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Hotel Check - Ryokan Ginsyou |
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DRESSED in a cream kimono with a peach-coloured obi, the okami (proprietress) of Ryokan Ginsyou, Ms Takako Fujioka, welcomed our group and wished us a pleasant stay.
As part of ryokan tradition, the okami is personally responsible for waiting on and taking care of guests.
| | Pictures by World Surprise Travel |
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Ryokan Ginsyou, in Ibusuki, Kyushu, carries on this tradition.
Ms Fujioka was never far away. She served grilled rice cakes to everyone during dinner while supervising the constant flow of seemingly endless dishes. The food was well-presented, especially the sashimi, which came inside an ice igloo.
Sprigs of flowers were a nice detail accompanying dishes of local specialities.
After dinner, the okami was at the reception, helping to adjust our yukata (remember: the left side is worn over the right side) before we headed off for a sand bath, an easy five-minute stroll away.
Ms Fujioka is the second generation in her family running the 60-year-old beachfront ryokan, a member of the Japan Ryokan Association. She heads a staff of 110.
She said through Ms Ai Isechi, a young staff who spoke good English, that her satisfaction came from taking good care of all her guests, who were mainly Japanese.
Many are repeat guests. She has also taken care of travellers from Europe, Thailand, Taiwan and China.
Later in the evening, I was shown the pride of the ryokan, its two natural hotspring baths, or onsen. The ninth floor outdoor onsen is known for having one of Ibusuki’s best sea views.
Also on its premises is a cosy room where, with advance notice, the okami can conduct a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
After the tour, I headed to my Japanese-style room. It had tatami flooring, was large enough to sleep six and had a balcony-cum-sitting area overlooking the sea. The only drawback was the rather tired furnishings. But that did not prevent me from having a good night’s rest on the comfortable futon.
Early the next morning, the okami oversaw our breakfast service and was there again at the porch, waving, as we drove off. – Mak Ying Kwan
(Tip: information on www.ryokan.or.jp can help your clients enjoy their ryokan and onsen experience.)
• No. of rooms: 78
| • Rate: From ¥34,000 (US$287) inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Check website for rates.
| • Tel: (81-993) 223-231
| • Fax: (81-993) 222-219
| • Website: www.ginsyou.co.jp (Japanese only).
| English information and room booking available on www.japanhotel.net/data/hotel_information.
asp?HotelID=67
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Location (max 10)
| 9
| Front Desk (max 10)
| 8
| Room (max 20)
| 17
| F&B (max 20)
| 18
| Facilities (max 20)
| 18
| Service (max 20)
| 18
| Total (max 100)
| 88
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Verdict: A ryokan with a strong sense of tradition.
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