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.
Iwate Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region in northern Japan, and it is the largest prefecture in Japan. The capital city is Morioka which is located in the center of the prefecture. With Mount Iwate in the distance and the Nakatsugawa and Kitakamigawa rivers running through the city, Morkioka is a city with beautiful landscape and a rich history. Along the eastern side of the Nakatsugawa river, tourists can go back in time and visit the merchant and private houses from the 19 and early 20 centuries. Another historical city is Hiraizumi which is in southwestern Iwate Prefecture. During the 11 and 12 centuries it was the center of power in the Tohoku region, and today over 3,000 national treasures and historical sites can be viewed by visitors. Along the Pacific side of the prefecture there is a wide variety of scenic beauty including sheer cliffs, strangely-shaped rocks, white sandy beaches, as well as numerous fishing ports dotting the coastline.
