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.
Mount Aso is the central attraction of Aso-Kuju National Park, Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. Rising to an elevation of 1,592 meters (5,223 feet), Mount Aso has the largest active crater in the world. The crater measures 18 kilometers (11 miles) from east to west and 24 kilometers (15 miles) from north to south. It has the world\'s largest caldera (bowl-shaped volcanic depression) w
Located on the southeast coast of the island of Kyushu, Miyazaki Prefecture is a quiet and relaxing destination. It boasts the second warmest temperatures in Japan (after Okinawa), and it is the ideal place to get off the beaten track, go swimming in the Pacific Ocean, and taste the local seafood delicacies. The capital of Miyazaki Prefecture is the city of Miyazaki which has a population of over
Takachiho Onsen is in the northernmost part of Miyazaki Prefecture. According to Japanese mythology, Takachiho is the land where Ninigi descended from the heavens, sent by Amaterasu, the sun goddess. It contains the Ama-no-Iwato shrine which is, according to myth, the location of the cave where Amaterasu hid until Ame-no-Uzume lured her out. Takachiho is known as a \"power spot\", a place of prof
Mount Unzen is an active volcano at the center of the Shimabara Peninsula. Mount Unzen was recognized in 1934 for its natural beauty and made part of the Unzen Amakusa National Park, one of the first national parks in Japan. Unzen\'s nature has been preciously preserved since old days, and is an encyclopedia of nature. In spring, Unzen azaleas turn the mountainside pink, and when the fresh, young
Located on the west end of Kyushu Island, Nagasaki is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. The city encompasses Nagasaki Bay and rises up to its surrounding hills, and a distinctive European and Chinese flavor remains in the city as a result of its long history of contact with overseas traders and missionaries. Nagasaki opened its port to European and Asian traders in the 16 century, and the
Obama is set against a backdrop of the magnificent Unzen mountains, facing the deep-blue Tachibana Bay. The town features the hottest and among the most active hot springs in the whole of Japan. Obama is a real joy to visit particularly because on almost every corner you can see how this powerful natural resource is being used. Plus, many of the activities that the town has to offer can be enjoyed
The Shimabara Peninsula, a volcanic region in Kyushu (Nagasaki Prefecture), is where the 17th century Shimabara Rebellion occurred. This revolt worried the ruling government because it was led by Japanese Christians, a minority that was soon weakened and driven underground. Mount Unzen (Unzendake) is a series of overlapping, active volcanoes on the Shimabara Peninsula, and it is home to beautiful
Unzen Onsen is a hot spring resort town near the peak of Mount Unzen. Not too far from Nagasaki, the area originally developed as a temple town that in its prime was large enough to be compared to Koyasan. For more information about Unzen Onsen please see our travel content partner Japan-Guide.
Beppu is located on the east coast of Kyushu island, sandwiched between the Seto Inland Sea and its steep mountains and hills. It has long been known as Japan\'s premier hot spring resort city. In fact, there is more hot spring water in Beppu than anywhere else in Japan. Over 100 hot spring resorts are located in this city of 125,000, and visitors from all over Japan flock to Beppu to relax in the
Hita is a city located in ?ita Prefecture and surrounded by mountains. Hita was founded on December 11, 1940. In Japan, there are many places nicknamed “Little Kyoto.” one of which is Hita city. The atmosphere in this district of Mameda, which was originally built in a prosperous area at the beginning of Edo period, is quite interesting. Indeed, many historic buildings in this area have been w
