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.
Located in the center of Japan, Gifu Prefecture is a mountainous, rugged area full of beautiful forests and rushing rivers. There are a lot of picturesque and historical places to visit here such as Takayama (the little Kyoto of the Japan Alps) and Shirakawago (traditional Japanese farmhouses and Ogimachi, a World Cultural and Heritage site), and Gero Onsen (one of the top hot spring areas in Gifu
Shirakawago is widely known as one of the most scenic places in Japan. It is surrounded by pine tree covered mountains, and it is located along the picturesque Shokawa River. Besides the beautiful scenery, the unique Japanese thatched-roof farmhouses are the center of attraction. There are approximately 180 thatched farmhouses, sheds, and barns, and most of them were built about 200-300 years ago.
Hida Takayama (or simply \"Takayama\") is located high in the Hida Mountains in Gifu Prefecture. Founded in the 16 century, Takayama borrowed from the cultural centers of Kyoto and Tokyo and developed its own arts and crafts, cuisine, and architecture. San-Machi Suji is the historical district of Takayama, and strolling through this area is like taking a journey in time to 18 century Japan. Indeed
Located in the northwest part of the Kanto region, Gunma Prefecture is only a one hour train ride from Tokyo. Famous for its natural beauty, Gunma Prefecture is best known for its hot springs, lakes, highlands, and mountains. There are a number of national and prefecture parks, and within these parks there are an endless number of spectacular hot springs (See a Hot Spring Experience for more detai
Located in the northwest part of the Kanto region, Gunma Prefecture is only a one hour train ride from Tokyo. Famous for its natural beauty, Gunma Prefecture is best known for its hot springs, lakes, highlands, and mountains. There are a number of national and prefecture parks, and within these parks there are an endless number of spectacular hot springs (See a Hot Spring Experience for more detai
Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is a popular tourist destination. There are 13 public baths at Kusatsu Onsen. The small bathhouses that are free for both town residents and tourists are managed by the townspeople themselves. The source of its hot water is nearby Mount Kusatsu-Shirane and the appearance of the waters range from c
Located in the northwest part of the Kanto region, Gunma Prefecture is only a one hour train ride from Tokyo. Famous for its natural beauty, Gunma Prefecture is best known for its hot springs, lakes, highlands, and mountains. There are a number of national and prefecture parks, and within these parks there are an endless number of spectacular hot springs (See a Hot Spring Experience for more detai
Located in the northwest part of the Kanto region, Gunma Prefecture is only a one hour train ride from Tokyo. Famous for its natural beauty, Gunma Prefecture is best known for its hot springs, lakes, highlands, and mountains. There are a number of national and prefecture parks, and within these parks there are an endless number of spectacular hot springs (See a Hot Spring Experience for more detai
Located in the northwest part of the Kanto region, Gunma Prefecture is only a one hour train ride from Tokyo. Famous for its natural beauty, Gunma Prefecture is best known for its hot springs, lakes, highlands, and mountains. There are a number of national and prefecture parks, and within these parks there are an endless number of spectacular hot springs (See a Hot Spring Experience for more detai
Ishikawa Prefecture lies along the Japanese seacoast, and its spectacular Noto Peninsula extends out into the Sea of Japan. The capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture is Kanazawa which is located on the coast. Along with Kyoto, Kanazawa escaped the bombing during the Second World War and as a result some of the city remains as it as been for hundreds of years. Visitors can explore the tiny narrow cro
