はじめての旅館りょかん

Follow the staff’s guidance about where to remove your shoes. Step out of them before stepping onto the raised floor, and use the slippers provided where appropriate.

Give your name at reception and complete check-in. Confirm the meal times, bath hours and checkout time, and collect your room key.

Leave your slippers off the tatami. Settle into your room and enjoy the tea and small sweet, if provided. Keep bags and suitcase wheels from damaging the mats.

Put on the provided yukata with your left panel over your right panel, then tie the sash. Ask the staff for help if needed. Follow the ryokan’s guidance about where you can wear it.

Check the bath signs and opening hours. Wash and rinse before entering a shared bath, and keep your towel out of the water. Store your phone away in the changing area.

For the full bathing routine, see the illustrated onsen lesson. はじめての温泉おんせん

If dinner is included in your stay, be ready at the agreed time. Meals may be served in a dining room or in your guest room. Enjoy the dishes prepared for your evening meal.

In a traditional tatami room, futon bedding becomes your bed for the night. Staff may prepare it while you are at dinner; arrangements vary. Keep your voice low as other guests rest.

If breakfast is included, go at the arranged time before getting ready to leave. A Japanese breakfast may include rice, miso soup, grilled fish and pickles.

Check your room for belongings, return your room key and settle any remaining charges by checkout time. Thank the staff before leaving.