Translation guide
The person who runs or manages an inn. In Japanese, the term depends on the type of inn (traditional ryokan vs. Western-style hotel) and context.
The person who runs a traditional Japanese inn, often a family business.
Literally 'master of the ryokan'. A common, respectful way to refer to the owner/manager of a traditional inn.
旅館の主人が玄関で迎えてくれた。
The innkeeper greeted us at the entrance.
The female owner/manager of a ryokan, often the wife of the owner. Very common and culturally specific.
女将が自ら料理を運んできた。
The innkeeper (female) personally brought the food.
A more general term for the master of any lodging, including inns.
宿の主人はとても親切だった。
The innkeeper was very kind.
The person who manages a hotel, often in a professional capacity.
Standard term for a hotel manager, used in business contexts.
ホテルの支配人に苦情を言った。
I complained to the hotel manager.
Can be used for a small hotel or inn owner, but less common for modern hotels.
その宿屋の主人は英語が話せた。
The innkeeper could speak English.
The keeper of a tavern or inn in a medieval or fantasy setting.
Archaic or literary term for an innkeeper, often used in period pieces or fantasy.
宿屋の亭主は冒険者たちに酒を出した。
The innkeeper served ale to the adventurers.
旅館 (ryokan) is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami mats, futons, and often meals included. ホテル (hoteru) is a Western-style hotel. The term for innkeeper changes accordingly.
旅館の女将は着物を着ていることが多い。
Ryokan innkeepers often wear kimono.
When speaking directly, you can use ご主人 (goshujin) for a male innkeeper or 女将さん (okami-san) for a female innkeeper. Adding さん is polite.