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Please also see the section on 'Japanese Customs' for information on 'washitsu' (Japanese style rooms) and Public Baths.

Hotel

The hotel systems in Japan are basically the same as in other countries. There are a great many business hotels and these are designed to provide only basic facilities and services. Hotels in tourist or spa ('onsen') areas often have Japanese style rooms and public baths.

Ryokan (Japanese style Hotels & Inns)

All 'Ryokan' rooms are in Japanese style. Although it depends on the hotel grade, these hotels entertain guests within 'tatami' (traditional floormat) rooms where there may also be a 'tokonoma' (alcove) with a hanging scroll and flower arrangement (Japanese style). The dinner course will be all Japanese cuisine and include such dishes of 'sashimi', 'tempura' and 'miso' soup. In some Ryokan, guests can also choose to dine within their own room. In most cases, guests bathe in a public bath area.

Minshuku (Guest houses)

In most 'Minshuku', the dinner menu is Japanese cuisine (as in a ryokan). The difference between a Minshuku and Ryokan is not always that clear but, as a basic rule, the facilities and services at Minshuku are usually simpler and smaller, and the prices comparatively lower. Many Minshuku are managed by farming families who assign part of their own home space for guestrooms. This style of accommodation allows the visitor to more closely experience the living style of ordinary Japanese people.

Youth Hostel

These have dormitory-style or shared Japanese-style sleeping rooms. Meals are self-service.