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Photo: Hotel Wakamizu: Sightseeing in the Surrounding Area – Part 2
Increasing numbers of international tourists are opting for “Onsen Ryokan” (hot spring inns) for their accommodation when booking trips to Japan. These inns (ryokan) feature Japanese-style interiors, authentic Japanese cuisine, and unique attractions such as large communal baths and open-air baths.
Additionally, as each ryokan competes on the basis of its own unique characteristics, we recommend “ryokan hopping,” where you stay at different ryokan within the same area or try a new ryokan at each destination you visit.
In this article, we’re excited to share review blogs for ryokan, each based on the unique experiences of our editors who have personally stayed at them.
We hope these will serve as a helpful reference for tourists seeking accommodation in Japan and alleviate any concerns those staying at a ryokan for the first time may have. Come and experience a different culture while rejuvenating and enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs!
For Your Reference
We recommend private hot springs (onsen) for:
• Visitors experiencing onsen ryokan for the first time (and are feeling a little nervous).
• Those hesitant about bathing unclothed with others.
• Visitors with tattoos (these are not normally permitted in public hot springs in Japan).
Private onsen, available as both couple onsen and family onsen, are a popular option and can be enjoyed throughout various locations in Japan (including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido).
For more information, please refer to the “ABCs of Onsen Ryokan” section at the end of this page.
Special & Popular
Osaka Kyoto Kansai Region
Limited-Time Offer! Announcing Ogoto Onsen’s Special Plan for you to Enjoy Kyoto and Hot Springs in Winter!
These limited-time plans are available from January 6, 2025, to February 28, 2025 / December 2, 2024, to May 31, 2025….
Previous Entries
Hokkaido
2023 Sapporo Snow Festival – Our visit the day before Part 1
We went to the Sapporo Snow Festival in 2023.
Hotels were hard to find and expensive during the event, so we stayed in Sapporo the day before and then in Otaru, Noboribetsu, and….
Otaru Kourakuen – Journal of our stay Part 2
We stayed at Otaru Kourakuen in Otaru as part of a package with the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Located about 10 minutes by car from the Otaru Canal and other….
Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu – Journal of our stay Part 3
We stayed at Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu in Noboribetsu Onsen as part of a package with the Sapporo Snow Festival.
All suites have a hot spring bath with a scenic view and are over…
1. From Sapporo to Furano – A Tour of the Magnificent Scenery in Furano, Tomamu, and Biei with Ping-ping. Private road trip in Hokkaido.
Starting out from New Chitose Airport, Ping-ping is about to set out on a trip to experience the magnificent scenery of Hokkaido!….
2. From Tomamu’s Unkai (sea of clouds) to Furano and Biei
On the second day, I got on a gondola lift leaving at 4 a.m. to go to Tomamu’s Unkai Terrace and saw a spectacular sea of clouds. After that, I visited Furano and Biei, and returned to New Chitose Airport….
Tokyo suburbs
Enjoying Mt. Fuji, ocean and hot spring at the same time – 2-day trip of Izu-Toi Onsen and Shuzenji Onsen making use of Shinkansen
When speaking about sightseeing of Mt. Fuji, many people may think of the famous Kawaguchi Onsen in Yamanashi. Here I want to introduce a new sightseeing route in Shizuoka….
Osaka Kyoto Kansai Region
Hotel Wakamizu: Hot Springs with 800 Years of Tradition and Authentic Kaiseki Cuisine Featuring the Coveted Kobe Beef – Part 1
This time, I’d like to introduce to you the authentic hot spring hotel “Takarazuka Onsen Hotel Wakamizu,” located near Osaka….
Hotel Wakamizu: Sightseeing in the Surrounding Area – Part 2
Hotel Wakamizu is nestled in the enchanting town of Takarazuka, home to a plethora of captivating sights.
The inn is conveniently located just a short distance from the station….
Biwako Hanakaido: A Popular Ryokan in the Kansai (Kyoto) Area – Visit Diary Part 1
Arriving at Ogotoonsen Station (おごと温泉駅), 20 minutes from Kyoto Station (京都駅). Lake Biwa, which is the largest lake in Japan, can be seen from the platform at the station….
Biwako Hanakaido: From soaking in the public bath to kaiseki dinner and futon bedtime (first day) – Part 2
We requested dinner at 6 p.m. and a staff was waiting for us at the lobby when we arrived just a bit early….
Biwako Hanakaido: From breakfast to check-out (second day) – Part 3
The morning sun entered the room as I opened the curtains. We took a hot spring bath in the room before our meal….
Hidden Hot Spring Resort Near Osaka – A Travelogue of The Awaji Island Onsen – Part 1
Awaji Island Onsen is a great hidden hot spring resort near Kansai International Airport, Osaka and Kobe. I took a tour of the Awaji Island last February. This article is a record of the enjoyable journey….
A Travelogue of The Awaji Island Onsen – Part 2
Day Two. Heading to the pier for Uzushio (whirlpool) Cruise.
On the morning of the second day, I drove 50 minutes to the Fukura Port, and experienced the Uzushio Cruise. Giant Naruto whirlpools….
A Travelogue of The Awaji Island Onsen – Part 3
Day Three. Heading to North Awaji.
On the third day, I travelled by taxi to several tourist spots, and moved towards the north. Since Awaji Island is a famous production region of….
Kyushu & Okinawa Region
Miyako Island (Miyako-jima) Onsen, Okinawa
Miyako Island (Miyakojima) is a remote island and a tropical paradise surrounded by the beautiful blue ocean, located 300 km southwest of the Okinawa Island. It has two airports – Miyako Airport and Shimoji Airport….
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