There are two types of hotels in Japan, the western-style, similar to our own, and the ryokan, the traditional Japanese inn. All western-style hotels and many ryokans are prepared to receive foreign guests. In general, the traveler will find the western-style hotel better equipped to serve his needs. However, no one should leave Japan without spending at least a night or two at a ryokan where unfamiliar food and the language barrier are more than compensated for by the simple but elegant Japanese atmosphere and the superlative services. Tipping is not common in Japan.
Hotels usually add a ten percent service charge to the bill.
This will cover all the usual room and table services. The slippers are used for walking inside the ryokan in the corridor, lobby, dining hall and to the bath. The shoes are handled by the ryokan and will be placed at the entrance when you wish to go out. Service at a Japanese inn is special. Get out of your street clothes down to your underwear and put on the yukata as soon as you arrive.