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 Kagoshima. This city of over 500,000 residents is located on the southern tip of Kyushu and it is the largest city in southern Kyushu. The city's most prominent landmark has to be Mount Sakurajima which is an active volcano, indeed, one of the world's most active. There are many places to visit in Kagoshima such as the classic Japanese garden "Iso-teien" and several excellent museums of local history and culture. South of Kagoshima visitors can experience the famous hot sand baths of Ibusuki. Off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture lies a chain of islands stretching to Okinawa and includes the famous island of Yakushima. A 1 hour jetfoil ride from Kagoshima, Yakushima boasts a beautiful sub-tropical rainforest, hiking trails, and huge 1,000 year old cedar trees.
