七重八重 NANAEYAE Ryokan 1060 Ohara, Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko, Japan

The art of Japanese hospitality I stayed over at this ryokan with some friends and two of us celebrated our birthdays that month. The okami (innkeeper-matriach) came a knocking the door during our kaiseki to wish us a happy birthday. She brought with her a huge bottle of sake and an even bigger sake cup with the word 寿 (kotobuki / longevity) on it. We then drank from the cup.

The day we checked out, we each got a calligraphed birthday greeting, a gift and a couple of other souvenirs. Good old-fashioned pampering. Now that's what I call service. 

Top-most picture: • Hotel Greeting - 見どころは 日光　まごころは 七重八重 (midokoro wa Nikko, magokoro wa Nanaeyae / For sight-seeing it's Nikko, for sincerity it's Nanaeyae)