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Japan is a country unlike any other, yet its hotels are fairly similar to those you might find in Europe, America or any other country visited by foreign
tourists. The Japanese do however have a style of hotel that is both unique and characteristic, called a Ryokan (pronounced Jiokan). The typically Japanese style and customs predominant in these
hotels or inns make them quite unlike any Western establishment. The most blasé of visitors could not help but appreciate the atmosphere and attentive service available in these inns. Doors made
of sliding paper screens and decorated with little else that one or two ink drawings lead into the typical Ryokan rooms. Usually large open spaces carpeted with traditional tatami carpets made of woven
rice stalks, these rooms are furnished with only a coffee table and chairs. Travelers sleep on a futon (a thick and comfortable mattress) unrolled onto the floor in the evening by the innkeepers.
Upon entering a Ryokan, you'll find a "Yukata" (a light, blue and white cotton kimono) spread out and ready to wear. Worn so that you'll be more relaxed while staying in the room, the Yukata is
also used in the bathroom or as pajamas. In the winter you'll get a "Tanzen" (a type of robe) that is worn over the Yukata. You can wear both the Yukata and Tanzen if you want to
take a few steps outside the inn, but in this case you should also put on your "Getas" (Japanese wooden sandals) which will look a bit more acceptable than your Western footwear.
Some Ryokans have private bathrooms, but these are generally rare. Rather, most have one or more roomy bathrooms that are shared with other
guests.
Using the Ryokans: being representative of the charm, elegance and delicacy present in Japanese lifestyles, there are certain rules that differ
from those of Western hotels.
Upon entering a Ryokan, guests remove their shoes, place them in a special wall unit and while in the inn, wear slippers placed there for their use. When
going back out or walking around the neighborhood, they wear shoes or Geta. When entering the room, these slippers are removed and guests circulate in Tatami or go barefoot, or wear just socks.
The Japanese bath is different from that found elsewhere, and they also require special rules. A Japanese bathtub is deeper than a Western bathtub
and is filled to the top with very hot water. You take a hot bath not to wash yourself but relax. You do not soap yourself in the bath, but rather outside in the shower, since the hot water
in the tub is used by several people. Also, you do not empty the bathtub after your bath.
Meals are generally Japanese in style and are served in the room. It may happen that breakfast is sometimes served in the dining room.
Typically, Ryokans are small buildings with a little garden in front, rarely having more than 12 rooms. Ryokans may be built on "Onsen," or
sites with hot springs or hot mud. There are nearly 80,000 Ryokans in Japan and they may be found in all regions at a variety of price ranges. There are 2,225 quality establishments that belong to
Japan's Association of Ryokans.
In general, an evening meal and breakfast are included with the price of a Ryokan room. Lunch may be requested at an additional cost, just as for
dishes and drinks that are not on the menu. Rates may vary from 12,000 Yen per person (without bath) to 20,000 Yen per person (with bath). Obviously there are some Ryokans that charge higher
rates, depending on their degree of comfort, luxury or service quality, and on the meals provided.. |
Another interesting form of housing is the Kibbutz in Israel. The word " kibbutz" means "Hebrew community," but its meaning has
been expanded to include a farm (or company) that operates like a co-operative or a collective farm. "Kibbutzim" are members of the cooperatives and take part in production according to their
qualifications. Also, those doing the cooking or cleaning receive the same pay as those working cultivating the ground. Profits, if any, are distributed among all members. A kibbutz can be
involved in either agricultural or industrial production.
The most important room in a kibbutz is the dining room, and not only is it used by the community for meals but also for meetings and entertainment
activities. Their Assembly meets there to make important decisions, whether they concern investments, new directions or the acceptance of new members. All members may take part in these
discussions.
Have kibbutzim been able to function as a participatory democracy? They do in fact try to pursue socialistic objectives, where all members produce
according to their own means and also receive according to their needs. Living on a kibbutz for a while allows you to take part in a variety of activities. You can have an enthralling
discussion with a professor of archaeology, who works outside yet gives his wages to the kibbutz. You can meet people who have survived some really difficult situations. You can be a part of
an educational system that is completely different, where the young and enthusiastic can very quickly become autonomous. You can attend a concert while sitting on a hill, overlooking the banks of
the Jordan. You will be initiated into a simple way of life where moral values and culture, a sense of responsibility and nature conservation are all very present.
Certain Kibbutzim accept paying tourists, such as those wanting to stay there at some point during their trip to Israel. Others accept trainees or
volunteers, who work part of the day and take part in some of the activities, with the cost of their stay being mostly covered (or sometimes completely) by their work.. |
