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.
In the 12th century the Heike Clan battled the rival Genji Clan to establish political superiority but were eventually defeated. In defeat, the Heike Clan took refuge in the area known as Yunishigawa Onsen (Yunishigawa Hot Spring) in Tochigi Prefecture. The Heike Clan started a new life for themselves in this area, and even today there are still traces of their presence in the area's local customs. Visitors can experience what it must have been like during the lives of the 19th century Heike families by strolling among the traditional thatched-roof dwellings in the village as well as wandering around the grounds of Yudonosan Shrine and Takushido Temple. Yunishigawa Onsen is also full of natural beauty and visitors can venture to see the Kirifuri (Raining Mist) Falls and Ryuo Canyon.
