Hana Irodori no Yado Kayuu - Wakayama

Today we will show you a great resort-style hot spring inn located in the Nanki Taiji hot spring area of the Wakayama prefecture. Its name is Hana Irodori no Yado Kayuu and it is ideal if you want to take a break from exploring the Kansai area. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from JR Kii-Katsuura Train Station on the Kisei Line, and a free shuttle is offered. It is a 10-minute walk to the Taijicho Whale Museum and Taiji Kujirahama Park. Both indoor and open-air hot-spring baths are available for use, and you can enjoy resting on the sun terrace or practicing golf on the putting green. Karaoke and massages are also on offer, and the lobby has a free-use internet PC. The rooms you will be staying are at extremely well decorated. They have all you need and more. If you decide to stay in the rooms on the 6th floor, you will also have a private hot spring which is amazing! I already wrote about this in my website post, so you can check it out here!

Now let's talk about one of my favorite things; food! I really love the way they prepare food here. The chefs there say that their 5 important rules are: 

1. Have gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy nature blessed seasonal foods.
2. Select the ingredients carefully to produce the best possible food.
3. Use local, seasonal ingredients as much as possible.
4. Create cuisine that pleases all five senses of the guests.
5. Cook with sincerity.

These rules will ensure that you always get the best possible meals here. Some of the meals you must try are the Kumano beef, fresh tuna, and the grouper fish. The genuine certified Kumano beef was raised in the natural environment of Kumano and is descended from Tajima beef. The fresh and delicious tuna is from Katsuura Port, the largest tuna unloading port in Japan. you can enjoy the sweet, tender-textured fresh wild tuna. The grouper is a local delicacy that grows up to 1 m in length. It is in season from autumn to winter and is considered a delicacy eaten raw as sashimi or in hotpot dishes. The exquisite white flesh plumps up when cooked and fills your mouth with a rich flavor. Tasty! If you like to taste some local drinks, you won't be disappointed. They have many local beverages available including "Kumano Kodo Beer" with the citrus fruity aroma and wheat malt sweetness, pure rice sake "Nachi no Taki" made of the holy water of the Nachi no Taki Waterfall and Wakayama brewer's rice, and many more!

One reason I really like Kayuu is the fact that it is located on the Kii peninsula near so many great attractions that often get missed by most tourists. You can use it as a base to explore the surrounding area of the peninsula. The Kii Peninsula, part of the Kansai region, is a large peninsula in south-central Honshu. The Kii Peninsula juts southwards into the Pacific Ocean, with the Inland Sea to its west. The peninsula has the Yoshino-Kumano National Park and Ise-Shima National Parks, offering remote high mountain trails, sacred sites, waterfalls, gorges, beaches, and onsen.  Kumano Kodo is a historic pilgrimage route famous in the world and with parts of it protected by UNESCO. Three sacred sites are located in the hills and mountains of the Kii peninsula; "Kumano Sanzan," "Koyasan," and "Yoshino / Omine," In July 2004, UNESCO recognized these three sacred sites, the pilgrimage route connecting them, and the cultural landscape formed by nature and human activities over a long period of time, and the "Kii Mountain Range" was recognized as a property shared by humankind. Each of these alone is worth a visit, and the memory will stay with you forever. 

Hana Irodori no Yado Kayuu seaside resort ryokan is great for many types of visitors, and I am sure that you will love it as well. Whether you want to spend a few days relaxing by the seas and having fun with its many facilities and hot springs or use it as a base to explore the Kii peninsula, it is great for you! Check out their website and learn more!

Kijitei Hoeiso - Traditional Ryokan in Hakone

Kijitei Hoeiso - Traditional Ryokan in Hakone

Wondering through the streets of big cities like Tokyo is a fun experience. Visiting museums, going shopping, and enjoy the nightlife are all things many of us want to do when we visit Japan. But that fast pace and rush can sometimes become a bit too much. That is why I suggest to all of you that you spend some time exploring the Japans countryside. Japan's nature is immensely beautiful, and many of its rural areas still have that mysterious and unique atmosphere. Places like these are ideal for relaxing and getting in touch with that traditional side of Japan. One such place is Hakone, a famous area located close to Tokyo and Mount Fuji, with many hot springs and interesting places to see. It is best experienced by staying in a traditional ryokan, and an ideal one I can recommend is the Kijiteo Hoeiso. I already talked about many things this place offers in our website post which you can check out here!

