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Experiencing Luxury and Unique Ryokan in Japan | Arigato Travel
Frequently, traditional-style accommodations in Japan are labelled as simply “inns.” However, just like the West has its hotels, motels, and B&Bs, Japan has its own distinctive categories of accommodation as well. Most Japanese inns can be categorized as either minshuku or ryokan, and to ensure you book a hotel that provides the experience you’re looking for, it’s important to know the difference. Ryokan vs. Minshuku - What’s the difference? Sometimes referred to as homestays, Minshuku tend to be humbler, family-run establishments providing home-cooked meals and the experience of living in a Japanese house. They are a good option for budget-conscious travellers and those travelling with children. Ryokan, on the other hand, are all about luxury. Most comparable to a Western B&B, the ryokan experience is one of indulgence and relaxation. While both ryokan and minshuku feature Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futons to sleep on, the quarters in a minshuku are generally smaller with a shared bathroom for guests like a dormitory. Ryokan usually feature suites that can, depending on the price, include anything from a dining or sitting room to a private hot spring bath. This article focuses on ryokan, but if you are interested in minshuku, check out this article! Finding your perfect stay among the best of the best There are tens of thousands of ryokans across Japan, so picking one can be difficult. Most people hoping to book a ryokan are looking for one thing: luxury. A great place to start is the official list of 5-star ryokan. Every year, professionals in the Japanese travel industry participate in a poll to select the “Top 250 Hot Spring Inns” across the country based on criteria such as the facilities, food, and atmosphere. A ceremony to announce the results is held in Tokyo annually and attended by organizations such as the Japan Tourism Agency and the Ministry of the Environment. To be considered a “five-star ryokan” – to be considered one of the best– an inn must be included in the Top 250 at least five times. However, the locations introduced in this article are not just five-star ryokan; they are ryokan that have achieved platinum status, meaning that they have made the list not just five times, but twenty-five times. These ryokan are the best of the best, the crème de la crème. Honke Bankyu - Cozy, hearthside meals in a historic ryokan (Nikko) Many ryokan focus on providing guests with the traditional Japanese experience. Guests can expect to sleep on futons in tatami mat rooms and try an assortment of delicacies as part of Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki is one of the major draws for Honke Bankyu, a riverside ryokan cradled deep in the mountains of Nikko. Their specialty is “irori-yaki,” a very traditional cooking style in which the meal is prepared over a sunken hearth. This kind of cozy, hearthside meal is a rare experience in modern Japan. One of the most extraordinary features of Honke Bankyu is the Kazura Bridge that connects the main building to the inn’s restaurant. The vine bridge was inspired by those used by soldiers in the region during the 17th century. The most luxurious room at Honke Bankyu is the “Aioi” room that features a private, riverside bath and a view of the Miyama River Gorge. Google Maps: Honke Bankyu To read more about Honke Bankyu, take a look at their English website here. Keiunkan - Luxuriate in a time gone by at the world’s oldest hot spring inn (Yamanashi) If you are looking to experience the luxury of another era, to immerse yourself in history, or to be truly “wowed” by Japanese hospitality, look no further than Keiunkan in Yamanashi. Certified by Guinness, Keiunkan holds the record as the oldest hot spring inn not only in Japan, but in the world. Founded in the year 705, Keiunkan boasts a history of over thirteen hundred