Yoto

**Yoto** [肩戸; よと, literally 'rest-house'] are traditional Kantonese inns that typically feature communal bathhouses (*reishinda*) and a restaurant-esque eating area. Yoto have existed since at least the tenth century, and recently many old establishments have been refurbished as a way of honouring their cultural value. Traditionally, yoto have served wayfarers and travellers who are undertaking long, cross-country journeys. They are often found on national highways.

Yoto are difficult to find in large cities because they are usually more expensive compared to modern hotels and hostels. Like most other countries, Western hotels have become a standard in Kantonese urban areas. Despite this, some cities do offer yoto with competitive rates. Traditional yoto are more commonly found in scenic rural areas, and especially near natural hot-springs.

## Features

A typical yoto has a relatively small entrance hallway, usually leading into a communal sitting room where guests can talk, rest and entertain themselves. Modernised yoto will have a television; traditional ones usually retain their old-fashioned furnishings with books and paintings. Yoto guest quarters are constructed using traditional methods; rooms are small, but well-organised and practical. Sliding doors were commonplace a few years ago, but due to security risks, most yoto have replaced them with the hinged variety.

Almost all yoto feature communal bathing areas, known as *reishinda*, which are segregated by gender and utilising the heated water from nearby hot-springs. More high-end yoto may provide private baths as well, for an additional fee. Typically, yoto also feature a very small in-house restaurant in which guests can eat and drink free of charge (the cost is included in their final payment).

Beds come in the form of traditional fushi, a cloth mat similar to a futon. In summer, there will be no blankets available; in winter, two or three may be included. Typical yoto bedrooms have three main features: bedding, a large window, and a small wooden stand on which guests can place their valuables or anything they may be carrying. Large bags and suitcases are stored on an overhead shelf above the door.

## Meals

Most yoto offer breakfast and dinner, which are included in the final cost of one's stay. It is very common for visitors to eat at the yoto as the quality of food is often a top selling point. Additionally, the rural location of most yoto makes it difficult for guests to find any comparable restaurants within reasonable distance.

Typically, yoto will offer foods that are local specialities, such as seafood or barbequed meats. It is customary for guests to have no more than one dish at each meal. Food is served in a timely manner, and owners encourage their visitors to be punctual so as not to miss mealtimes. In some establishments, an ordering sheet is given out so that guests can buy their meals ahead of time. Typical yoto do not sell alcohol; establishments which do are known as *zannoto*.

## Staff

Traditionally, yoto are staffed by women only; in recent years this has become less common due to lack of workers and criticism of the practice. Staff are known as *meija* and are responsible for the upkeep of the yoto. Well-established yoto may employ professional cleaners along with meija in order to keep the place as clean and tidy as possible, and take some strain from their workers.

In by-gone times meija would live within the yoto; nowadays this is extremely uncommon unless the establishment is family-run.

## *Hanyoto*

A *hanyoto* is a low-budget version of a yoto, named for the fact that the price of staying at one is usually half that of staying at a yoto. The facilities are similar to a hostel or may simply consist of spare rooms in a family home. Hanyoto often serve as the only form of accommodation in towns or villages too small to warrant a dedicated hotel or yoto. The overall experience is much the same, but the food is usually poorer, there is no restaurant, bathhouse or even garden, and only one or two members of staff. An even cheaper version, now almost extinct in the modern day, is *ikuyori*.