As I noted in the post on our website, Kijiteo Hoeiso is a luxurious and authentic ryokan set amidst the mountains of Hakone next to a river. The ryokan offers the rotenburo outdoor onsen bath by the river and the magnificent view of the great nature from guestrooms. Indoor hot spring baths are also available! All baths are constantly filled by pure hot spring water that flows directly from the source, with overflow water being discharged into the river. Also, there are private hot spring baths in your room!

Regarding meals, you won't be disappointed since Japanese breakfast and dinner are served in the dining area. They are made from high-quality local ingredients. Their staple meal is pheasant meat that is famous for being both tasty and mild. Of course, there are many other types of dishes that can be served.

The guest rooms are of high quality as you would expect, with everything you need. I want over that in our website post so you can check more about it there. However, I would like to tell you now about their annex guest cottage that is available for groups of 7 or more people. It has been converted from a traditional Japanese farmhouse. Built-in the distinct architecture of a Gassho-style house, it is a rare and important cultural building. These styles of houses were common from the 17th century up until the start of the 20th century, but few remain these days. They had the house transferred here from a village in Gifu prefecture which is renowned for these types of houses. Some of the villages in Gifu are designated as world heritage sites due to the unique cultural importance of these houses.　The cottage has a high ceiling with a steeply sloping roof and makes the perfect getaway for larger groups wishing to have a memorable and traditional Japanese experience and I highly recommend it.

One of the biggest advantages of this ryokan is its excellent location in the Hakone area. Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than one hundred kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, natural beauty, and the view across Lake Ashinoko of nearby Mount Fuji, Hakone is an ideal destination if you want to take a break from Tokyo and enjoy all the amazing things it offers. I recommend that you get the Hakone Free Pass and use it to explore this area with several methods of transportation: train, bus, boat, cablecar, and ropeway. There are so many interesting places to see such as the Hakone Shrine, a Shinto shrine famous for its giant torii gates, one standing in the Lake Ashinoko in front of the shrine, and two others over the main street of the nearby Moto-Hakone. Lovers of nature will enjoy Owakudani, an area around a crater created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone over 3000 years ago. The ground there is bright yellow and in the air, there is a strong smell similar to rotten eggs because of the sulfur, so be prepared. Also there you can buy eggs, cooked in the naturally hot water, whose shells are black and which are said to prolong one's life by seven years. Fan of art and culture will be delighted to visit the famous Hakone Open-Air Museum where art blends with nature and where works by both Japanese and Western artists are framed by trees, grass, and mountains. The ancient and famous Tokaido road runs through Hakone, so if you enjoy hiking it is a perfect place to take a stroll. Also, the Tokaido at one point passes next to the Kijitei Hoeiso! So make sure not to miss it!

Many people have stayed at this exquisite place and have been absolutely delighted by what it offers. I am sure that if you book a stay here, you will be among them as well! If you are even a bit interested in this place, visit the Kijiteo Hoeiso and learn more! 

Araya Totoan - Historic Establishment in Yamashiro Onsen

Araya Totoan - Historic Establishment in Yamashiro Onsen

Have you ever dreamt of traveling back in time to ancient Japan and living in that land of wonders, traveling across it, meeting great samurai warriors, great artists, and wise men? Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to do that. However, there is something that we can do to at least come close to that feeling. We can explore the traditional side of Japan and do our best to experience the culture and history from up close. One great way to do that is to stay at a prestigious and historic ryokan. One that suits that description ideally is the Araya Totoan whose history extends back to 1639. I have talked a great deal about this amazing ryokan and what it offers in my website post which you can check out here. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit more about the history and culture behind this unique place. 

Araya Totoan is located in Yamashiro Onsen, one of the best hot springs in the Hokuriku region, which was opened almost 1300 years ago. That put that in perspective, one of the most powerful countries in the world today, the USA, has only existed for a little over 200 years!

