Hotele Ryokan – kwintesencja tradycyjnej Japonii

Abstract

Two types of hotel accommodation occur in Japan: standard Western style hotels and traditional Japanese style inns called ryokan. Ryokan stands for a traditional Japanese guest house known from the 8th century. Invented by the monk Gyoki (668–749), such guest houses were founded initially along routes travelled by monks, priests and pilgrims. Later on they appeared in towns and health resorts. The most spectacular proliferation of ryokans occured under the rules of the Tokugawa shoguns (the Edo period 1603–1867), particularly along the governmental road linking Kyoto and Tokyo – the capital of Edo. Today some 60,000 ryokans operate in Japan, including 1,415 top-class establishments associated in Japan Ryokan Association. Ryokans are usually small inns set within a small garden. Their standard varies widely and so do room rates. The most luxurious ones charge 12,000 to 20,000 JPY for one night’s stay with two meals (taxes and extras not included). For less affluent guests there are about 80 ryokans associated in the Japanese Inn Group, specialized in accommodating foreign guests. Representing the economic category these inns provide lodging for 5,000-plus JPY (meals and taxes not included). At a traditional Japanese inn guests are requested to change shoes into slippers, sleep on original Japanese bedding called futon. Guests enjoy traditionally prepared tea sitting on original square cushions (zabuton) placed on tatami mat made of rice straw. They wear cotton kimono called yukata. Rooms are separated by sliding doors and paper room dividers (shoji). The unique atmosphere of ryokan is completed by bamboo furniture, ikebanas made of dried plants, and paper lanterns (andon). Japanese ryokan can be considered as original models of Japanese life style, art and culture. Representing the essence of traditional Japan, they are like open doors inviting to explore this fascinating country.