In the era of capsule hotels, overnighting in a barely furnished pillbox may seem like the pinnacle of Japanese ingenuity: By sacrificing space, you’ll save a lot more on your budget for exploring. But you’re also sacrificing omotenashi, the gold standard of Japanese hospitality. The term originates from ancient sado tea ceremonies, where hosts are expected to dutifully look after their guests. Today, omotenashi culture is best encapsulated at ryokans, or traditional Japanese inns. Thanks to ANA’s nonstop flights to Tokyo from cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, Japanese hospitality can be experienced from the moment of takeoff. While on assignment in the Land of the Rising Sun, photographer Sam Horine craved more than just a pixel of this philosophy, he sought to capture the whole picture.
Since the 8th century, ryokans have existed as rejuvenation lodges for weary travelers, visually characterized by tatami-floored rooms, low-slung wooden furniture, and futon mattresses. You can also expect exquisite seasonal kaiseki dinners, access to a healing onsen (hot spring baths), and a scenic setting in the countryside. And hiding behind that proverbial shoji screen is a subtle, yet profound devotion to omotenashi, a polite anticipation and fulfillment of guests’ needs before they arise.