Kelly spent some decent nights in Japanese style hotel bedrooms during her Japan trip in Winter 2007:
During my Japan trip, I had a chance to visit 3 very authentic Japanese style hotel bedrooms. Usually, such hotels are accompanied by attractive hot springs (Onsen). It is especially cozy to have a dip during wintertime, of which I screamed my way towards the pool (for one is required to be nude within hot springs areas). But the freezing stopped when my whole body was submerged into the hot water. What came after that was a mixture of wintercold breeze and smoldering-like water—an easy recipe to make anyone fall asleep. Falling asleep in Onsen must be avoided of course, as prolonged stay can be hazardous for your bleed pressure. Japanese take the division of males and female Onsens very seriously and any intentions/attempts to burgle into Onsens for the opposite sex is severely dealt with. Even photo taking outside the Onsens will attract rude stares by passerby.
As seen from the picture, all Onsen hotels provide a few sets of light cotton robes called the “yutaka”. It is easy to put on and take out, making it very suitable for Onsen trips, especially for shy users like me, who just can’t walk around without any clothings. I was in Hotel Awara, Osaka.
A unique feature about traditional Japanese hotels is sleeping on the floor! (Tatami). The “bed” is essentially a large size of cotton mattress. While it seems very snuggle from the many Japanese serials I have viewed, sleeping on Tatami was bad for 3 nights. I have backaches every morning. While it’s an experience to try, sleeping on the floor at home should get a close feel about it.
This is how they kept the mattresses. It’s pretty spacious if all mattresses are taken out for the night. Now I believe how Doraemon actually survives in this type of wardrobe.
The oriental push-style slide door. Although it is indeed made from paper, its not to tear so easily. Was curious, so I did examine for a while!
Japanese style wooden slippers within the rooms, convenient to wear them for dinner!
Read all posts on Japan lifestyle, hotels, Tokyo Disneyland.
yay! a japanese style hotel? i’ve always wanted to go and explore japan! do you have a pic of how exactly does a japanese hotel look like (building)? also, if i may ask, do you travel alone? i’m looking forward to your next posts of japan and korea. i’ve always fancy travelling to both countries but am afraid of going through the visa process.
by the way i want to exchange links with you. i’ll put up a link of your sites in my blog roll.
Hi Jasper! No, I don’t travel alone. And yes, I will be posting more about Japan and Korea over the weekend! Stay tuned! 🙂
Oh..there are so much to learn from your post :). Never been there before but was able to know more from here :). Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love the information in your blog-it’s quite a value to those that travel. I’ve never traveled to Japan, but found this article quite informative. I never had any exposure to a Japanese room, the bedding reminds me of how my husband sleeps. With his back issues the hard floor and bedding would be right up his alley. I am with you though, I would have woken up with a backache myself!
Hi Jasper, unfortunately, I don’t have the photo of how the hotel looks like from the outside. 🙂
I love everything Japanese. There’s beauty in their simplicity. =)
How much is the hotel per night?
This hotel rate was included in the package tour in Japan.
Such a nice place to go..
Maybe some day I will come to Japan..
OK I LIKE JAPAN
WA KARIMASHITA