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.
Kushiro is the largest city in eastern Hokkaido with a population of about 200,000 residents. The city is known for its deep-sea fishing and for tourists it is the starting point for visits to Akan National Park and Shiretoko National Park. Akan National park is a mountainous park located in eastern Hokkaido, and the park's main attractions are its spectacular mountains, lakes, and crater lakes. The park also has a group of volcanos such as Mount Akanfuji, Mount Oakandake, and Mount Meakandake. These volcanos are located around three volcanic lakes - Lake Akanko, Lake Mashuko, and Lake Kusharoko (the largest lake in the park). Kawayu Onsen (Kawayu Hot Spring) pours into Lake Kusharoko and near Kawayu Onsen lies Mount Io which is a 510 meter active volcano. Shiretoko National Park is located on the Shiretoko Peninsula which juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk. It is said to be one of Japan's most beautiful (and largely unexplored) parks consisting of steep mountain peaks covered with lush green forests and numerous outdoor hot springs. Some of the main attractions are the five small lakes of Shiretoko-goko, and the hot spring rivers and waterfalls known as Kamuiwakka-no-taki. Sightseeing boats leave from Utoro Onsen (Utoro Hot Spring) for visitors wishing to view the peninsula's dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. The coastline of Shiretoko Peninsula is also a popular destination for visitor's wishing to view floating ice.
