For your information Ryokan What happens in a Ryokan, a Japanese stype inn Formerly, the term, Japanese Style Hotel, was used in reference to Ryokan , but in recent years the Japanese term has become well-known and is used in many pamphlets introducing Japan to tourists. In other countries the name of a hotel is usually suffixed by the word hotel. In Japan many words are used. The kan part of Ryokan means mansion.
Some hotels use a name that refers to a natural phenomenon such as akemono meaning dawn.
These names are easily understood by the Japanese, but very confusing to foreigners. In recent years many Ryokans have added to the confusion by also adding the word hotel to their names. Some of these Ryokan do feature western style rooms and furnishings, but most give the impression of being cheap lodging houses. Traditions are still observed here. At the entrance, a hostess or clerk will welcome you in the Japanese way by bowing and ushering you in.