There is an anecdote about the origins of this hot spring that goes something like this:

On his pilgrimage to Sacred Mt. Hakusan, the high priest Gyoki found a purple cloud trail and headed towards it. He then spotted a crow that tended its wounded wing in a puddle. As he came closer he discovered that the puddle was actually a hot spring. The Araya Totoan sits on the exact spot described as the hot spring source in the Karasu-yu Legend, which is also the original source of Yamashiro Onsen.

In the initial years following its discovery, the hot spring was mainly used by local farmers. However, after a retired emperor that entered the priesthood ordered the construction of temple buildings there, Yamashiro Onsen became known throughout the country. Since that time, influential persons of each historical period have visited for therapeutic purposes, such as Akechi Mitsuhide and Maeda Toshiie, the latter being the first lord of Kaga-han.

The Araya Totoan also had its fair share of famous guests, among which were the members of the Imperial family and the famed artist Kitaoji Rosanjin. He was an artist who demonstrated his talent in a number of different arts, such as seal engraving, calligraphy, and painting. In addition to being a prolific artist in a number of areas, Kitaoji Rosanjin was also a famous ceramist. In the early part of the Taisho period (the early 1900s), while in his thirties and still relatively unknown as an artist, Rosanjin stayed at Yamashiro Onsen for about one year and studied under Seika. Today the Araya Totoan houses some of the works of Rosanjin, including a red decorated plate that is considered to be his first work of ceramic art, as well as a screen that portrays the Karasu (crow cawing at daybreak) connected to the history of Karasu-yu.

These are just some of the reasons why you should visit this prestigious traditional hotel. To find out more about it visit the website of the Araya Totman. You will not regret it!

Matsuya Sensen in Awara Onsen - Hot Spring Resort in Hokuriku Region

 Matsuya Sensen in Awara Onsen - Hot Spring Resort in Hokuriku Region

Are you looking for an authentic but modern Japanese style hotel at which you can rest from your fast paces exploration of Japan? If you do, look no further, I have just the place for you and it is called Matsuya Sensen. This luxurious ryokan is located in the Hokuriku area of Japan, a bit of the beaten path that foreign tourists usually take. As such it can serve as a perfect base from which to visit many hidden gems in this area.

Many traditional-style Japanese hotels might have a hard time communicating efficiently with guests, however, that is not the case with Matsuya Sensen. They have English-speaking staff at the front desk. There are also English signs in the hotel.

I am a huge fan of Japanese hot springs and I love the ones they have available here. There are male and female bathing areas like you would expect. The male bathing area is large and well equipped, making for a truly relaxing experience. It includes an open-air bath as well as one of the largest baths in the Hokuriku region which is a delight to be in. Each of the five baths has a unique ambiance, and each offers a blissful bathing experience. The bathing area is spacious, making it perfect for a long, leisurely soak. Each wash station is sectioned off for an added sense of privacy. From single-person tubs to outdoor open-air baths, guests can enjoy a variety of baths and bathing environments.

The female bathing area features a variety of baths, including a solo-bathing bath, a 'ne-yu' sleeping bath, and a healing sauna that offers the same benefits as a bedrock bath. The female bathing area is also spacious and sectioned off for an added sense of privacy. One more thing the ladies will love is the ladies-only floor which contains a relaxation parlor to enjoy after bathing, an aesthetician’s spa, and more. At the aesthetician’s salon, located right next to the female bathing facility, you can receive aromatherapy and Bali-style treatments to help you rejuvenate.

If you book one of the more luxurious rooms, you will also have a private hot bath, which in my opinion, is a huge advantage! The rest of the room is also impressive. From the careful placement of ornaments to the tastefully selected furniture, the rooms exude a sense of authentic Japanese hospitality, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing stay that everyone can appreciate. Rooms offer both privacy and a refined atmosphere to ensure guests can truly unwind during their stay at Matsuya Sensen.

The ryokan has many facilities for you to use while you stay here which will make your stay more comfortable, fun, and relaxing. Of course, there are restaurants, 3 to be exact. With an open kitchen and modern Japanese atmosphere, Sen-no-Sachi is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing dinner of seasonal delicacies. Each dish is carefully prepared by our team of expert chefs and makes use of the finest local ingredients of the season. At the more casual Gottsuo-tei Hana Hana you can also expect many dishes but a more casual atmosphere. The highlight is definitely the Zen & Saron Chiyomigusa. It is an upscale dining hall for the exclusive use of guests staying on the special Hanareza floor. Meals served here are of the highest quality and use the finest local ingredients such as the famed Echizen crabs. There is also a tea lounge which is considered a  sophisticated and comfortable space where guests can relax while drinking a cup of aromatic coffee. If you want to have some fun at night there is the Club Kimi-Matsuya and the Bar Lounge Ware-Matusya. Here you can enjoy drink, parties, or rent a karaoke room. For additional fun, mahjong room and a ping-pong corner are there.

