Topic · 3 tips
Japan Hotel, Ryokan & Onsen Tips
Hotel check-in, ryokan stays and onsen bathing. Each tip below comes with a short video starring Hako, the written version, a Japanese phrase to try, and links to the official sources we checked.
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Have your passport ready at check-in, because hotels record passport details for foreign guests. If you arrive early, many hotels will keep your bags if you ask, and you can send a suitcase ahead with takkyubin when you move on.
Covers: Have your passport ready · Arrived early? Ask · Send your suitcase ahead
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At a ryokan, wear the yukata with the left side over the right, since right over left is how the deceased are dressed. Dinner has a set time, so tell the ryokan if you'll be late, and mention any allergies before you arrive.
Covers: Left over right · Dinner has a set time · Tell them about allergies
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Before you get into an onsen bath, wash your whole body, because the water is shared. Keep your small towel out of the water and put it on your head, and leave your phone in the locker, since photos in the bath are not allowed.
Covers: Wash your whole body first · Towel out of the water · No photos in the bath
