Where We Stay
In order to give you an idea of the types of ryokans we use, here are a few of our favorite ryokans.
Tokyo - Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu
Located on a small, side street, only one block from the famous Nakamise-dori, the Shigetsu is in a perfect spot for visiting this shopping street, as well as Senso-ji temple, the busiest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, found at the end of Nakamise-dori. Two subway stations are within a five-minute walk, also making the Shigetsu a perfect base from which to explore Tokyo. The Shigetsu is in the heart of the Asakusa district of Tokyo. This area of Tokyo is a maze of narrow streets with numerous traditional shops, restaurants, and arcades. Asakusa has been able to maintain the spirit of 17th- and 18th-century Tokyo, making it a unique island of traditional Japan in a sea of a modern megalopolis, and inviting exploration.
The Shigetsu is a perfect mix of modern and traditional. Relaxing, traditional Japanese music can be heard in the public areas, and tasteful decorations can be found in true Japanese-style. The baths are located on the sixth floor, with spectacular night views of the five-story pagoda at Senso-ji, as well as the surrounding skyline with its flashing neon signs. Tasty and substantial western-style or Japanese-style breakfasts are served in the restaurant on the first floor, and there is a computer available to check e-mails in the lobby.
Takayama - Asunaro
The moment you enter the Asunaro, you know you are somewhere special. The lobby is a 150-year-old farmhouse, brought in from a village in Northern Japan, renovated and reconstructed on-site. The dark-stained wooden floors, arching timber supports, and sunken-hearth fireplace give the Asunaro a very old and traditional atmosphere. This feeling is continued throughout the entire ryokan with the dark-stained wood, wooden ceilings, and exposed beams found everywhere, and the many Hina dolls and antiques located throughout the ryokan.
Meals are served in the large dining halls located on the first floor. Dinners always include Hida beef, the specialty of this area. Hida beef is said to be every bit as good as Kobe beef. Breakfasts will include Hoba Miso, another specialty of the Takayama area. Miso paste, mixed with mountain vegetables are cooked on a magnolia leaf over an open flame. The large stone baths are across the hall from the dining hall on the first floor.
Koya-san - Shojoshin-in
Since the Shohoshin-in is a Buddhist temple, they do not have a website, however, this website has many photos of the temple.
The Shojoshin-in Buddhist Temple's history dates back more than 1,100 years. It is said to have originated as a thatched-roof cottage built by Kobo Daishi, the 9th century Buddhist monk who introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan. It is also said Kobo Diashi spent his last night here before starting his "eternal sleep." The Shojoshin-in is next to the main entrance of the tomb-lined pathway through Okuno-in's cemetery, making it a convenient place for a night stroll through the cemetery. Many of the current temple's buildings are 150-years-old, with some rooms facing a small, quiet garden. Shojin-ryori meals (vegetarian meals with no onions or garlic) are served, and everyone is invited to attend the O-inori (prayer service) held early in the morning. Dinners will usually include vegetable tempura, and Gomadofu, the specialty of Koya-san. Gomadofu is tofu mixed with sesame seed oil, topped with a small dollop of wasabi.
Osaka - Yamatoya Honten
The Yamatoya Honten is located in the heart of Minami Osaka (South Osaka), an entertainment, restaurant, and shopping district. The entrance to the Dotombori-dori, at the center of Minami Osaka with its many restaurants, is just across the street, making the Yamatoya Honten the perfect jumping-off point for exploring this unique and fun area of Osaka.
While visiting the Dotumburi-dori, be sure to look for the Ebisu bridge, a short walk from the Yamatoya Honten. This bridge will lead you to a jumble of tall flashing neon signs, strongly evoking the movie Bladerunner.
The Yamatoya Honten is a peaceful island in a sea of modern megalopolis.The large, comfortable lobby is a relaxing place to plan the evening's activities, and traditional Japanese music can be heard in the public areas. Some of the rooms face the canal that runs behind the Yamatoya Honten. All meals are served in the guest rooms, and the large baths are located in the basement.
Miyajima - Mori-no-yado
Mori-no-yado literally translates to "Inn of the Woods." This name aptly describes the tranquil and peaceful setting of this ryokan, which is surrounded by a small grove of trees, a park, and a Shinto Shrine. From the outside, the ryokan has a modern look, but the inside has a definite Japanese feel. The spacious lobby looks out onto a small Japanese garden, complete with a koi-filled pond. The spacious baths overlook another small Japanese garden and a hillside with countless trees.
The western or Japanese-style breakfasts are served in the restaurant on the first floor, and dinners are served in one of the many dining halls. Due to the ryokan's proximity to the ocean, fish is usually the main part of the meal. The Mori-no-yado is within easy walking distance of all the sights on Miyajima Island.
Kyoto - Hotel Matsui
Located in the heart of downtown Kyoto, the Hotel Matsui is within easy walking-distance of numerous restaurants, shops, department stores, and the Gion geisha district. It's also only two blocks from the famous Nishiki-koji open-air market. Be sure to sample the many options as you walk along this shopping arcade. Explore the many narrow side streets in this neighborhood to find your own discoveries.
Service is the key word at the Hotel Matsui. From the moment you arrive, the friendly and inviting hotel staff will take care of every detail. You will be served matcha (powdered green tea) and Japanese sweets upon your arrival. Meals are served in the many dining halls, and the ample baths are located in the basement.