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.
Hyogo Prefecture stretches from the north side of side of Osaka Bay to to the opposite coast on the Sea of Japan. It is one of the most populous prefectures in Japan (ranked 8th out of 47), and home to the industrial and commercial center of Kobe (which recently opened its own airport), the city of Takarazuka (where the famous, all-women Takarazuka Revue musical theater group performs) and the his
Hyogo Prefecture stretches from the north side of side of Osaka Bay to to the opposite coast on the Sea of Japan. It is one of the most populous prefectures in Japan (ranked 8th out of 47), and home to the industrial and commercial center of Kobe (which recently opened its own airport), the city of Takarazuka (where the famous, all-women Takarazuka Revue musical theater group performs) and the his
Amanohashidate ("Bridge to Heaven") is located on the Tango Peninsula in northern Kyoto Prefecture, about a 2 hour train ride from Kyoto. This area has many attractive sights and old shrines and temples, and in the summer the clean and picturesque beaches attract bathers from all over the country. The "bridge" of Amanohashidate is actually a 3.6 kilometer strip of white sand and pine trees stretch
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
Ise is located in the Mie Prefecture. This prefecture lies near the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto, and it possesses a mild climate and a very attractive setting. Mie Prefecture has both the mountains and the sea, and visitors will enjoy the natural beauty of this special part of Japan. One of the highlights of this area is the Ise Shima National Park. Located on the Shima Peninsula, there are
Ise is located in the Mie Prefecture. This prefecture lies near the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto, and it possesses a mild climate and a very attractive setting. Mie Prefecture has both the mountains and the sea, and visitors will enjoy the natural beauty of this special part of Japan. One of the highlights of this area is the Ise Shima National Park. Located on the Shima Peninsula, there are
Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan, established in 710 AD and is now celebrating its 1300th birthday. Although the capital was soon moved to Kyoto where it remained for the next 1,000 years, Nara saw the development of Japan\'s first arts, crafts, and literature. Nara became the political and cultural center of Japan, and it established many shrines, temples, palaces, and pagodas. Most
Yoshino is located in Nara Prefecture. It is Japan\'s most famous cherry blossom spot. It features over 30,000 cherry trees planted around the slopes which visitors can admire as they walk along the roads that lead up the mountain. The mountain is also home to the Yoshimizu Shrine, with its collection of ceramics, paintings and armor. Nearby are the massive, wooden Kinpusen-ji Temple and centuries