As I already said, Matsuya Sensen is ideally located to make your exploration of the Hokuriku area of Japan simple and fun. Many of the local attractions can be easily accessed. There are many types of things to see, so no matter what your preferences are, you will find something to love! For fans of nature, there is Tojinbo. Tojinbo is a series of steep cliffs with a height of more than 20 meters. The cliffs are a nationally designated place of scenic beauty and are also a national natural treasure. There are naturally shaped rocks that look like a lion, a candle, and many more interesting shapes, and visitors can enjoy looking at them from a sightseeing boat. Fans of Japanese culture will love to see Daihonzan Eiheiji. This temple was founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen, who was a patriarch of Soto Zen, for Zen practice. Various treasures including Hukan Zazengi (a national treasure), which is said to be written by Zen Master Dogen, are on display. If you love beautiful Japanese gardens, you will be happy to learn one of the best ones, Kenrokuen, is nearby. The garden was granted the highest rank of three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. If you are with kids, they will love to visit the famed Shibamasa World. A massive theme park surrounded by green grass and the Japan Sea. This theme park has a variety of attractions, including pools with some of the longest and highest slides in the world, mini-golf courses covered in natural grass, go-carts, roller coasters, and many more. Also, you might check out the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum which is one of the largest dinosaur museums in the world, or the Echizen Matsushima Aquarium where you can encounter various sea creatures including sharks, giant octopi, and doctor fish, and feed marine turtles and saltwater fish.

I am sure that you will love to stay at this interesting ryokan. That is why I suggest that you check out the website of Matsuya Sensen and learn more!

Grandia Housen in Awara Onsen - Hot Spring Resort in Fukui

Grandia Housen in Awara Onsen - Hot Spring Resort in Fukui

Have you ever wanted to find a luxurious and authentic Japanese hot spring resort where you can relax a bit from the rush of sightseeing all across Japan? Look no further because I have a perfect place for you. It is called Grandia Housen and it is a ryokan, a traditional Japanese hotel. It is located in Awara Onsen, a town in the north of Fukui Prefecture which is famous for its hot springs. This prestigious ryokan has been around for over 50 years and during all that time it was known as a prestigious and high-quality establishment. In addition to beautifully decorated rooms in both Japanese and Western styles, this ryokan has three different high-quality hot spring water sources, which are said to have many healing properties. I am a huge fan of onsens, so this is a huge plus for me. There is no better way to relax for a hectic day that to spend a part of the evening in a hot bath. The thing that goes perfectly with a hot bath for me, and you as well I am sure, is a delicious dinner. That is why I was delighted to find out about many delicious types of Japanese food served in Grandia Housen's several restaurants. More about that later. 

Even though Grandia Housen is located in Fukui Prefecture, a little bit off the usual tourist routes across Japan, that is what gives it even more charm in my opinion. It is a perfect detour and a place where you can slow down the quick temp of sightseeing. I recommend that you rent a car if you like driving and take the short trip to here from Kyoto or Kanazawa. If don't like driving, don't worry. There are many ways you can simply access Awara Onsen and Grandia Housen. You can reach it via train or bus to JR Awara Onsen Station from which a shuttle bus can take you to the ryokan. You can find out more details on their website. 

