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.
Looking for a hot spring in Kansai, near Osaka? Arima Onsen is the most popular hot spring in the area, however it is not convenient to access and it can be really crowded. How about Koyokan Bettei Azale in Takedao Onsen? Koyokan Bettei Azale offers premium quality hot spring baths. This is a off the beaten tracks spot; most Japanese people living in Osaka don’t…
Before or after Naoshima, “The Modern Art Island”, let’s step back in time and experience old Japan in Kurashiki ! Kurashiki is located in Okayama Prefecture, on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. The town was an important river port. As a result, a number of elegant warehouse-style buildings were built to store rice, which was a valuable commodity during the Edo Period (1603-1868)….
I just spent my last weekend in Tokyo, let me share my opinion about some of the Tokyo’s landmarks. Living in Osaka for more than 3 years, I reached the Japanese capital by Shinkansen Bullet Train in less than 3 hours. Tokyo Sky Tree in Tokyo, Japan A Shinkansen ride is not cheap (About 14,000 yen for one way) but trains bound for Tokyo leave…
You might think that hot springs are reserved for humans; but if you visit the Jigokudani Park you will probably be sharing your bath with Japanese Snow Monkeys. Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani, Japan The Jigokudani is located in the Japanese Alps, outside of Nagano. Jigokudani (meaning “hell’s valley”) took its name from the steam and boiling water of the hot spring. Because it is located…
Looking for a unique spot ? Naoshima Island is waiting for you. Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. From Osaka, it takes about 4 hours by express train (no reservations needed); or less than 2 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train). The first thing I would like to say is that even during the Golden Week, Naoshima is a peaceful and quiet…
For a true Japanese Experience, Japan Roads would like to suggest a home stay in Kameoka (rural Kyoto). This experience is included in our Rural Discovery Tour. This tour will guide you to a off-the-beaten-track part of Japan. The tour gives the opportunity to stay with a Japanese family in a traditional house. With the Rural Discovery Tour you will bring you to amazing landmarks…
Having just returned from Japan last week, I’ve got a pretty good idea of what is happening in some of the major cities outside the quake/tsunami zone. Shinjuku in Tokyo We were on a 3 week trip March 22 – April 12. We stayed about one week each in Tokyo (first), Hiroshima (second), and Kyoto (last). This was our fifth extended trip to Japan in…
While you are in Japan, of course you will have to visit popular landmarks such as Mt Fuji, temples in Kyoto, Miyajima… Those places are a must; but your travel is not restricted to the touristic spots, there are plenty of surprising things in Japan, everywhere, you just need to look around you. The staff of Rediscover Japan lives around Osaka, so we would like…
