topic-accommodation

: Why Do Japanese Ryokan Ask You to Leave Your Key at the Front Desk?

2026/3/20 topic-accommodation

You're heading out for the day, and the ryokan staff gestures toward the front desk — they'd like you to leave your room key. In many Western hotels, this would feel unusual. In Japan, it's completely normal. This page explains why the practice exists, how locals think about it, and what to do if you'd prefer to keep the key with you. Why this practice exists At a ryokan, guest services are timed around your schedule — dinner is served at a set hour, futons are laid out while you're at the bath, and breakfast is prepared based on when ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Yukata Wrap: Left or Right Side on Top? How to Wear It Correctly at a Ryokan

2026/3/20 topic-accommodation

Your ryokan has provided a yukata — the lightweight cotton robe worn at Japanese inns. But which side goes on top? And does it actually matter? It does. This page explains the correct way to wrap a yukata, why it's easy to get confused, and a simple check you can do to confirm you've got it right. Why people get confused The most common source of confusion is the word "left." When someone says "left side on top," they mean your left — from your own perspective as you're wearing it. To a person facing you, your left side appears ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Ryokan Check-In Time in Japan: What to Expect and What to Do If You Arrive Early

2026/3/20 topic-accommodation

You've arrived at your ryokan earlier than expected — but the room isn't ready yet. This is a common situation, and there's a straightforward way to handle it. This page explains why ryokan check-in times are later than hotels, what locals do when they arrive early, and what to keep in mind about check-out as well. Why ryokan check-in is later than hotels After guests check out, ryokan staff do much more than clean the room. They prepare the futon bedding, set out the yukata, arrange dinner service, and ready the private or shared baths. All of this takes time. ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Where to Stay in Sapporo for the Snow Festival: Why Odori Area Works Best

2026/2/23 region-hokkaido, region-sapporo, season-winter, topic-accommodation

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the city’s most well-known winter events. Many people visit every year, but it’s not popular simply because it’s famous. What brings people all the way to Sapporo in winter is an experience that can’t be replaced by cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Walking through a snow-covered city at night is something unique to this place. After dark, the snow sculptures are lit up, and in some areas, projection mapping and music are added to the display. When snow, light, and music come together, the atmosphere changes completely, leaving a stronger impression than photos ...

Events & Seasons

: Is Asakusa a Good Place to Stay in Tokyo? Pros, Cons, and Who It’s Best For

2026/2/23 region-asakusa, region-tokyo, topic-accommodation

Asakusa is often very appealing to first-time visitors to Tokyo. With its temples and traditional downtown atmosphere, it’s widely known as a place where you can feel a strong sense of “old Tokyo.” At the same time, many travelers hesitate. They wonder whether staying in Asakusa is actually convenient, and whether it works well as a base for exploring Tokyo. Questions about airport access and overall transportation convenience are especially common. Famous sightseeing areas can sometimes feel different in practice than they do in images or guidebooks. The actual experience of staying there—and how easy it is to move around—doesn’t ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors (Pros and Cons)

2026/2/23 region-tokyo, topic-accommodation

When planning a place to stay in Tokyo, many people start by looking for a good hotel. For a first-time visit, however, choosing the right area often has a much bigger impact on how comfortable your trip feels. Tokyo is a very large city, and different areas can feel completely different. Even small differences in distance or the number of transfers can noticeably change how stressful daily travel becomes. This article does not recommend specific hotels. Instead, it focuses on how to think about choosing an area. Rather than deciding based only on what is popular or well-known, the goal ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Where to Stay in Sapporo: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Traveler

2026/2/23 region-hokkaido, region-sapporo, topic-accommodation

Choosing the right area to stay in Sapporo can completely change your travel experience. Each district has a very different atmosphere, level of convenience, and hotel quality. As a local from Hokkaido, here is my complete guide to the best areas to stay in Sapporo—based on travel style, convenience, and hotel value. Best Areas to Stay in Sapporo (Quick Summary) These four areas are the best choices for most travelers: Sapporo Station — Best for convenience Odori Park — Best for sightseeing Susukino — Best for food & nightlife Nakajima Park — Best for quiet, relaxed stays Choose based on ...

Local Life & Etiquette