Ê<H1>Lodging in Japanese Style</H1>

<H2>Ryokan</H2>

The traditional Japanese inn is a unique experience if you would like
to find out how traveling feudal lords were accommodated in older
times.  Each guest room is large, simple in design, and floored with
tatami straw mafting.  The doors are sliding fusuma screens and the
furniture is limited to one low table, unless there is a window alcove
or veranda that has a small table and a pair of chairs.  The walls are
modestly adorned with ink-brush scrolls. <p>
<DL>
<DD> <A HREF="/japan/TCJ/ACCOMMODATIONS/ryokan.gif">
<IMG SRC="/japan/TCJ/ACCOMMODATIONS/ryokan-m.gif">
<DD> <i> Ryokan </i>
</A>
</DL>

   Bedding is stored in a deep closet until the room maid lays it out
on the floor after dinner.  Bathing is sometimes communal, but with
separate baths for men and women. The baths in the inns at hot-spring
resorts are especially enjoyable.  A hearty dinner and light
breakfast, served by the maid in the room, are included in the room
rate. <p>
   Over 2,000 quality inns are members of the Japan Ryo- kan
Association.  Room rates per guest per night can range from 10,000yen
to 60,000yen, not including tax and service charge.  Whether modest or
deluxe, however, the Japanese inn is a great way to experience the
traditional customs, manners and lifestyles of the Japanese people.

<H2>Minshuku</H2>

<DL>
<DD> <A HREF="/japan/TCJ/ACCOMMODATIONS/minshuku.gif">
<IMG SRC="/japan/TCJ/ACCOMMODATIONS/minshuku-m.gif">
<DD> <i>Minshuku room</i>
</A>
</DL>
  An even more intimate experience of Japanese home life comes
with the very modest overnight charge at a small family inn
operated by one family in their own home. Rates
are moderate at about 5,000yen with two meals, served familystyle
style.  There is no maid service, however, and guests are expected to fold
up and stow away their bedding in the  morning.  JNTO recommends about
250 family inns for overseas visitors.


<H2>People's Lodges</H2>

These very reasonable (about 6,500 yen per night) lodgings are
found in popular resorts and national parks.  The rate
includes two meals.  Guest rooms, baths and toilets are
Japanese-style.  If you need to be budget-minded while
intent on outdoor recreation, these lodges will keep you
comfortable at Japan's grandest scenic aftractions.