Our Destinations
Japan
Japanese Hospitality
Japanese gifts are wrapped carefully in several pieces of beautiful paper to convey the spirit of hospitality. In Japan, you will find expressions of hospitality like this wherever you go.
Hospitality
At Japanese-style inns (ryokan), hospitality has been cultivated as a part of Japanese tradition and permeated the entire atmosphere. Kimono-clad staff have an ever-present smile and bow politely as they greet arriving guests.
All rooms in a ryokan are quiet and designed so guests can relax while enjoying the view of a Japanese garden or local landscape. It’s common to rest with a cup of green tea in your room and take a bath before a dinner. Having soaked in the refreshing hot spring water and changed into a fresh yukata, or cotton kimono, a colorful dinner is carried to your room. The seasonal delicacies are sure to be the topic of conversation as you enjoy the meal with your family or friends.
Time seems to flow differently at inns. You find your mind at peace in a space filled with serenity - that is the essence of Japanese hospitality.
Politeness
Japanese are famous for being ‘shy’, but a more apt description would be that they are ‘polite’. Acting quietly and casually are important virtues in Japan.
After visiting Japan, many tourists comment that, “ Japanese are friendly”. Wherever you go, the staff of hotels, restaurants, train stations, and information offices treat visitors kindly. There is a saying in Japan, “The hand reaches the itchy spot” which means, “ Being very attentive”. This is an ironbound rule of service in Japan.
Staff members will strive to carry out your every request such as keeping an eye on your luggage or getting you a taxi. Since this service is done with the greatest sincerity, many visitors say Japanese people are very trustworthy. Whatever the situation, you’re sure to feel comfortable during your stay in Japan.
The Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony has a history of over 1,000 years. A host invites guests to a small tea hut and prepares a cup of whipped powdered green tea (maccha) for each of them. It sounds simple, but hospitality is expressed throughout the encounter.
The tea hut is often located in a Japanese-style garden that harmonizes the surrounding. The utensils used to make the tea are simple and refined. Japanese paintings and calligraphy that hint at the season or theme or the ceremony adorn the wall. The host is in charge of choosing each of these elements. Guests enter through a small door and enjoy the cup of tea with humility.
After the tea, guests discuss the teacups and artwork. The owner puts a lot of thought selecting them taking into account the season and guests, and they are sure to provide interesting topics for your conversation.
