The Night Weeping Inn: A Guest Protocol for Your Serene Stay

Esteemed Guest,

Welcome to the Yonaki-kan (Night Weeping Inn), a sanctuary nestled deep within the forgotten valleys of Ishikawa Prefecture. For generations, our inn has offered weary travelers a timeless respite, a glimpse into an older Japan where nature and spirit intertwine. To ensure your stay is as tranquil and undisturbed as possible, we kindly ask you to observe the following traditional protocols. These guidelines are not mere suggestions; they are the bedrock of harmony between our cherished guests and the ancient spirits of this land. Your cooperation ensures not just your comfort, but your safety.

Section 1: Arrival & Room Allocation – Honouring the Threshold

1.1 The Entrance (Genkan Etiquette): Upon entering our genkan (traditional entryway), please remove your shoes and place them with the toes pointing outwards, towards the door. This ensures a smooth departure when the time comes.

Do Not: Under any circumstances, arrange your shoes to face inwards into the inn. This can be interpreted as an invitation for certain entities to extend their stay.

1.2 The Bell of Passage: A small, aged brass bell hangs by the check-in counter. Upon your arrival, our attendant will ring it twice. This signifies your peaceful entry.

Do Not: Ring this bell yourself, especially after sunset. It is reserved for welcoming the living, not for awakening what slumbers.

1.3 Your Assigned Chamber: You will be led to your room by our quietest attendant. Note its number carefully. All rooms are furnished with traditional tatami mats, futon bedding, and a sliding paper screen (shoji) window.

A Gentle Reminder: Should your room number feel "wrong" or "unsettling" upon first glance, please disregard the feeling. Our rooms are allocated by a system that has served guests for centuries.

Section 2: The Evening Hours – Observing the Veils

2.1 Covering the Mirror (Kagami Kakushi): Before 9:00 PM, you will find a silk cloth draped over the vanity mirror in your room. Please ensure it remains covering the mirror until sunrise.

Reasoning: The reflective surface can sometimes capture more than just your image in the dim light of night. It is a protective measure.

Critical Warning: If, at any point during the night, the cloth is found uncovered, do not look directly into the mirror. Replace the cloth immediately and quietly. Under no circumstances should you acknowledge any reflection other than your own.

2.2 The Shoji Screen & Outdoor Voices: The shoji screens are delicate. Please keep them gently closed after dark. Sounds from outside the inn may carry, particularly the wind.

Key Instruction: If you hear what sounds like a child's voice calling your name from beyond your shoji after midnight, do not respond. And certainly, do not open the screen to investigate. The wind can play tricks on the ear.

2.3 The Corridor's Silence: Our corridors are designed for quiet contemplation. If you must use the restroom during the night, move silently.

Crucial Directive: When walking the corridors, do not pause at any corner, especially where the path bends sharply. Maintain a steady, uninterrupted pace until you reach your destination or return to your room. Lingering invites unwanted company.

Immediate Action: Should you glimpse a figure standing perfectly still at a corridor's end, with their back to you, simply return to your room and wait. They are not waiting for you.

Section 3: Disturbances & Unforeseen Events – Protocols for the Unseen

3.1 Uninvited Guests: Should you feel an inexplicable chill in your room despite the heating, or hear a faint, repetitive tapping from within your closet or beneath your futon:

Remain Still: Do not investigate. Do not speak aloud. Pull your futon tightly around you and close your eyes.

Whispered Prayer: Mentally recite a simple prayer for peaceful sleep, or simply count backwards from 108. Focus on the mundane.

3.2 The Scent of Old Plum Blossoms: Occasionally, a faint, sweet scent of plum blossoms may permeate your room, even if no flowers are in season.

Interpretation: This is a sign of an old presence. It is generally benign, but requires respect.

Recommended Response: Light the small incense stick provided on your bedside table. Let its smoke carry your intentions of peace. Do not comment on the scent to staff; it is an unspoken occurrence.

Section 4: Departure – Ensuring a Safe Journey

4.1 The Morning Ritual: Upon waking, pull back your shoji screens to welcome the morning light. Only then may you uncover your mirror.

Observation: If the silk cloth on your mirror appears to have shifted overnight, simply smooth it down. No need for concern.

4.2 Final Walk Through: Before departing your room, please ensure your belongings are packed and nothing is left behind. Take one last look around.

Important Note: Should you notice an item in your room that you do not recall seeing before—perhaps a small, faded hair ornament or an old, chipped cup—leave it exactly where it is. It belongs to the inn.

4.3 The Final Farewell: Our attendant will again ring the brass bell twice upon your check-out. This marks a safe conclusion to your stay. We trust you found your time at Yonaki-kan to be truly… memorable. We look forward to your next visit, should fate allow.