Guests are obliged to remove their shoes at the entrance of any Japanese-style accommodation. Slippers are worn Inside, except on the tatami matting, so bring thick socks if the weather is cold.
Seating in the room is on cushions called zabuton arranged around the low table. In the winter season, there may be a blanket around the table. You slip your feet under the blanket for the warmth of a kotatsu electrical heating unit.
The futon bedding is laid out on the floor. It ordinarily consists of a maftress, sheets, thick coverlet, and extra blankets if needed.
A thin yukata robe is provided. In cold weather it is supplemented by a tanzen gown worn over it. The toilet is usually Japanese-style. You don't sit on it but squat over it, facing the hooded end. Special slippers are usually provided for use only in the toilet cubicle.
Before going into the communal bath, you disrobe in an anteroom, placing your robe and underclothing in a basket or shelf compartment. The inn gives you a handtowel to drape over your midriff while standing up in the bath room. This towel is also used for scrubbing and drying. To take a bath, first sit on a low stool in front of a pair of hot/ cold water faucets. Fill a bath pan with water, and pour it over your body to get soaking wet all over. If there are no faucets, use a bath pan to scoop water from the bath. If shower outlets are available, shower while seated on the stool, never standing up. Soap and rinse off thoroughly. Only then do you get into the bath for a good soak.