omotenashi

Omotenashi is a Japanese concept of hospitality that emphasizes anticipating guests’ needs and providing considerate service without being asked. It aims to make guests feel respected, comfortable, and valued through unobtrusive care and meticulous attention to detail.

The term is written in kana as おもてなし and is widely interpreted as hospitality that comes from the heart. Its origins are often linked to the practices of the traditional tea ceremony and the broader Japanese service ethos, where hosts strive to anticipate preferences, remember small details, and offer welcome gestures without seeking reward.

In practice, omotenashi appears in inns (ryokan), restaurants, shops, and other customer-facing settings: staff greet guests with politeness, present amenities without being asked, ensure privacy, and maintain cleanliness and punctuality. Common expressions of the concept include offering tea or refreshments, providing footwear arrangements, and delivering discreet, respectful service tailored to individual guests.

In modern times, omotenashi has been cited as a hallmark of Japanese hospitality in international contexts, notably during Tokyo’s 2020 Summer Olympics. Some critics note that the high standard can place pressure on workers and vary by establishment, but the idea remains a central ideal guiding service culture in Japan.