Trifter

What makes tourists world -wide attracted to Japan, are not only the country’s modern cities, sky scrapers, luxury hotels, spas and grand shopping complexes but also the places that are meant for serving it’s visitors in very traditional way and to make them well acquainted with the rich culture and age long traditions of Japan. Ryokans are one of them. These traditional inns are known for their own way to serve it’s guests and are being much popular even in the age of western style five star luxury hotels. In their origin Ryokans are much like Indian Dhabas(road side small inns) and their history dates back to   Edo period (1603- 1868) when these traditional Japanese inns came in to existence along Japan’s highways with the purpose to serve the travelers in very traditional Japanese way. And since then, successfully preserving their age old customs and traditions, Ryokans have travelled a long way to the present time and are able to  attract those visitors who feel bore at western style modern hotels and prefer to lodge in the places that provide a natural environment.                                                                                                                                                                        

 What make some one feel different at  Ryokans-                                                                                           

With their uniqueness Ryokans differ from a typical hotel in many ways as they emphasize more on natural living. Cleanliness is the first priority, so once a guest checks in a Ryokans, he has to take off his shoes at the entrance and to put on traditional Japanese footwear such as Ge ta (made of wood or Zori (made of straw bamboo).                          

Food and fee system have also no parallel out side Japan. At a Ryokans one night stay is charged with two meals- evening meal on the day of arrival and for breakfast served the following morning. Heya- Suku which is a full course meal is served in the guest room or in a large dining hall which is a typical Japanese style to make you feel like dining with your own family members. Foods are prepared in a very hygienic way and with extra care to make it yummy-tasting.                                                                                                                   

Another unique feature of Ryokans is the bath system which is called Daiyokujo (large common bath). Perhaps Ryokans are the only hostelries on the earth to follow this age old custom. Daiyokujo is a typical Japanese custom that have been borrowed from Buddhist custom originated in temples. Although, those guests who feel hesitant to bath in presence of others, may conveniently choose a Rotenburo (open air- bath) which is generally attached with guest room).                                                                                                               

Bed rooms at Ryokans are also the place distinguishing it from a typical hotel. Here sleeping on Kake- Button (mattresses) is an unforgettable experience for the visitors. Bed room floor is generally covered by Tatami (made of rice stalks) mats and Futons (bed cloths) are placed over it. Blankets and pillows are placed on it according to a guest’s convenience. Surely, a Ryokans is the place where one can have the splendid opportunity to be familiar of long followed, much admired, the graceful Japanese custom and heart- touching hospitality. Wearing Kukata (Japanese robe) after taking an Onsen (hot-spring bath), walking in Ge ta or Zori (traditional Japanese footwear) and sleeping on Futon may really be a great unforgettable moment for the visitors.