5 Must-Visit Ryokans for Your Next Trip to Japan

Above, inside an Atami ryokan room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tourists to Japan are missing out on experiencing something totally Japanese if they don't stay at a traditional Japanese inn, known as a ryokan. 

I have stayed at several ryokans over the years and found them more enjoyable than hotels. 

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on five "must-visit" ryokans.

They begin it with:

There are countless reasons to visit Japan, but warm hospitality, unmatched design, and rich culture are just a few topping the list. And where better to draw all these elements together than at one of the nation’s many ryokans? Roughly translating to “inn,” ryokans lie at the heart of Japanese culture, known for their home-cooked meals on cushioned floors and snug sleeps on tatami mats. Often built atop natural hot springs, called onsen, communal bathing is also common to these cozy establishments, while sliding paper walls, called shoji doors, are also fundamental to these intimate spaces, cleverly filtering through natural light while maintaining absolute privacy.

Ryokans are rooted in tradition, and there are plenty of historic places to choose from—but a flurry of new developments has reimagined their iconic Japanese customs for modern audiences. Mineral-rich waters in private bathrooms, low rather than floor beds, and entire ryokan rentals are just some adaptations that have entered the scene—but all share the same goal of immersing guests in the ultimate authentic experience. Whether you’re looking for a bolthole passed through generations or a refreshing take on the lodging style, we’ve rounded up some of the loveliest ryokans for your next trip to Japan. (Or, for a more familiar stay, see our guide to the best hotels in Japan.)

To read more, go here. 

Why Japan’s Bullet Train Is Simply the Best On the Planet

Above, a Tokaido Shinkansen train arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Anyone visiting Japan has to put one item on their "bucket list" of things to do.

That is taking a ride on Japan's Shinkansen, or Bullet Train.

I have ridden aboard several bullet trains over the years and found them to be comfortable and relaxing. If one is lucky, views of Mount Fuji can be seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Above, Mount Fuji from the Tokaido Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Los Angeles Times has posted a guide to riding the speedy Shinkansen.

They begin it with:

It begins as a gentle rumble as you see motion out of the window: that slight lurching forward. With a steady gait, the train leaves the station, passing a crisscross melange of different city and regional rail lines also staking out on their journeys. Through the maze of tunnels, trestles, flyovers and what feels like one million buildings, the sleek N700 hums evermore to life, as speed limits start to ease and the endlessness of Tokyo … well, ends.

And then, without exactly knowing how it happened or even feeling it, you realize you are traveling at around 175 miles per hour and the world is flying by.

To read more, go here. 

Shinkansen At 60

Above, a bullet train pulls into Atami Station in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that last year the famous Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, in Japan turned 60?

Incredible as it may seem, the Shinkansen began Service in October 1964. 

I have taken rail trips on the Shinkansen from Sendai to Kyushu and points in-between. They have always been enjoyable and comfortable.

According to Travel and Tour World:

On October 1, 1964, just days before Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics, Japan unveiled the world’s first high-speed rail service — the Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train. This sleek white marvel did more than cut travel times; it became a powerful symbol of Japan’s rapid post-war recovery and technological prowess, setting a global benchmark for rail innovation.

To read more, go here. 

60th Anniversary of Japan's Bullet Train

Above, the first Shinkansen train I rode in 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Introduced just a few days before the 1964 Tokyo Olympic games, Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) was introduced into service with the Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Osaka.

This year marks 60 years since that event and bullet trains serve passengers with more lines around the country. The country will celebrate this milestone this coming Tuesday.

Above, a Shinkansen's car interior. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

I have been on several bullet trains over the years including the aforementioned Tokaido Line and routes to Sendai, Fukuoka and Sendai. The ride is so smooth that its speed is not noticeable until the train passes one going the opposite direction and the air cushion between them hits.

