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.
It is just over a 2 hour trip on a high speed ferry from Tokyo to Oshima Island, the largest island on the chain of Izu Islands. Oshima Island is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and it is a popular destination for Tokyo residents. Oshima offers visitors a variety of activities such as golf, cycling, swimming as well as various things to see such as waterfalls, shrines, beaches, and Mount Mihara. This is an active volcano which erupted in 1986 and forced the evacuation of the entire island. It is best to avoid going to Oshima Island during the summer weekends and national holidays as it can get very crowded.
