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.
Nakagawa-machi, the home of Iizuka-tei is a town in the northeastern part of Tochigi prefecture. Its population is approximately 18,000. The gift of nature from the Yamizo Mountains and Naka River that runs through the town center has been supporting the development of the town. The water of the Naka River (Nakagawa in Japanese) is one of the clearest waters in Japan, and the town of Nakagawa-machi (machi means town) is named after it. The bounties of nature including the beautiful clear river and satoyama (farming villages near hills and mountains) provide many tourism resources including hot springs, golf courses, sake breweries, and game meat cuisine featuring Yamizo shishimaru (wild boar). The local culture and ways of thinking that have been passed down through generations of local residents have created an attractive town.