Above, a Shinkansen arrives at Atami Station in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

.Here's a video from British Pathé:

 

Here's a video from the Film Archive of Japan:

 

Phishing Scam Victimized Over 100 Japanese Hotels

Above, the front desk of an Atami ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over 100 Japanese hotels have fallen victim to a phishing scam involving Booking.com.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - Over 100 hotels in Japan have fallen victim to email scams that try to steal customers' credit card information using accommodation reservation site Booking.com, a Kyodo News tally found Saturday.

Some of the hotels said their customers lost money after the fraudsters stole their card details. The Japan Tourism Agency has instructed Booking.com Japan K.K., the Japanese unit of the major lodging booking site operator, to conduct a full investigation.

Booking.com Japan declined to comment on the financial damage. 

The phishing scams come as similar cases are reported worldwide, and Japan sees a return to booming tourism levels after COVID-19 border restrictions were lifted.

With the help of anonymous cybersecurity specialist Piyokango, the Kyodo News count found that as of March 26, some 118 accommodation businesses in at least 21 prefectures have been affected since June last year.

Fraudsters send emails to Japanese hotels to access their Booking.com management system. The email contains a link, which infects a computer once clicked.

Personally, whenever I have traveled to Japan, I book rooms directly with the hotels. 

To read the full article, go here.

Navigating Japan's Shinkansen Network

Above, inside a bullet train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My first trip to Japan was in November 2001. During that trip I took a bullet train (Shinkansen) trip to the Atami area of Japan.

Since then, I have taken several other Shinkansen trains to other areas of Japan including Sendai, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kyushu and Niigata. 

Travel + Leisure has posted a complete guide on Japan's bullet trains with information on the different types of them.

They begin with:

The notion of wasting time on commutes is foreign in Japan, thanks to its high-speed bullet trains, or Shinkansen, which zoom along at a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). Operating on a well-organised high-speed railway network, these trains adhere to a punctual schedule throughout the week. With travellers’ convenience at the fore, Japan’s bullet trains delight with amenities like vending machines, food carts serving meals, drinks, and snacks, as well as informative announcements delivered in multiple languages.

To read more, go here. 

Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Above, a shinkansen train arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On October 1, Japan Rail raised the prices on its Rail Passes, by around 70%,

I traveled around Japan during my eight visits there over the years and found it to be economical. Now that the prices have been raised, the question now is, "Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?"

An article in Japan Today discusses this.

They begin with:

TOKYO - There are many things to love about Japan, from the food to the living tradition to the ultra-modern streets of fast-paced Tokyo. Of course, there are also the trains. Sleek and punctual, they whisk passengers from one corner of the country to the other in comfort and style.

Regular visitors will know about the Japan Rail Pass, an affordable, all-you-can-ride ticket that grants access to the many Japan Rail-associated trains, including the famous bullet train, the shinkansen. However, prices have recently increased—and by quite a lot.

Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it? 

To read the full article, go here. 

Be sure to read readers' comments.

Japan's Hotel Guest Numbers Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels In June

Above, the front desk of the Atami Shinkado ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that the tourism industry in Japan is well on the road to a full recovery after the pandemic.

The number of hotel guests exceeded pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - The number of Japanese and foreign tourists staying at hotels and other accommodation facilities in June exceeded pre-pandemic monthly levels for the first time in more than three years, rising 1.0 percent from the same month in 2019, government data showed Monday.

There were around 46.3 million guests, according to preliminary data by the Japan Tourism Agency, with pandemic restrictions completely lifted and COVID-19's classification downgraded in May to a level equivalent to the seasonal flu.

The number of travelers had dropped drastically from February 2020 after initial cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Japan.

But with the country's abolishment of pandemic border controls in April, the number of foreign guests in June rose 15.6-fold from a year earlier to 9.43 million, reaching 98.4 percent of what it was in June 2019.

To read more, go here. 

Experience Godzilla Daily Attacks In Atami

Above, Atami Castle sits on a hill overlooking the town. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Atami has the distinction to Godzilla fans as the place where the battle between Godzilla and King Kong ended in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962).

After demolishing Atami Castle, both monsters tumbled into the ocean.

Today, Atami has a new Godzilla attraction that fans may want to check out: daily Godzilla attacks.

