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.
Find below a curated list of resources including general tips for your trip to Japan, Currency, Phones, Restaurants, Internet access, Ryokan Customs and more. Ryokans Ryokan Styles Ryokan Customs Selecting a Ryokan Your Stay Special Meal Requirements Japanese Robes Bathing in Japan About Ryokans General Sample Routes Transportation & Trains Kansai Airport Shuttle
Ryokan Styles Suiran in Arashiyama Just as there are many different ryokan room prices, there are also many different types or styles of ryokans. No two ryokans are the same, and the quality of ryokan varies dramatically. On the low end of the scale is what we call a “standard ryokan” and at the upper end of the scale is our “luxurious ryokan.” In general, you get what you pay for.
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
Kyoto [ destination area name ] 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 pl
A Night on Koyasan (Mt Koya) I have visited Koyasan (Mount Koya) in the past but this was my first time to stay at one of Mt Koya's temples. A large group of us arrived early in the morning at Namba Nankai train station in Osaka and picked up our Mount Koya "free service" pass which would allow us to get a special price on return train fare, free bus fare, and discounted entrance tickets to so
Kyoto [ destination area name ] 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 pla
Book Vegan Friendly Ryokans or Shukubos (temples) The Japanese diet is based on fish, poultry, eggs, rice,... Therefore if you are vegan you might have a hard time finding suitable meals. If you are planning to stay at a Japanese Ryokan the challenge to find a Vegan-Friendly Ryokan might soon give you a headache. So here is our shortlist of Vegan-Friendly Ryokans and Shukubos (temples). Y
Select and Reserve a Shukubo Temple Inn Ease your mind at one of our best Buddhist temples (Shukubo). Forget your daily routine, join monks in their morning pray, and taste vegetarian meals (Shojin-ryori). Though all Shukubo (Buddhist Temples) are different, the following ones have been selected for the unique experiences they provide. Staying at such Shukubo is something you will never forget
Zen Gardens in Kyoto A visit to Kyoto will not be complete without Zen gardens. This video introduces three temples with beautiful Rock gardens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cth4hWkrQT4&feature=youtu.be Zuihoin in Kyoto Ryoanji:The most famous one but it can be crowded around its rock garden.This simple and remarkable garden measures 25 meters (82 feet) from east to west and 10 m
Travel Stories Our guests and our team members continuously travel around Japan. These articles present the experiences in Japan they would like to share. A Ryokan ExperienceStaying in a Ryokan at Miyajima, Hiroshima PrefectureBy Andrew Daniel, Ontario, Canadaread more Buddhist Temple Overnight in KoyasanStaying at a Shukubo (Buddhist Temple) in Koyasan is a unique