However, the area around Awara Onsen is not just a good place to rest and enjoy many hot springs; it also has its fair share of interesting places to see. Probably the most famous one is Tojinbo. It is a spectacular series of steep, rocky cliffs that stretch for about a kilometer along the coast. These giant, pillar-shaped rocks are a unique geological formation that can only be seen in a couple of other sports in the world, and nowhere else in Japan. This Japanese natural monument can be explored via trails that lead along the rocky embankment to various chasms and promontories. If you love visiting traditional temples and shrines, Eihei-ji Temple is a place you might be interested in. This important temple of Zen Buddhism was founded in 1244 and is one of the head temples of the Soto Sect of Zen Buddhism. If you are interested in art, one place you would love to see is the Kanaz Forest of Creation. This facility was set up to display and introduce creative artworks, and visitors also have the chance for hands-on experiences of creative arts such as glass-blowing, ceramics, and fabric dyeing, all set in the middle of nature. Fans of history will also be delighted to learn about the historic ruins of the Ichijodani Asakura clan. This is a castle town from which the Asakura clan ruled over this area for over a hundred years. For fans of Japanese food, there is Awara Onsen Food-Stall Village "Yukemuri-Yokocho", an area dotted with small food establishments where you can interact with locals and try their tasty dishes. If you are looking for a bit of entertainment, Shibamasa World is the place for you! In this huge leisure complex, you can find all kinds of entertainment, including a putter golf course, a water park with huge slides, a fully-equipped campsite, and more! Additional interesting places include the Echizen Matsushima Aquarium, Fukui Prefectural Children's Science Museum, and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. As you can see, there are a lot of things to do here which many tourists never get the chance to visit!

Grandia Housen itself is an amazing place where you can easily spend several days and still not get enough of it. Guests can enjoy beauty treatments, take a stroll in the lovely garden, or browse the souvenir shop. There is also a vibrant nightlife with a karaoke bar, private karaoke rooms, mah-jong rooms, a Japanese noodle restaurant, and more. The rooms, as you can see, are absolutely amazing. Perfectly designed, equipped with the highest quality furniture and many also have private outdoor hot baths. These are perfect if you want a bit of privacy; they are yours 24/7! However, the public baths in Grandia Housen are also exceptional. Tenjo no SPA, located in the main building, was recently renovated and was transformed into a high-end, comfortable, and modern bathing facility. Outdoor baths here at Grandia Housen enable you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area which looks wonderful no matter the season. When the weather is good, you can enjoy the spectacular night sky. If you choose to stay at the Kotobuki-tei Villa or Yutorogi-tei Annex parts of the ryokan, you will have access to one more bath, Hinoki large public bath.

As I already said, I am a huge fan of Japanese food and for me, the best evenings are those where I can enjoy a nice hot bath and a delicious dinner. If you are like me, you would love the wide variety of dishes offered in Grandia Housen's restaurants. I love trying as many local dishes as possible when traveling so I was happy to see that the local area is rich in high-quality ingredients from the mountains, countryside, and nearby sea. These seasonal ingredients are used to prepare exquisite dishes of the highest quality. 

As I said, there are several restaurants in Grandia Housen, so there is something for everyone. At the Kotobuki-tei Villa, traditional Japanese meals are served in the guest room or a small banquet room. At the ryotei Yuuzen or the restaurant Tokinokura, you can enjoy dining in a sophisticated atmosphere. Staying guests are served Japanese breakfast and a traditional multi-course dinner featuring local seasonal specialties. If you stay at the Kotobuki-tei Villa, the head chef himself will prepare traditional kaiseki course dishes of the highest quality that will be both delicious and perfectly presented. A Japanese fine-dining restaurant called Yuuzen is also available. The dinner courses feature dishes of vivid color and presentation with ingredients selected on a daily basis. 

All in all, I am certain that stay at this wonderful and luxurious ryokan is something that you will remember fondly. If you are a person who enjoys spending some time relaxing and exploring less known parts of Japan look no further than Grandia Housen. Make sure to visit their website to learn more about this amazing ryokan.

Iya Onsen - Shikoku's Hidden Gem

Iya Onsen - Shikoku's Hidden Gem

Have you ever heard of the Iya Valley? This beautiful secluded valley, located in the heart of the island of Shikoku, is famous for its stunning nature, deep rocky gorges, ancient vine bridges, and many hot springs. This is truly a hidden gem and a perfect place if you want to relax surrounded by nature. I wholeheartedly recommend that you visit this place, and if you do, make sure to book a stay at the amazing Iya Onsen located there.

This great onsen has a location that is great both for enjoying the spectacular views of surrounding nature and for exploring many nearby attractions. Iya Onsen can be easily accessed from the Oboke station by a shuttle bus offered for free to the customers of the onsen who arrive by train there.