Japan Today reported:

Atami has long been one of Japan’s most popular seaside travel destinations. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture at the eastern entrance to the Izu Peninsula, Atami’s abundant hot springs and sweeping ocean views make the archetypal itinerary a nice long soak and a luxurious meal served in your hotel room as you gaze out at the sea as the sun sets.

However, if rather than destressing you’re looking for something that’ll get your heartrate up in Atami, the Atami Bay Resort Korakuen hotel has just the amenity for you: daily Godzilla attacks.

The hotel is currently running the Escape from the Hotel Being Attacked by Godzilla escape room game. The event is one of the latest creations from Scrap, the Tokyo-based escape room design company (and also the people behind the amazing real-life Metal Gear Solid game). And even though Godzilla is targeting the hotel, non-guests can get in on the fun/terror too, since the game is offered in two formats.

To read more, go here. 

What You Can See From Japan's Shinkansens

Above, a Tokaido Shinkansen arriving at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there is one thing visitors to Japan should put their "bucket list" it is taking a train trip aboard one of Japan's famous bullet trains, or Shinkansen.

The first time for me was taking a Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami in 2001. The longest for me was from Tokyo to Fukuoka in Kyushu. 

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a Tokaido Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are several Japan Rail Passes for foreign visitors available for unlimited use in set numbers of days. Along with Shinkansen trains, rail passes can also be used for JR commuter trains and subways.

If one is considering such a ride aboard a Shinkansen and would like more information, The Travel has posted a detailed article on them, including their history and evolution.

They start it with:

If we can revere technology and the marvel of engineering, Japan triumphs over it. The new needle-nosed bullet train of Japan called "Shinkansen" which literally means "New Trunk Line" or Super Express has garnered a lot of attention.

About Shinkansen

Operated by Japan Railways (JR) Group Companies, this train is recommended for any long-distance, be it between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka, Hokkaido to Kagoshima, Shinkansen covers most of Japan. A mesmerizing experience to watch all the coveted destinations of Japan on this journey makes it a more attractive proposition.

The speed of the train is a maximum of 320 km/hour or 199 mph. So, 500 km can be traveled in 2 to 2.5 hours surprisingly. Quite spacious and luxurious, one can relax around and bask in the glory of nature. Also, free Wifi is available on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines. The train is famous for its speed, reliability, and safety.

To read more, go here. 

What It's Like To Stay In A Traditional Ryokan

Above, a ryokan room in Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When foreigners are allowed to vacation in Japan again (whenever that'll be), one thing they should try is staying at a traditional Japanese inn (or ryokan).

I've stayed at several ryokans over the years and enjoyed each one. 

TheTravel has an article on what it's like to stay at a ryokan.

They begin it with:

People enjoy visiting Japan for various reasons, including the country's major attractions and the unique activities that visitors can partake in there. However, one of the most vital things to look out for when visiting Japan is the type of accommodation to book, since that will help people plan their time in the country. For instance, Japan offers various accommodation options, including affordable B&B, modern hotels, and cozy guesthouses.

However, one of the perfect ways to enjoy a stay in Japan is to book a stay in a Ryokan. The latter is a traditional Japanese-style inn available throughout tourist spots in the country. Staying in a Ryokan is more than just booking accommodation. It could be the highlight of a trip to Japan, where it offers its visitors great hospitality with outstanding guest services.

Above, the entrance to a Sendai ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Essential Traveler Tips for Anyone Visiting Japan for the First Time

Above, a view of the rising sun from an Atami ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning to visit Japan for the first time, or for people who've been there and could use a little "refresher course", Leisure Group Travel has posted some tips for anyone visiting the country for the first time.

They begin with:

For many travelers, Japan is considered a dream destination. With its sprawling cities, majestic mountains and enchanting cherry blossoms, the Land of the Rising Sun is a country like no other. However, Japan can present something of a culture shock for first-time visitors. The country has its own distinct cultural norms and values, which many Westerners may struggle to wrap their heads around.

To read more, go here. 

