Ito is one of the famous onsen areas that’s located on the eastern coast of the Izu peninsula.

During my first trip to Kusatsu, Gunma in 2019, I stayed in a ryokan (a type of traditional Japanese inn) called Nakamuraya. The ryokan is well known for its 4-legged inhabitants. They have four cats that like to chill out in the common areas of the hotel that guest can pet and play with.

A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese style inn that is found throughout Japan with its signature feature of tatami matted (mats made from rice straw) rooms and in house onsens (hot spring baths). Ryokans are priced at a slightly higher rate than a hotel and hostel. However, here are 5 reasons why a ryokan experience is a must-try during your visit to Japan.

Yudanaka Onsen town is great all year round; however, going in winter would be a bonus to your travel plan as you can see the snow monkeys covered in snow soaking themselves in the onsen, go skiing or snowboarding, and most importantly, enjoy the outdoor natural hot spring under the snow (one of the best life experiences ever).

Many travellers have held their breath with wonder, standing before this magical scenery. One clearly understands how Yasunari Kawabata had chosen this particular niche as a reclusive, inspirational haven to complete his highly acclaimed novel.

The picturesque town with its classic architecture and willow-lined river is famous for its resort area featuring natural hot springs, called onsen in Japanese.

Kyo-machiya no Yado, a company providing Machiya accommodations, opened a new Machiya-Inn called Zen in the Hiyashiyama district of Kyoto city.

Kiya Ryokan is a unique kind of Ryokan where the modern and the traditional come together and is a Ryokan experience unlike any other! It is located in the heart of Uwajima a city in the south of Ehime prefecture.

If you wish to experience and understand Japanese culture, ryokan (traditional Japanese -style inn), is the accommodation to choose.

Nestled in the north of Gifu Prefecture are the famous tourist cities Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Takayama and Shirakawa-go are about two to three hours away from Gifu City and are only an hour from each other. Tourists wanting to see Shirakawa-go usually stay in Takayama due to the abundance of hotels and onsens it has to offer.

Kumamoto Prefecture is famous for hot springs. Kurokawa Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring resorts with a variety of ryokan (a Japanese-style hotel with onsen) to choose from.