As you might have guessed it by its name, one of Iya Onsen's best features are its hot baths. The open-air hot baths are located at the bottom of the valley and accessed by a cable car from the hotel. The ride itself is amazing, but the best part is the hot baths themselves. There are three hot baths in total, two of which are swapped every other day between male and female, and a third private compartment which you need to reserve in advance. The hot spring water is free-flowing straight from the source, which is shown by the white mineral deposits floating in the bath making the water cloudy. This onsen is probably one of the most impressive ones I ever saw. That is mostly thanks to its great location at the bottom of a steep valley right next to the river. Also, there is an indoor hot bath at the hotel which you can use if you feel like it.

The rooms at the Iya Onsen are of high quality and great design that you would expect from a hotel like this one. Amenities include LDC TVs, high-quality BOSE audio players, massage chairs, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, hairdryer, telephone, safe, toiletries, and other essential stuff. There are even yukata robes included. Most of the rooms have breathtaking views of the mountains and the valley, and some include open-air baths and even a foot bath. I really recommend that you get one of these premium rooms if you can. 

Breakfast and dinner can also be served here for you, and both are of high quality. Breakfast can be traditional Japanese, Western-style, or you can go to a breakfast buffet. For dinner I recommend you try one of the delicious traditional Kaiseki courses, to get the taste of traditional prepared local ingredients. Iya's local cuisine is grown and prepared by people who carry on their local heritage, including Genpei Imo potatoes which can only be found locally, thick and meaty shiitake mushrooms, wild mountain vegetables, buckwheat (soba) noodles, and local Iya tofu.

There are many amazing places you can visit in the Iya Valley that are only a short trip away from the Iya Onsen. First is the statue of the Peeing Boy which takes about 5 minutes on foot. Also, the famous vine bridge over the river is only 15 minutes by car, and the Hi-no-Ji “ひ” Valley is even closer. A few more famous locations you can visit in less than an hour by car are the Oboke Gorge, Ochiai Village, and the Double Vine Bridges in Oku-Iya. The Oboke Gorge was made over many years by the movement of the water wearing down the sandstone. See rock formations made of crystalline schist, a nationally designated natural monument, up close from the pleasure boat. Two vine bridges are located upstream on the Iya River. The two bridges made of vines are called the Men's Bridge and the Women's Bridge. The surrounding area is a panorama of natural beauty in every season. If you enjoy climbing mountains, Mt.Tsurugi is located about an hour and half from the hotel. At a height of 1995 meters, the peak offers an unparalleled view of a mystical sea of clouds, with the Kii Peninsula, Seto Inland Sea, and Ashizuri Peninsula in the distance. It has been known as a holy place for mountain worship since ancient times.

If you like what you see here, make sure to check out the website of Iya Onsen to learn more and book a stay here!

Kaneyoshi Ryokan - Ryokan in Downtown Osaka

Kaneyoshi Ryokan - Ryokan in Downtown Osaka

Are you planning a trip to the Kansai region? If you are, you are probably looking for a good and affordable place to stay which will enable you to easily visit all the interesting places in the area. One such hotel is the Kaneyoshi Ryokan; an urban-style affordable ryokan located in downtown Osaka, more specifically, in the famous Dotombori district. Kaneyoshi Ryokan enables you to conveniently explore this huge city and the whole Kansai region, while simultaneously having the luxury of staying in a traditional Japanese style rooms. The location is absolutely perfect as it enables you both great access to public transport, and gives you the opportunity to explore Dotombori on foot easily. There are many famous gourmet destinations located around the ryokan. Walking around the town and trying local gourmet food is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Osaka. Food lovers will also like the fact that the Kuromon Market is located nearby. This famous market deals with a great variety of food including fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. We could even say that the market supports all of the kitchens in Osaka. The market is also popular among foreign tourists. The location is very easy to find with lots of restaurants in the area. 

The rooms are traditional Ryokan style and provide traditional Japanese rooms with tatami flooring and futon bedding. These Japanese-style guest rooms offer a relaxing atmosphere and great views of the Dotombori riverside and canal. Amenities such as air conditioner, modular bath & bidet toilet, yukata, towels, bath towel, shampoo, conditioner,  tea set, television, telephone (in-house only), alarm clock, hairdryer are included. Also, the staff is really friendly and will help you with any issues you might have.

