagoya, are aimed at hikers
Within the ryokan will be at and range from the relatively
least one communal bath comfortable to spartan.
and a toilet block with either
Western-style cubicles or DIRECTORY
Japanese squat toilets or a Japan Ryokan &
choice of the two styles.
In smaller ryokan with only Hotel Association
one bath, bathing times may Tel (03) 5298-2270
differ for men and women. In ∑ ryokan.or.jp/english
larger establishments bathing Japanese Guest Houses
is segregated, with one Tel (072) 756-6242.
entrance for men, another for People wearing yukata, the design of which ∑ japaneseguesthouses.com
women. Mixed-sex bathing is often specific to each ryokan

300-301_EW_Japan.indd 301 08/08/16 3:09 pm