2023 Volume 23 Pages 69-75
Before the spread of the COVID-19, many Japanese lodging businesses have taken various measures, such as the use of multilingualization and ICT, in order to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of foreign visitors to Japan. Although these have been effective in reducing the dissatisfaction and inconvenience of foreign visitors, they have not been satisfactory or impressive. This study analyzed and compared Japanese and English reviews posted by guests at the top 20 Japanese inns (ryokan) in Tripadvisor “Top 20 Japanese Inns Popular among Foreigners” in order to explore what foreign guests are impressed and satisfied with in Japanese inns, and typified their attractiveness. As the result, Japanese food eaten in a Japanese tatami room, the hospitality of the employees, and private hot spring baths that can be enjoyed privately without hesitation are attractive features of Japanese inns for foreign guests.