years, taking its name from the Keiun era during which it was founded. While Japan is most often associated with seafood, Keiunkan prides itself on the fact that its award-winning chef creates its handmade dishes using seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding mountains and rivers. Keiunkan also prides itself on its accommodations. Carefully crafted with attention to Japanese design tradition, the most luxurious room at Keiunkan is the Kitadake Guest Room. A spacious suite, the Kitadake Guest Room features a private, open-air cypress bath and a wooden terrace that overlooks the Yukawa and Hayakawa Valleys. Google Maps: Keiunkan View Keiunkan’s English website here for more information on this historic ryokan. Hotel Urashima - A one-of-a-kind seaside hot spring experience (Wakayama) As time goes by and as more and more guests prefer modern conveniences to traditional stays, the line between ryokan and Western hotel has begun to blur. As luxury is a subjective term, there are people out there who may prefer a bed over a futon. Nowadays, many ryokan have built or renovated Western-style rooms to accommodate everyone’s preferences. One such ryokan is Hotel Urashima in Wakayama. Traditionally, ryokan are quite small with only a few rooms. Hotel Urashima, however, has almost 400 rooms that come in seven different styles. Guests can choose between Japanese and Western-style rooms, or opt for a room that’s a fusion of both. The only one of its kind in the hotel, the VIP Room in Urashima’s Yamagamikan building is a Japanese-Western style suite with a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean. Aside from the incredible views, what sets Urashima apart from other ryokan is its unique hot springs. A one-of-a-kind experience, guests at Urashima can try bathing in a hot spring that bubbles up inside a beautiful, naturally formed, seaside cavern. The town that hosts this ryokan is known for having the highest catch of tuna in Japan, so guests of Hotel Urashima can enjoy the unique luxury of fresh, all-you-can-eat tuna. Google Maps: Hotel Urashima For more on Hotel Urashima, have a look at their (Japanese) website here. Myojinkan - Where luxury meets environmentalism (Nagano) The last luxury ryokan to be introduced is for those in need of relaxation and those looking to reconnect with nature. Nagano prefecture’s Myojinkan is a world-class wellness resort located inside the quasi-National Park Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps, Myojinkan is one of only four hotels in Japan to have been awarded the “Green Key,” a certificate of excellence in sustainable and eco-friendly operations. This green image is at the heart of everything in Myojinkan. The cuisine on offer is based around the philosophy of Shindo Fujitsu (macrobiotics) and features organic rice and vegetables cultivated at a nearby farm by the staff themselves. The ryokan’s motto is to “luxuriate in doing nothing.” Most of the rooms do not include TVs and are designed with Zen and nature in mind. One of the most unique suites is the “Zen SPA Living” room. A fusion of Western and Japanese aesthetics, the design of the space emulates a mossy stream flowing through the mountains and features a large, Western tub. Google Maps: Myojinkan For more about Myojinkan’s rooms, see their English website here. Some Things to Note As previously mentioned, traditional ryokan often only have a few rooms, so it’s best to book several months in advance if there is a specific room you are hoping to stay in. It should also be noted that while a large number of ryokan have hot springs, not every ryokan is a hot spring inn. However, even if the water does not come directly from a nearby hot spring, most ryokan will have a large, luxurious bath for guests as well as rooms with private baths available. Featured Photo Credit: Honke Bankyu For help planning your customized, luxurious ryokan getaway, check out Arigato Travel’s Tailored Travel services here!