Mental Floss: 11 Facts About "King Kong vs. Godzilla"

Above, the 1962 meeting between King Kong and Godzilla. Photo by Toho Co., Ltd.

Godzilla and King Kong (or just Kong) fans are ramped up in excitement for the long-awaited "rematch" between the two movie giants in Godzilla vs. Kong that is set to premiere next month 

For the fun of it, Mental Floss has posted 11 "facts" of the 1962 Toho King Kong vs. Godzilla. 

In their article, they noted that the movie featured a "future Bond Girl", Mie Hama. Actually, it featured one additional Bond girl, Akiko Wakabayashi. Both appeared in You Only Live Twice in 1967 with Sean Connery.

Above, Akiko Wakabayashi.

They begin with:

It’s east versus west, giant reptile versus mega-mammal, the “Big G” versus the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Godzilla vs. Kong—a new slugfest from Legendary Pictures—is set to be released in theaters and on HBO Max on March 31, 2021. But it won't be the first time these two iconic movie monsters have faced off. They met once before in 1962’s King Kong vs. Godzilla—a crossover battle for the ages that also featured a rampaging octopus and a future Bond Girl. Not to mention the craziest tree-related violence you’ll ever see outside an M. Night Shyamalan flick.

Above, the hilltop Atami Castle was the location used for the ending of King Kong vs. Godzilla. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Japan Rail Pass To Be Available For Sale Online This Summer

Above, a Shinkansen train arrives in Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During several trips to Japan, I have made good use out of the Japan Rail Pass and saved a lot of money in doing so.

Up to now, the only way to buy the Japan Rail Pass is for people to go to an authorized travel agent in their home countries.

Now, it has been announced that this coming summer, people can buy their Japan Rail Pass online.

According to SoraNews 24:

There are several reasons Japan has been booming in popularity as a travel destination over the past decade, and a big one is the Japan Rail Pass. Offered by Japan Railways Group (a.k.a. JR), Japan’s largest rail operator, the pass is only available to visitors from abroad, and provides travelers with unlimited use of nearly any JR train in the country, including all but the very fastest classes of the Shinkansen bullet train, for periods of one, two, or three weeks. 

But while the JR Pass is an incredible value for those with wide-range travel ambitions in Japan, the purchase process has long been a bit of a hassle. For many years, the pass could only be purchased outside of Japan and through an intermediary such as a designated travel agency or airline. More recently, the option to purchase the pass at select train stations in Japan has been offered, but with the penalty of being roughly 10 percent more expensive than if purchased outside Japan. 

Those hassles will be disappearing, though, as this week Japan Rail Group announced that it will begin selling the Japan Rail Pass online come summer.

To read more, go here. 

5 of the Best Things To Do In Japan

Above, inside a ryokan in Atami, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many travel-oriented websites have their recommendations on what to see and do in Japan.

Well, here's another. It is from Travel Daily News. They have a list of five of the best things to do in Japan.

They begin with:

Japan is a wonderful country filled with lots of cultural experiences – but if you’ve never been before, you might be overwhelmed trying to work out what you should do and see. Thankfully we’ve narrowed down some of the most unique, memorable experiences that travellers should try if they visit Japan. 

Here are five of the best things you can do in Japan.

To see what they are, go here. 

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea: Top Tips

Above, Mediterranean Harbor at Tokyo DisneySea. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2015, during my last trip to Japan, our group arrived back in Tokyo after a trek of a few days to Atami, Kyoto and Osaka. We decided to take in a Disney theme park.

Since (at the time) I lived in Southern California and have been to Disneyland in Anaheim many times, it was decided to go see Tokyo DisneySea instead of Tokyo Disneyland. Tokyo Disneyland is patterned after the one in Anaheim, so it was preferred to see something new.

The two parks are next door to each other outside of Tokyo, so it takes a commute to get there. We went on a Saturday, so it seemed like half the population of Tokyo was there.

The Japan Times has an article with the "top tips" for visiting the parks.

