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 »
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 »
Zenkoji Temple is the landmark around Nagano Station. Speaking of temple, the term Shōjin Ryōri (精進料理) might pop into your head. The best place to try the monk cuisine close to the temple is Fuchinobō (淵之坊). It is one of the 39 sub-temples of Zenkoji Temple that allow visitors to stay overnight (Shukubō, 宿坊). If
Fuchinobō: Nagano’s Top Shukubō & Its Exquisite Shōjin Ryōri Read More »
Accommodations in Japan are getting increasingly expensive post-pandemic. It is no surprise that capsule hotels are a good option for those who are budget-conscious or those who do not feel the need to splash out on expensive hotels. However, the quality of these cheap options can sometimes be questionable, so you may not have a
Nine Hours: Japan’s Best and Most Modern Capsule Hotel Chain Read More »
Although Awa no Yu (泡の湯旅館) is located away from Shirahone Onsen‘s town center, it is the ryokan that represents hot spring town. In fact, the biggest onsen pool in Nagano Prefecture is found at Awa no Yu! The ryokan, which was opened in 1912, is known for its mixed-gender hot spring pool. But don’t worry.
Awa no Yu Ryokan: The Must-Stay Ryokan in Shirahone Onsen Read More »
Nowadays, most of the restaurants in Mt. Hiei are no longer vegetarian. The best place to head to for lunch is Enryakuji Kaikan (延暦寺会館) in the Tōtō area. It is also where you can spend a night at Enryakuji. The meals served in the restaurant on the second floor are all vegan. Not only is
Enryakuji Kaikan: Mt. Hiei’s Vegan Restaurant and Temple Lodging Read More »
