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 Tsumago and Magome on the Old Nakasendo Highway. Tsumago and Magome are located in the southern part of the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture. Many years ago, it was one of the eleven post towns in that district of the Nakasendo Highway. When the Chuo Rail Line was constructed along the Kiso River in 1911, Tsumago lost its role as a post town and it gradually became a deserted village. H
Welcome to Shimosagaya. Located in the mountain village of Tsumago, this Minshuku (Family Run Inn) provides relaxation and comfort amid the beautiful surroundings of the Kiso Valley. Guests are served home-style cuisine, fresh seasonal vegetables and river fish in Shimosagaya's dining area. There are only 4 guest's rooms at Shimosagaya. Good to know: At Shimosagaya, the TV is coins activated (100
Welcome to Hanaya Ryokan. Built during the Edo Period (1603 - 1867), this Minshuku has been in business ever since. However, a new addition was built recently. Hanaya Ryokan's rooms are all Japanese-style, and the bath is made of Japanese "hinoki" (cypress). The bath is located in the ryokan's newer section and is open 24 hours a day. Seasonal, homemade cuisine is served throughout the year. I
Welcome to Magome and Tsumago on the Old Nakasendo Highway. Magome and Tsumago are located in the southern part of the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture. Many years ago, they was one of the eleven post towns in that district of the Nakasendo Highway. When the Chuo Rail Line was constructed along the Kiso River in 1911, Tsumago lost its role as a post town and it gradually became a deserted village.
Welcome to Narai on the Old Nakasendo Highway. Located in the southern part of the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture. Many years ago, it was one of the eleven post towns in that district of the Nakasendo Highway. When the Chuo Rail Line was constructed along the Kiso River in 1911, Tsumago lost its role as a post town and it gradually became a deserted village. However, in 1968 a movement to preser
Selecting a Japanese Ryokan Inn If you are thinking about staying at a Japanese ryokan, here is a list of questions and answers which may help you better plan your stay: Where do you want to go and what you do want to see? This question will really determine the locations you should visit. Do you want to see modern Japan like Tokyo and Osaka, cultural Japan like Kyoto and Nara, Old Japan like
Hidden Spots These are some hidden spots that we recommend to make your trip to Japan a little bit more special. Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido: This park in central Hokkaido has a wide range of hot springs, gorges, and mountains including Asahidake which is Hokkaido's tallest mountain. Transportation: take the JR Limited Express train from JR Sapporo train station to JR Kamikawa trai
Welcome to Matsushiroya. This is a very cozy Minshuku and it first opened for business in 1804. With 8 Japanese-style rooms, Matsushiroya can accommodate up to 25 guests. All washroom and bathing facilities are shared among the guests. Traditional Japanese cuisine such as carp sashimi, grilled river fish, Japanese koya-dofu, (freeze-dried tofu), and Japanese tora soba (soba noodles with yam toppin