They begin with:

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea are special theme parks, being the first Disney parks built outside of the United States. As the third and fourth busiest theme parks in the world, with Tokyo Disneyland seeing 17.9 million visitors in 2018, it’s a good idea to do your research before you visit the happiest place on Earth — or, at least, the happiest place in Japan.

To read more, go here. 

CNN Travel: 16 Japan Experiences

Above, a stay in a ryokan (Japanese inn) is one experience everyone should try. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Numerous websites often post what are the "top" things to see and do in Japan. Most generally echo each other, while others do come up with different suggestions and ideas.

Another such list has been posted by CNN Travel. It is about 16 Japan experiences every traveler should enjoy.

They begin with:

(CNN) — There's no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Japan. 

Whether you're hunting down top eats in Tokyo and Osaka or basking in the country's stunning landscapes, it's impossible to take it all in in one visit. 

But you'll certainly have a good time trying. 

We've built the ultimate cheat sheet of top Japan experiences to help you plan your next visit. Also, be sure to click through the gallery on the top of this story of beautiful Japan destinations for more travel inspo.

To see what they are, go here. 

10 Things That Can Only Be Done In Japan

Above, riding a shinkansen train is one thing that only can be done in Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In many countries around the world, there are things that one can do in any one of them. Then, there are other things that one can only do in any given country. This hold true for Japan.

The Travel has a list of ten things that one can only do in Japan.

They begin with:

Japan is a wonderful nation with a rich history, incredible cities, and worthwhile tourist attractions. Most tourists who visit Japan are eager to learn about the history of this once isolated island and are eager to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Japanese people. What most tourists do not realize is that they spend their vacation visiting the same popular attractions which are undoubtedly crowded, expensive, and stressful to get into.

Instead, there are numerous unconventional things to experience in Japan which can only be done in Japan. Without further ado, here are the ten best things only available in Japan.

To see what they are, go here. 

Wexas: Top 10 Etiquette Tips For Travelers

Above, the article covers things from bathing to tipping. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, Americans have been saddled with being known as "uncouth" or having a lack of manners by foreigners. Naturally, not all Americans are ill-mannered and displaying proper Japanese etiquette while traveling in Japan will go a long way to dissuade people from painting with a broad brush.

Japan is big on proper etiquette. To help some who are clueless on Japanese etiquette, Wexas has posted their top ten etiquette tips for travelers.

They begin with:

From how to conduct yourself in a hot spring to why it’s rude to tip, consider this your introduction to the intricacies of Japanese manners. Don’t let it put you off, however. Although every effort to engage with the local culture will be measurably appreciated, any slips will be met with that famous Japanese politeness. As H. Jackson Brown Jr. opined in his bestselling Life’s Little Instruction Book – “Good manners sometimes means simply putting up with other people’s bad manners”.

To read more, go here. 

GaijinPot: Atami Onsen

Above, Atami Castle is perched on a hilltop overlooking the town. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are staying in Tokyo while visiting to Japan, they should consider an excursion (either a day trip or an overnighter) to Atami to partake in a good soak in the onsen hot springs.

The ride to Atami is about an hour long via shinkansen. The town is notable to kaiju fans as the location used for the end of 1962's King Kong vs. Godzilla, where the two monsters demolish Atami Castle before plunging into the ocean.

Above, an outdoor rooftop hot bath overlooking Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

GaijinPot has posted an article on Atami onsen.

They start it with:

If you’re itching for a quick getaway from the hustle of Tokyo, don’t fret – the onsen (hot spring) town of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is closer than you think. It’s located on the Izu peninsula, a scenic bit of the mainland that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, just over an hour southwest of the metropolis. 

Atami is a cultural landmark with healing waters where Japanese – including Edo Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa – have been visiting for over 1,000 years. The town’s sulfate and salt-rich hot springs are great for relaxing the entire body and healing minor aches and pains. 

Even if you don’t have an entire weekend to spare, there are excellent onsen resorts in the city that accommodate day-trippers, too. There are some gorgeous ocean-side hot springs to check out and a few attractions along the way. Let’s explore…

To read more, go here.