Prelude to Relaxation 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     Prelude to Relaxation An open-air 'lobby' The short rest in the lobby will fill you with anticipation for the hospitality of the ryokan that is about to commence. All members of the ryokan staff will, without fail, extend words of greeting or make a bow upon encountering guests. A bow (the Japanese word being eshaku) is made by slightly lowering one's head with a smile, but the original meaning of eshaku is to show consideration for the other person and to respond with courtesy.The ryokan staff are always concerned about the needs of their guests and try to meet their needs. It is this spirit that is the essence of hospitality at ryokans. Seated in the peaceful lobby, you can hear sounds from ingenious contrivances featuring water, or background music such as koto melodies, which create a soothing atmosphere. Seated in the peaceful lobby   In the lobby, Japanese tea is served with sweets   From outside the lobby < Last | Next >