welcome tea – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

Welcome Tea at Japanese Inns (Ryokan) and Temple Lodgings

Susan Spann Blog November 26, 2018November 21, 2018Japan, Japanese customs, ryokan, shukubo, tea, traditional inn, welcome tea

Japanese people have many customs that may seem strange or unusual to Western visitors, many of which are easy to admire and enjoy. One of my favorites is the custom of welcome tea, still practiced by most ryokan (traditional inns) and temple lodgings, as well as traditional shops and businesses.*

Traditional Japanese Welcome Tea (and Cakes)

Susan Spann Blog February 5, 2018February 5, 2018Japan, ryokan, tea, temple lodgings, traveling, welcome tea

Tea is the most commonly-consumed drink in Japan, and a customary part of the welcome visitors receive at traditional inns (ryokan), temple lodgings (shukubo), and many guest houses (minshuku). The type and grade of tea used to welcome guests varies significantly in type and grade by region, accommodation, and/or time of year.