What are the etiquette which are required in a Ryokan in comparison to a Capsule Hotel? Are there any things which I must take care of in a Ryokan and not in a Capsule Hotel or vice versa.
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Capsules and ryokan are very different experiences, but Japanese etiquette always applies. There are really only two main points to be aware of:
- Take your shoes off and wear indoor slippers. This is pretty obvious, as there will be a place next to the entrance with a shoe rack and slippers precisely for this. (In a ryokan, a staff member will rush to greet you and bring slippers; in a capsule hotel, it's self-service.)
- Shower before you get in the bath. Soap up, shampoo hair, wash your body, rinse off, only then get in -- this way the shared water stays clean.
Ryokan specifically:
No slippers allowed here. (Photo by me.)
- Do not wear slippers on tatami. Socks or bare feet are OK.
- Meal times are fixed, so show up on time.
Capsule hotels:
Pods to the left, lockers to the right. (Photo by me.)
- Lockers, lockers, lockers! The exact sequence varies a bit, but there will usually be one for your shoes at the entrance, another for your "main" stuff (backpack etc) near your capsule, and a third for your clothes if you go for a shower or bath. The "9 hours" chain has a nice graphical summary of their expected flow.
And my personal hot tip:
- If you change into a yukata robe for bath, dinner or breakfast, leave underwear on. This prevents accidental embarrassment at the dinner table ;)
lambshaanxy
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