What about noise and shared spaces in hotels?
In short
Good to knowKeep quiet in corridors, lobbies and other shared spaces, especially at night. Whether you may leave your room in a yukata or slippers depends on the facility.
When does this apply?
Sound can travel through hotel and ryokan walls more than you expect. Avoid talking loudly in corridors late at night or slamming doors. At ryokan and in onsen towns you can often walk around in a yukata, while some Western-style hotels allow yukata only in your room and on the way to the large bath.
Why?
Other guests are relaxing or sleeping. Dress rules reflect the atmosphere and policy of each facility.
What to do
- Keep voices low in corridors and lifts at night
- Check whether yukata and slippers can be worn outside your room
- Read the rules posted at the large bath and shared spaces
Better to avoid
- Make noise in corridors late at night
- Slam doors
Exceptions and differences
Rules differ greatly between facilities. If unsure, ask the front desk staff.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
What should you keep in mind in hotel or ryokan corridors at night?
Choose an answer
Sources
- Understanding and Mastering Japanese Manners and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
- Low-down on Japanese Manners (Big in Japan feature)(opens in a new tab)
Last checked:
This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.