How to Celebrate Tsukimi: Japan’s Moon Viewing Tradition | Arigato Travel
If you’ve ever visited Japan in the autumn, you may have noticed people pausing to admire the full moon, often with a tray of round rice dumplings nearby. This is Tsukimi (月見), Japan’s traditional moon-viewing festival, a beautiful celebration of the harvest moon and the changing seasons. But what exactly is this celebration? Today, we'll take a deep dive into Tsukimi and explore everything this amazing part of Japanese culture is all about! What is Tsukimi? Tsukimi literally means “moon viewing,” and it is celebrated in mid-September to early October, when the autumn full moon is at its brightest. The festival has roots in Heian-period Japan and was influenced by the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditionally, Tsukimi is a time to give thanks for a good harvest, pray for prosperity, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky with friends and family. The practice of admiring the moon began among aristocrats of the Heian court (794–1185), who would compose poetry and play music under the full moon. Over time, the tradition spread among farmers and common people, becoming a way to honor the rice harvest and the natural cycles of the season. This blend of refined courtly ritual and agricultural gratitude is what shaped Tsukimi into the holiday it is today. One of the most famous legends tied to Tsukimi is the story of the rabbit on the moon. According to Japanese folklore, a selfless rabbit offered its own body as food to a hungry traveler, who revealed himself to be a deity. Moved by its sacrifice, the deity sent the rabbit to the moon, where it can still be seen pounding mochi (rice cakes). Traditional Foods: Tsukimi Dango and Seasonal Treats A Tsukimi celebration is never complete without tsukimi dango, small, round rice dumplings that symbolize the full moon. These are often stacked in a pyramid shape and placed on an altar or offering table alongside pampas grass (susuki), which represents resilience and a bountiful harvest. Other popular seasonal foods include: Tsukimi soba or udon: Noodles topped with a raw egg, symbolizing the moon. Seasonal chestnuts and sweet potatoes: Celebrating autumn flavors. Moon-themed desserts: Cakes or sweets shaped like moons, available in many Japanese patisseries during this season. Even fast food chains join in the fun. For example, McDonald’s Japan releases a special “Tsukimi Burger” each year, featuring a fried egg to represent the moon. Other chains like Mos Burger, KFC, Lotteria, and Sukiya often throw their hat in the mix as well, among many others! Convenience stores and bakeries also roll out moon-themed sweets and limited-edition seasonal snacks, showing how the holiday continues to evolve in modern times while keeping its symbolic ties to the harvest moon. Where to Experience Moon Viewing Whether you’re in Kyoto, Tokyo, or elsewhere in Japan, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the festival. Temples and Shrines: Many Kyoto temples, like Daikaku-ji, hold special Tsukimi events with evening lanterns and moon-viewing decks. Gardens: Traditional Japanese gardens, such as Koishikawa Korakuen in Tokyo, offer serene settings for admiring the moon reflected in ponds. Rooftops and Cafes: Urban moon-viewing has become popular, too. Look for rooftop gardens or cafes offering Tsukimi-themed drinks and desserts with a view of the night sky. Tips for Celebrating Tsukimi Check the lunar calendar to catch the full moon night, known as Jūgoya. Bring a blanket and snacks if you’re enjoying outdoor viewing. Try making your own tsukimi dango. It is a fun and rewarding way to connect with the tradition. Dress warmly. Autumn evenings can be chilly, especially in Kyoto. Tsukimi is a quiet, reflective festival that celebrates nature, family, and the simple joy of gazing at a moonlit sky. The combination of ancient folklore, seasonal food traditions, and even playful modern spins like the Tsukimi Burger makes this holiday both timeless and accessible. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful celebrations come from simply looking up at the night sky together. Whether you join a traditional event or enjoy a modern urban twist, it is a magical way to experience Japan in autumn. So grab your Tsukimi Dango, pick that perfect spot, and take part in this magical tradition that truly encapsulates Japanese culture. Trust us, you won't regret it! Featured Photo Credit: manbo-photo Not sure where to start when planning your own Tsukimi adventure? Let our team of travel experts help you craft a perfect itinerary tailored just to you!
