The Ryokan is a traditional style accommodation facility in Japan. Many of these hotels and inns are built in a Japanese style and treat the guests with Japanese hospitality. Tatami - mat rooms are their standard feature. The matting allows a room to be put to various uses. The room can serve as a dining area in the evening, and once the table has been cleared away, the staff will lay down the futon bedding which converts the room into a sleeping space. Timing is everything. The Nakai or "chambermaid" will watch the guests to determine when these transformations should take place. She will not only serve the food, she will also be knowledgeable of the tourist spots in the area. Make a point of speaking to your Nakai - she can make a holiday more enjoyable.