When traveling to Japan, in order to get the full cultural experience of the nation, staying in a Ryokan or a traditional Japanese inn is the best way to do it. So leave behind the world of Holiday Inns and enter the world of the Ryokan.

Going Inside

Once you step inside, you should take your shoes off immediately. There will be slippers provided for you to wear as shoes are not allowed. Once you have completed the check in process, a maid or the host will take you to your room. Before stepping on the straw mat or tatami, you must take off the slippers. Upon the tatami, there are Za-buton cushions upon which to sit.

A maid typically serves green tea for your enjoyment. There is a tea pot and teacups awaiting you on the table. Before you eat dinner, you can take a bath in the public bath provided at the inn. Many of the guests take several baths so you can bathe whenever you feel the desire.

Once your bath is complete, you will change into the summer kimono or yukata robe. If you are also presented with a tanzen or a kimono jacket, when you don it it goes over the top of the yukata.

Guests can enjoy their evening meal either in the dining room or in their private quarters. Futon bedding is prepared by maids in your room with guests sleeping upon the tatami mats on the futon.

Upon awakening, the maids will get the room ready for the morning meal as they pick up your sleeping futon. You may be offered breakfast in the dining room instead. Once you have rested after your morning meal, you can check out of the Ryokan or simply go sightseeing for the day to return later.

If you desire to stay in a Japanese inn or Ryokan, you will need to make reservations. You will also be required to arrive before it is time for dinner. Though your yukata robe is to be worn as pajamas, you can feel free to leave your room while you are wearing it.

When traveling to Japan, staying in a conventional hotel setting will take some of the mystique out of the exotic land of Japan. Try a stay at a Ryokan and have a true Japanese experience you won’t forget.

Bali is a picturesque destination resplendent with volcanoes, rice paddies, lush forests and warm tropical beaches set on the Indian Ocean. Finding budget accommodations when visiting this warm and inviting city can leave travelers with more money in their pocket for dining options, sightseeing adventures and of course souvenirs to take home to friends and family.

Ala’s Hibiscus 2

Part of the fun of staying at Ala’s Hibiscus 2 is the journey to get there. Paths to the guesthouse twist and turn and follow the channels of irrigation often with running water. All rooms have exceptional views along with mosquito nets and hot running water. Rice paddies surround the visitor and seeing feathered fowl is the norm and not the exception. Located in the neighborhood of Ubad, the accommodations are low key and quirky with budget prices that will please the traveler with a light pocketbook.

Homestay at the Biangs

With just six rooms set in a charming garden, walking amidst the rice paddies and the lush countryside is a pleasant experience not to be missed. The word biang translates to mama from the Balinese high dialect and the influence of “mother” is felt here.  Sweeping views of verdant foliage can be had for a little more money and is well worth it. Nocturnal birds serenade guests to sleep free of charge.

Blue Ocean

In the heart of the chic areas of Legian and Seminyak you will find the Blue Ocean guesthouse. Nothing fancy but with its close proximity (A 1 minute commute to the sea) to the ocean, surfers come to stay for more than just a week. A budget lodging that allows guest to be where the action is, pleasant rooms, outdoor bathrooms and hot water ensures that guests have the basic necessities.

Finding accommodations that are clean and comfortable in Bali doesn’t have to break the bank. Travelers on a budget can enjoy not only clean and comfortable accommodations, but just a little bit out of the norm so that they can relish a culture that is different from their own.