The hotel includes a large public bath where you can soothe away your travel fatigue in a traditional Japanese-style bath and stretch your legs and relax in the warm water. For me, it is perfect after a long day of sightseeing. This communal bath is open from 6 to 8 in the morning and 16 to midnight.  The front desk offers free luggage storage. An internet PC can be used in the lobby for free. Keep in mind that you leave your key with the front desk whenever you leave, and the front desks closes at 1 AM.

Kaneyoshi Ryokan offers Japanese-style breakfast which consists of dishes of fish and eggs, delicious rice, and miso soup. This tasty breakfast is served in the banquet hall and will give you strength for all-day sightseeing. Dinner is also offered and it is an elegant multi-course kaiseki meal served in your room or the dining hall.

Kaneyoshi Ryokan is located a 5-minute walk from downtown area Dotonbori, and a 10-minute drive from Tsutenkaku Tower. It is an hour away from Kansai International Airport by bus or train so it is easily accessible. The staff is extremely friendly and always happy to help and explain everything. The front desk is always tidy and ready for accepting guests. Various brochures and flyers are available and are useful for your stay while in Osaka.

This is certainly one of the most affordable and best Japanese-style hotels in Osaka. If you enjoy what you see here, I suggest that you visit their website and learn more about them.

Nishiyama Ryokan - Traditional hotel in Kyoto

 Nishiyama Ryokan - Traditional hotel in Kyoto

 

If you are a fan of Japan and Japanese culture, you will surely like to visit Kyoto at least once. When you decide to visit this beautiful city full of ancient buildings and monuments, I suggest that you book a stay in a traditional style hotel; a ryokan. One such place, located in the center of Kyoto, is the Nishiyama Ryokan. This small and affordable Japanese style hotel, know for its excellent hospitality and friendly staff, will welcome you with open arms. There are so many interesting things about this ryokan that make it stand out from the rest. First of all, its location is perfect. It is located in the central Kyoto area very close to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. There are many small restaurants and shops in the area that you can check out, all within a few minutes walk.    It is also conveniently located close to the Kyoto Shiyakusyo-mae subway station and several bus stops, which makes it easy to reach all the important spots in the city. One more thing that I really like about Nishiyama Ryokan is the fact that they are holding free Japanese Culture events like Tea Ceremony, Koto Concert, Calligraphy lessons, and workshops in their lobby almost every Friday. This is truly amazing since these events let you experience Japanese culture in the best possible way for free.

Nishiyama Ryokan offers several different room types, from authentic Japanese style rooms to spacious western-style family rooms. These rooms are quite cozy and have all you need during your stay there. The rooms are air-conditioned, have comfortable traditional futons, LCD TV, an attached bathroom, provided toiletries, and even yukata robes. They are also known for being extreme clean and well cared for. Also, if you have any issues, the friendly staff is eager to help in any way they can.

Nishiyama Ryokan features a nice traditional garden which is ideal if you want to relax from the rush of sightseeing all day. In the garden there is a beautiful clear-water pond and a wide variety of colorful flowers and greenery. One more thing that you can enjoy in this ryokan is a public bath with a natural waterfall. Keep in mind that men and women have separate bathing areas. I personally love to go to the hot bath after walking all day and just relax for an hour.

 After that, I love to grab a nice dinner, especially a traditional Japanese one. If you enjoy the same thing, you will be glad to hear that at Nishiyama Ryokan you can enjoy a wide variety of traditional Japanese meals made by an experienced Japanese chef. One of the meals that you can enjoy here is traditional Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, prepared with the freshest of seasonal ingredients for dinner with flavors matching the current season. One more good meal is the Japanese style breakfast which includes Yudofu "Boiled tofu", grilled fish, Japanese omelet, vegetables, Miso soup, and rice. Western-style meals can also be prepared if you desire, but I suggest that you try the amazing traditional meals offered here; you won't regret it I promise.

In the end, I have to say that I am satisfied with the things Nishiyama Ryokan offers and I suggest that you visit their website and learn more about them if you are looking for an affordable and good ryokan in Kyoto.