Iconic Kyoto Tower Bathhouse Closes Due To COVID-19

Situated across the street from the JR Kyoto Station is Kyoto Tower Hotel.

Above, Kyoto Tower Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A major part of the hotel is the public bathhouse, enjoyed by both travelers and locals for years.

It is closing forever, another casualty of the coronavirus.

SoraNews 24 reported:

This past year has been a tough one for businesses around the world, as the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on international travel and halted regular operations, leaving many industries worse for wear.

One of the hardest hit has been the tourist industry, and in Japan tourist hotspots like Kyoto, which draws thousands of international visitors every year, has been feeling the strain, even setting up an “Empty” tourism campaign to lure local visitors to the region.

Unfortunately, the campaign hasn’t done enough to protect businesses in the area, and soon there’ll be a large public bathhouse-shaped hole in the heart of the city, with the announcement that Kyoto Tower bathhouse “Yuu” is set to close its doors forever. 

Yuu has long been loved by locals, guests staying at Kyoto Tower Hotel, located in the same complex, and bus travellers, who would use the baths to freshen up after long overnight bus trips arriving at Kyoto Station just across the road.

Godzilla fans should recognize Kyoto Tower. It was blasted by the "Big G" in Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla II.

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. 

Japan Cheapo's Ryokan Guide

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

For those who are considering a vacation in Japan, they should seriously consider staying at a ryokan instead of a hotel for a truly "Japanese experience".

I have stayed a four ryokans over the years and enjoyed each one of them.

Japan Cheapo has a useful ryokan guide that includes information on booking, etiquette and what to expect.

They begin with:

What is a ryokan? 

The official translation for ryokan is a “Japanese-style inn”. Originally, they were mainly located along the ancient road that connects Kyoto and Tokyo, the Tokaido Highway. Samurai and merchants traveled this route and were in need of accommodation. While the word “inn” might evoke images of medieval, rather rough wayside accommodation for travelers on horseback, ryokan are far from it. On the contrary, they range from mid-end to luxurious.  

What sets them apart from a minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed & breakfast, is the level of service and facilities. You can usually expect tastefully decorated rooms, a dining room (either shared or private), common rooms or a lounge, and most important, several onsen (hot spring) baths. There are usually both private onsen for rent (kashikiri) and shared public ones separated by gender, as well as other appealing points to the property, like a beautiful Japanese garden.

Above, the men's bath at the Atami Shinkadoya ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Onsen Towns Near Tokyo

Above, a view of Atami from a patio deck of a ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning a winter trip to Japan, but are mainly staying in and around Tokyo but want to try out a Japanese onsen (hot spring) resort for a good soak, Tokyo Cheapo has some recommendations.

They start out with:

Japan has more hot springs than anywhere in the world, so it’s the perfect place to warm up this winter with a good soak. Lucky for you, there are plenty of onsen towns near Tokyo to dip your toes into, as well as some a little further afield for your travels. 

Probably the only thing that makes winter in Japan bearable is the prospect of sinking into a hot, steaming onsen so relaxing you forget the 20 other naked people around you—if only temporarily. There are plenty of baths in Tokyo, including the mega Oedo Onsen Monogatari, but for a real escape, head to one of the resorts to enjoy a mini-break that’ll leave you sloth-like in your levels of relaxation.

To read more, go here.

Accommodation Options Near Mount Fuji

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mount Fuji was the "location" used in a number of kaiju movies over the years. They include King Kong vs. Godzilla, Destroy All Monsters and Gamera, The Guardian of the Universe. It is also a popular destination for visitors and there are several kinds of accommodations available for a stay near Japan's iconic peak.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on what's available.

They begin with:

Whether you’re climbing it or just admiring the iconic mountain from a distance, Fuji-san is well worth a trip from Tokyo. If you want to stay nearby, we have more than a few suggestions for accommodation near Mount Fuji. 

Unsurprisingly, your options for accommodation near Mount Fuji include plenty of hotels, hostels and traditional Japanese ryokans (inns) to bed down in for the night, with a few even perched on its slopes. Whether you’re looking to view the mountain and then explore Kawaguchiko, or just stare lovingly at the peak from an onsen (hot spring), you’re sure to find something that suits your budget. Combine this with excellent transport options from Tokyo and our hiking guide with all you need to know, and you’re set to go!

To read more, go here. 

Top 5 Activities For Foreigners In Japan

Above, partaking in Japanese food is one of the top 5 activiities for foreigners. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Have you ever wondered what are the top 5 activities in Japan for foreigners?

If so, LearnJapanese123.com has the answers.

They begin with:

Thinking of visiting Japan, but not sure what to do while you’re here? Check out our list of the top 5 activities for foreigners in Japan.

They are: Castles, Onsen (Hot Springs), Temples & Shrines, Japanese Food and Shopping.

To read more, go here. 

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The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort Lake Toya, Hokkaido All rooms have wonderful views of Lake Toya. Experience the luxury of gazing at a spectacular full sky of stars, all from the comfort of a nice warm open-air bath.  Single Room + Dinner & Breakfast from JPY 17,392Book Dai-ichi Takimotokan Noboribetsu, Hokkaido A ryokan hosting 35 baths drawing from 7 different hot spring sources. The building has some 150 years of history and stands right at the entrance to the Jigokudani National Park.  Japanese-style Room (South Wing) + Dinner & Breakfast from JPY 15,910Book

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[Hokkaido] Mahoroba Not only does this resort hotel feature the largest open-air bath in Japan, it also offers four different types of springs with a grand total of 31 different baths. Enjoy the dream-like atmosphere during your stay. Twin Room + Dinner & Breakfast from JPY 23,570Book [Hokkaido] Kohantei The scenery of Lake Toya viewed from the lobby and the large communal spa on the top floor is unforgettable. Staff will strive to ensure that you have a calm and relaxing experience. Japanese-style Room (East Wing) + Dinner & Breakfast from JPY 15,653Book

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