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.

Japan is a land that is full of history and rituals. It is a place to explore a unique culture and immerse yourself in lushly landscaped gardens and cities that glitter like gold. Japan has some beautiful natural areas as well that shouldn’t be missed when you visit this ancient land.

Daisetsuzan National Park

The largest of Japan’s national parks, contained within are forests, lakes, hot springs, volcanoes and several groups of mountains. It is a stunning place to hike, ski or just get away from the crowded cities with their hustle and bustle. Asahi-dake is one of the highest peaks soaring over 7500 feet. It is a wonderful place to visit whether you have a few days to spare or even just a single one.

Mt. Fuji

Japan’s tallest mountain reaches to the skies at more than 12,000 feet. The last time Mt. Fuji spewed her lava was in 1707. Seeing its peak capped with pristine snow makes for a photographic moment. Many days the top of the mountain is obscured by clouds, but if you visit Japan in early spring, late autumn or winter, you will have the best chance at glimpsing this magnificent mountain top as the air is usually pretty clear.

Kinkasan Island

One of Tohoku’s most holiest places, Kinkasan was banned to women until the end of the 19th century. An idyllic place to escape the madness of the cities you can visit a shrine that is quite impressive and espy the 1460 foot mountain shaped like a pyramid. There are a few houses scattered about the island along with a dock for incoming boats. Feel free to hike untended trails at your own risk. Early mornings as well as late afternoons are the ideal time to visit this lonely island as there are no tourist services and is mostly visited by day trippers.

Iriomote-jima Island

Considered Japan’s final frontier, the jungle densely covers most of the island. Unspoiled waterfalls, rivers and beaches are the main attractions of this wilderness and if you are lucky you might spot the Iriomote yamaneko a rarely seen wildcat. Iriomote-jima is perfect for hiking into the interior clad with thick jungle. There are a few small towns on the island with a road that takes you halfway around the coastline, but there are no roads to take you to the interior. The river Urauchi-gawa is the main focus of the island and a short walk from the boat landing takes you to the spectacular Mariyudo-no-taki waterfalls where you can cool off in one of the many swimming holes that surround the falls.

If you are under the impression that Japan is filled with congested cities with no place for nature, visiting one of these mountains or islands will surely cure you of your misconception.