stay

Japan abounds with types of accommodation and places to stay. Capsule hotels, western hotels, love hotels, spa hotels, minshuku, temples, log cabins, the list goes on. All offer an interesting insight to the Japanese psyche, but none hold the place in the heart of Japan as much as the Onsen Ryokan.

 

the ryokan

A ryokan embodies the very essence of Japan and is surely the accommodation of choice to experience the uniqueness of Japan. Onsen Ryokan are traditionally styled hot spring hotels, featuring traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and plump cushy futons.

On premises indoor and outdoor baths are filled from nearby natural hot springs. A soak in the onsen is the absolute best way to start and finish the day. The qualities of the hot spring water differ from place to place and lead people to travel long distances to find the perfect combination of minerals to soothe their aches and provide a natural health treatment for ailments.

Meals are traditionally ‘Kaiseki ryori’, a number of small and varied dishes that will astound the eye as well as the palate. Kaiseki aims to create a balance of the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food and is an experience in itself.

 

eat

We can show you to the best restaurants and bars and make sure you get to try all the most delicious foods and not miss out on something special due to a lack of English menus.

The on field restaurants deliver a wide range of tasty and filling meals for lunches, sure to keep your energy up during your time on the slopes.

Nearly all establishments offer up delicious local beer, sake or a selection of Japanese and western spirits to accompany your meal.

Drinking in Japan is always accompanied by food, a good thing when people are constantly refilling your glass. Many a foreigner has returned from Japan with a taste for the wonderful tastes of Japanese spirits.

You can use the numerous vending machines, convenience stores and supermarkets to keep stocked up on all the tasty snacks and drinks.

 

bathe

A large part of the charm of staying in Japan is the wonderful feeling of soaking in a Onsen hot spring.

Nothing refreshes the legs or builds up an appetite like these magical baths.

Although private facilities are also available at most ryokan, bathing is usually communal in one or several large baths. Male and female baths are segregated with separate changing rooms and facilities.

Guests generally bring a small towel with them to use as a washcloth. The towel can also provide a modicum of modesty when walking between the washing area and the baths. Some onsen allow one to wear the towel into the baths, while others frown upon this.

As with most things, do what the locals do and it will soon feel natural.