In a Ryokan you will experience a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality. You take your shoes off as the floors are completely covered in tatami mats (rush) and walk around in your socks. The rooms are traditional with an entrance area, through which you proceed to the main room. Here there is a simple shrine, usually a slightly raised platform off the floor with a display of flowers or tree branches and some calligraphy. There is also a small table about a foot off the ground at which you can sit, on the floor of course or on a small seat. In the winter the table is covered by a heated blanket under which you can keep your legs warm. Finally, another small area has another taller table with two proper size chairs. Each area is divided by rice paper screens that can be drawn across.

In every hotel or Japanese inn you are provided with a yukata (Japanese pyjamas) and or kimono. It is usual to change into these and quite normal to walk around the hotel in them, go to the restaurant in them and to the onsen (heated public baths).

The public baths are great. Most are fed from natural hot springs. One sits on a small stool and washes with soap and shampoo before rinsing off and soaking in the warm water, a great way to relieve the tensions of the day. Some ryokans have there own private hot springs attached to the room making for a most relaxing time.