Great ryokans can be found across Japan, and Kashiwaya (柏屋旅館) in Gunma Prefecture‘s Shima Onsen has taken the classic formula and perfected it! Whilst the food, service, and onsen are all of extremely high quality, what makes them truly exceptional is how accommodating and flexible the ryokan is. Whether it is before or after the […]
Kashiwaya Ryokan – The Best Place to Stay at Shima Onsen Read More »
Sekizenkan (積善館), which has more than 300 years of history, is the most famous among all the ryokans in Gunma Prefecture‘s Shima Onsen. Not only because the main building is the oldest hot spring inn architecture in Japan, but the ryokan is also rumored to be the stage of Spirited Away, as three spots of
Sekizenkan – The Rumored Stage of the Ghibli Movie, Spirited Away Read More »
For those who love hot springs, you can enjoy the onsen at Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu (早戸温泉つるの湯) after your boat ride to Mugenkyō Gorge. The onsen ryokan is within walking distance from Hayato Station. It is open for day visitors and has open-air hot spring baths overlooking Tadami River. Unlike many hot spring facilities,
Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu: A Ryokan Overlooking Tadami River Read More »
While Miyako-jima is most famous for its amazing beaches and being a watersport paradise, the island also has a place to enjoy onsen! Shigira Hot Spring (シギラ黄金温泉) is Japan’s southernmost hot spring. It is also one of the few spots in Japan where you can enjoy the onsen without getting fully naked. Because there is
Shigira Hot Spring: Miyakojima’s Luxurious Onsen Hotel Read More »
If you are like us, who love traditional Japanese gardens, afternoon tea in a nice cafe, or even camping, Tenshukaku Natural Park (天守閣自然公園) is a must-visit spot. In autumn, the park is beautifully illuminated, making the visit to Akiu Onsen more worthwhile. Moreover, there are two free foot spas and a public onsen bathhouse for
Tenshukaku Natural Park: A Hidden Gem in Akiu Onsen, Sendai Read More »
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s best hot spring towns. But choosing where to stay for the night can be hard as there are so many choices! So if you prefer to dine out at night to enjoy the local food or you have special dietary requirements, the below hotels/ryokans can accommodate you! A few
The Best Guide to the Hotels in Kusatsu Onsen Read More »
Many of us would love to enjoy a course dinner in the ryokan/hotel. If that is the case for you, consider booking your stay with Yorokobinoyado Takamatsu (喜びの宿 高松) when you visit Kusatsu Onsen. The 11-level hotel is around a 5-minute walk from Yubatake. Because of its height, you can get a clear view of
Yorokobinoyado Takamatsu: Where You Overlook Kusatsu Onsen Read More »
If you want to spend a night at a traditional ryokan with a long history, consider Kusatsu onsen Boun (草津温泉 望雲). Opened in 1599, it is also one of the oldest ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen. It is the ryokan that many high-profile writers and great historical figures in the past loved! Moreover, the ryokan is
Kusatsu Onsen Boun: One of the Best Ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen Read More »
If bathing with strangers isn’t your cup of tea, you can book one of the private hot spring baths with Kusatsu Onsen Gensen Ichinoyu (草津温泉 源泉一乃湯), even if you are just a day guest. The hotel is also a great accommodation choice for those who prefer to enjoy the local cuisine instead of dinner prepared
Ichinoyu: A Stylish Ryokan That You Will Enjoy Staying at Read More »
Whether you are after an accommodation facility or not, Mampei Hotel (万平ホテル), close to Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, is worth a visit. With its top-quality hospitality, the well-kept hotel, partially Westernized and re-opened in 1894, is still one of the best hotels in Karuizawa. In addition, it is the hotel that John Lennon loved!
The Ultimate Guide to Karuizawa’s Best Hotel: Mampei Hotel Read More »