With a huge variety of accommodation, ranging from simple hostels to five star hotels with all inclusive packages, Ishigaki Island has something for every traveler.

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.

If you're interested in heading off the beaten path and exploring one of the lesser-known Okinawan Islands, then Miyako-jima could be the destination for your next holiday.

Nemurin Oriental is a small pension called situated in the Nasu Kogen region of Tochigi prefecture. It's perfect if you want to relax in a quiet environment, enjoy nature and take soothing baths in private hot spring baths.

For most tourists, Suginoi is one of the best hotels in Beppu with such a great location, large estate and excellent service. Located on top of the hill Kankaiji hot spring area, Suginoi has an incredible advantage to attract a huge number of tourists from all over Japan as well as China and Korea.

If you are in Tokyo and want to experience the Buddhist tradition of temple lodging, or “Shukubo”, you are in luck. Taiyoji, The Temple of the Sun, has everything you could want in a temple stay, just a two- hour train ride away.

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.

Hakuba is much larger than your average ski town and offers various accommodations to choose from at every price point. The valley is comprised of many neighborhoods and I recommend staying at the three closest to Happo-One, the largest resort.

Traveling is not cheap, and a huge part of the cost comes from accommodation. Sure, you don’t have to stay in a fancy hotel. However, some of us (hello!) want to save as much as possible so we can splurge our budget on other parts of the trip, such as trying out all the high quality local cuisines.

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).

Once nicknamed Ryugujo or the Palace of the Dragon King of the Sea, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a lavish hotel complex in Meguro, Tokyo.

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.