After Settled Down in Guestroom Japanese-style Hotel "Ryokan" What is a Ryokan?   How to choose a Ryokan Okami, the Landlady The Fee System & Prices   Photo Gallery     Origins and History of the Japanese Ryokan (PDF)     The wonders of Japanese Architecture & the Japanese Garden (PDF)     An Invitation to the Profound Taste of Japanese Cuisine (PDF)   Now You Stay in a Ryokan Receiving Guests   Prelude to Relaxation   To Your Guestroom   Guestrooms of the Ryokan   After Settled Down in Guestroom Japanese-style Garden   Onsen, Hot Springs   Open-air Hot Spring Bath   Private Open-air Hot Spring Bath   Yukata   Dinner   Massage & Esthetic Treatment   Comfortable Slumber   Breakfast   Checking-out     How to use Chopsticks (PDF)     The four Seasons and the Seasonal Calendar of the Japanese Ryokan (PDF)     Glossary of Terms Related to the Japanese Ryokan (PDF)   How to enjoy staying at a RYOKAN   Ryokan Experience by Expatriates     After Settled Down in Guestroom Nakai-san, a room maid Shortly after you have been shown into the guestroom and given time to settle down, the Nakai-san in charge will bring a serving of tea and sweets(Chaka or Wagashi). The practice of serving tea and sweets to guests as a gesture of hospitality is not something special to ryokans but is a daily custom which is deeply rooted in Japan. The custom of preparing tea when entertaining a guest has its origins in the art of sado (tea ceremony), and is an expression of welcome. Once the tea and sweets have been served, the Nakai-san will enter into conversation with you, confirming the time for serving meals and providing local information. This series of actions will be carried out by the Nakai-san in a half-sitting posture (chugoshi), but she will sit straight (seiza) when making her initial greetings and also when conversing or taking leave. Illustration : ENTERING THE ROOM(PDF: 0.9 MB) Tea and sweets served with utmost hospitality   Manju, a steamed bean-jam bun   Japanese green tea < Last | Next >