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.
Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southern part of the Kansai area, and it includes a number of wonderful natural and historical attractions for visitors. In Yoshino-Kumano National Park sit the rugged and picturesque "Three Mountain Shrines of Kumano" - Mount Hongu, Mount Nachi, and Mount Shingu. The belief in the mystic powers of these mountains has flourished throughout the years. The Nachi
Kamakura is a short train ride from Tokyo and well worth visiting. There are 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines in the area, and most were built hundreds of years ago. Kamakura was established as the location of a shogunate government in 1192, and the area was selected because it was surrounded by wooded hills and the sea and easy to defend against attack. Kamakura is a busy seaside resort
Welcome to Kinugawa Onsen. The hot springs were first discovered in 1691. At first only the Daimyo who built the Nikko Shrine and the Buddhists monks of Mount Nikko could bath in the onsen. In 1927, railway service was introduced and since then Kinugawa Onsen has developed into one of the largest onsen resort areas in Japan. There are several bridges which span the Kinu river which are pleasant fo
Shikoku Island is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, and if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing escape then Shikoku Island is the perfect place to visit. The island offers beautiful scenery, a slow-paced lifestyle, and a number of interesting sights such as castles, a ancient Buddhist pilgrimage, and arts and crafts. Visitors will need at least a week to visit the four prefectures on Shi
Shikoku Island is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, and if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing escape then Shikoku Island is the perfect place to visit. The island offers beautiful scenery, a slow-paced lifestyle, and a number of interesting sights such as castles, a ancient Buddhist pilgrimage, and arts and crafts. Visitors will need at least a week to visit the four prefectures on Shi
Shikoku Island is the smallest of Japan\'s four main islands, and if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing escape then Shikoku Island is the perfect place to visit. The island offers beautiful scenery, a slow-paced lifestyle, and a number of interesting sights such as castles, a ancient Buddhist pilgrimage, and arts and crafts. Visitors will need at least a week to visit the four prefectures on Sh
Shikoku Island is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, and if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing escape then Shikoku Island is the perfect place to visit. The island offers beautiful scenery, a slow-paced lifestyle, and a number of interesting sights such as castles, a ancient Buddhist pilgrimage, and arts and crafts. Visitors will need at least a week to visit the four prefectures on Shi
Shikoku Island is the smallest of Japan\'s four main islands, and if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing escape then Shikoku Island is the perfect place to visit. The island offers beautiful scenery, a slow-paced lifestyle, and a number of interesting sights such as castles, a ancient Buddhist pilgrimage, and arts and crafts. Visitors will need at least a week to visit the four prefectures on Sh
Shikoku Island is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, and if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing escape then Shikoku Island is the perfect place to visit. The island offers beautiful scenery, a slow-paced lifestyle, and a number of interesting sights such as castles, a ancient Buddhist pilgrimage, and arts and crafts. Visitors will need at least a week to visit the four prefectures on Shi
Fukushima Prefecture is the third largest prefecture in Japan, and it is located in the southern part of the Tohoku region. Fukushima is divided from east to west into three regions: Hamadori (coastal region), Nakadori (inland region), and Aizu which is near the Ou and Abukama mountain ranges. A popular destination for tourists is Higashiyama Onsen located in the Yugawa Valley near Aizu Wakamatsu.
