Nishimuraya Honkan

Most historic properties in Japan are owned by prominent families and are passed from generation to generation. One of the oldest guest establishments in Japan, Nishimuraya Honkan was established by the first generation of the Nishimuraya family. It dates back to the late 19th century, to the Edo period's Ansei era. Over the years, the ryokan has been a popular hideout among literary figures, such as Shiga Naoya and Yosano Akiko. It's no wonder that writers love to spend time at the serene property, surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors have also appreciated the ryokan for its onsen facilities, derived from the historic Kinosaki Onsen, which was highly praised by Dr. Shutoku Kagawa for its health benefits.

An annex building called Hiratakan was constructed in 1960 to expand the property. Although built almost 100 years after the main building's construction, the annex building features gorgeous traditional architecture. Today, the ryokan has been welcoming guests for around 165 years, with the 6th generation of the family managing it. It even won the Heritage 2021 trophy presented by Relais & Châteaux and Blancpain.

Bowing (ojigi): It's advisable to bow to show respect when greeting someone. It can also be done to show gratitude or convey an apology.
Shoe etiquette: You must remove your outside footwear before stepping on the elevated area of the genkan (entrance) and entering a house. You should also ensure not to step on the lower area of the genkan without your shoes on. Shoes must be kept facing the entrance. If you wear socks, they should be clean and without any holes.
Slipper etiquette: It's usually better to wear fresh socks or slippers inside the house, especially for formal situations. Make sure to remove your slippers before stepping into a room with tatami mats on the floor. There should also be a separate set of slippers for the washroom.
Dining etiquette: How you hold and place your chopsticks while dining is crucial. For example, they shouldn't be held upright when eating rice. You must also place them on a holder when you're not using them. It's good to say "Itadakimasu" before starting a meal and "Gochisousama deshita" after completing it.
Tipping etiquette: Tipping isn't a common practice in Japan and may be considered rude.
Luggage etiquette: Luggage, especially those with wheels, should be carried instead of being dragged across the floor as it might damage the tatami mats or wooden flooring.
Photography etiquette: Photography rules can change from place to place, so make sure to check for signs or ask the staff before taking pictures anywhere.
Queueing etiquette: Make sure to maintain queues and never cut in line.
Onsen etiquette: Some onsens don't allow tattoos, so check with the staff before getting into one. You must also shower and be clean before entering a shared onsen bath.
Bathing etiquette: Japanese baths include separate areas for washing while the tub itself is meant only for soaking. This means bathers must first wash, scrub, and rinse themselves before entering the bath tub.