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.
Shizuoka Prefecture is located along the Pacific Ocean, and it is full of mountains, lakes, and a long, picturesque coastline. The most famous of its mountains is Mount Fuji which straddles both Shizuoka and the neighboring prefecture of Yamanashi. Besides Mount Fuji, one of the main attractions of this prefecture is the Izu Peninsula which juts out into the Pacific Ocean west of Tokyo. This area contains over 2,300 hot springs, and the coastline offers some gorgeous scenery and pretty beaches. The east coast of Izu is quite built up, and there are several historical spots to visit such as Shimoda which was the site of America's first consulate. The west coast and central part of the peninsula are less developed, and provide some striking coastal and offshore island scenery.
