What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Welcome to Kakurinbo. Kakurinbo is a historic Buddhist temple (shukubo), located in the foothills of Mt. Fuji and easily accessible from Tokyo. It is one of a number of satellite temples belonging to Kuonji, the head temple and spiritual center of the Buddhist Nichiren Shu sect. At Kakurinbo, they offer a nightly taste of the annual Oeshiki festival through a performance by a young priest. They al
Shuzenji is one of the Izu Peninsula\'s oldest hot springs and is revered all over Japan. It is located in the hilly center of the peninsula on the Katsuragawa River and is filled with history. Shuzenji Temple is said to be founded by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan\'s most famous Buddhist priests, about 1200 years ago when he discovered a natural hot spring with an iron rod. Today this hot spring
Yamanashi Prefecture is a sparsely populated region located directly west of Tokyo Prefecture. It is famous for such sights as Mt. Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes region, and Kuonji Temple (head of the Nichiren Buddhist sect famous for its "steps of enlightenment" staircase). Yamanashi's natural, mountainous environment makes it a hiker's and nature lover's paradise. Yamanashi is also one of the major f
The ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto remains the most historically important city in Japan. At first glance, Kyoto appears to be like any other Japanese city. It is a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people, and it possesses prosperous industrial and technological sectors. However, with a good map in hand and some planning in mind a visitor will quickl
The ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto remains the most historically important city in Japan. At first glance, Kyoto appears to be like any other Japanese city. It is a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people, and it possesses prosperous industrial and technological sectors. However, with a good map in hand and some planning in mind a visitor will quickl
The ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto remains the most historically important city in Japan. At first glance, Kyoto appears to be like any other Japanese city. It is a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people, and it possesses prosperous industrial and technological sectors. However, with a good map in hand and some planning in mind a visitor will quickl
Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southern part of the Kansai area, and it includes a number of wonderful natural and historical attractions for visitors. In Yoshino-Kumano National Park sit the rugged and picturesque "Three Mountain Shrines of Kumano" - Mount Hongu, Mount Nachi, and Mount Shingu. The belief in the mystic powers of these mountains has flourished throughout the years. The Nachi
Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southern part of the Kansai area, and it includes a number of wonderful natural and historical attractions for visitors. In Yoshino-Kumano National Park sit the rugged and picturesque \"Three Mountain Shrines of Kumano\" - Mount Hongu, Mount Nachi, and Mount Shingu. The belief in the mystic powers of these mountains has flourished throughout the years. The Nac
Koyasan (Mount Koya) is one of Japan\'s holiest mountains located in Wakayama Prefecture. The journey to Mount Koya takes visitors a cedar-filled valley 800 meters above sea level, surrounded by 8 mountain peaks. In the early 9th century, the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded the first temple and it has grown to more than 100 monasteries surrounding the head temple of Kongobuji. Visitors also have
Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southern part of the Kansai area, and it includes a number of wonderful natural and historical attractions for visitors. In Yoshino-Kumano National Park sit the rugged and picturesque "Three Mountain Shrines of Kumano" - Mount Hongu, Mount Nachi, and Mount Shingu. The belief in the mystic powers of these mountains has flourished throughout the years. The Nachi