Step into the Ring: A Cultural Feast in Ryogoku | Arigato Travel
At first glance, Ryogoku looks like a normal part of Tokyo. However, once you dig deeper, you will find its many specialities. From the lives of the sumo wrestlers to Michelin-star restaurants, Ryogoku is sure to offer anyone who visits an unforgettable experience. Sumo legacy in Ryogoku If you are a wrestling lover, you are sure to enjoy a visit to this charming area. This small village is the center of the Sumo world! Packed with a stadium, stables, Chanko nabe restaurants, and other sumo-related attractions. But why is this a capital for Sumo? Matches were previously held in Shrines and temples before 1909. The first permanent sumo hall was built in Ryogoku, which made the district known as the sumo capital. These special arena halls are called Kokugikan; the hall in Ryogoku is known as Ryōgoku National Sports Hall. The Kokugikan has been there since 1909. The facility comfortably seats over 10,000 spectators due to its large number of seats, so three of the six annual sumo tournaments are hosted here, in January, May, and September. The living quarters of the sumo fighters, known as stables, are also located here. These stables are where the fighters live, eat, sleep, and practice on an almost daily basis. If you are visiting and you would like to know what it is like to live as a wrestler, you can actually go in and view their early morning practice! Attending one of these practices is likely the closest you will ever get to the wrestles. To be able to attend one of these stable visits, you require advanced booking or a Japanese translator to be present. Therefore, if you want to see it all close up, you will have to make a precise plan, especially because those morning practices start at 5 A.M.! To be a sumo wrestler, you need to be big and strong. Their strength is attained through their intensive training. However, they also have to eat specific foods. Chanko or Chanko Nabe is a style of hotpot made with vegetables, meat, and seafood. This meal is very healthy, balanced, and aids in weight gain due to its high amount of calories. This makes it the ideal meal for any sumo practitioner, since it helps maintain their health while gaining the needed weight to compete. Since there are many wrestlers in Ryogoku, it is only logical that there are also many good Chanko nabe restaurants. Good examples include Gottsuan Sakaba Ryōgoku or Hibiki, which both serve delicious Chanko fit for a fighter. So if you want to eat like the wrestlers do and get a glimpse of what helps them attain their strength, then it is an absolute must-try meal to add to your travel plans. Sightseeing, history, and heritage Aside from all the sumo, there are also many good sightseeing opportunities close to both the station and the stadium. The Edo-Tokyo Museum, a museum focused on history and culture, is currently under renovation and is said to open back up in 2025. Do not fret, there are more museums to enjoy in the meantime, like the Sumida Hokusai Museum. This is one of Japan's best ukiyo-e museums, which are Japanese woodblock prints. Japanese woodblock prints are characterised by bold colours, intricate patterns, and delicate lines. Making such prints takes years of practice. Woodblock prints are globally famous, so it's worth going to see these culturally significant artworks. Another good museum is the Japanese Sword Museum, where a large collection of swords is on display. The museum is an ode to the Japanese art of sword making. So it is not so much about war, but more about the artistic value they have. Regardless of being a small museum, it has around 50 swords on display. Japan has withstood many earthly disasters, one of which is being commemorated in Yokoamicho Park. This park memorializes the two most destructive events in 20th-century Tokyo. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the fire bombings of World War II. In this park, there is a museum where you can see things like the original seismographic readings and paintings from the earthquake. Must-tries for foodies Though this part of the city is heavily under the spell of Sumo, it is also a good spot for foodies. Starting off with the bougie, Edosoba Hosokawa. A Michelin-star restaurant where the chef uses high-grade buckwheat for his soba. This restaurant is among the most affordable Michelin restaurants in Tokyo. With a meal being around 3,000 and 6,000 yen. Good dishes to try are the chilled kaki soba and anago tempura (battered and fried conger eel). A large part of their menu is seasonal, which means you will have a guaranteed unique and delicious experience every time you come. Another good place to eat is Momonjiya (ももんじや). This restaurant has Japanese-style decorations. Here you sit on the floor on small pillows and tatami mats. The food itself is something the curious among us are likely to enjoy. Momonjiya specializes in boar hot pot and has been in business for 10 generations. Dinner costs around 6,000 yen, with the must-try dishes being the boar hotpot and their deer sashimi. If you want all the adventure in one, the Wild Beast course is the way to go. In this hotpot, you get venison sashimi, fried venison, and bear soup. In this course, you can either pick wild boar, venison, or bear. Ryogoku also has many good Japanese comfort food restaurants, and Tonkatsu Hasegawa is a beloved local favorite. This restaurant serves succulent panko breaded pork cutlets, also known as Tonkatsu. If you are not familiar with Tonkatsu, it is quite similar to schnitzel. It is often made from pork filet or tenderloin. Tonkatsu is the most popular of katsu dishes, and this restaurant serves many different variations on the pork Katsu. Although the website of the restaurant is mostly in Japanese, they do offer an English translation of their menu online. All about Ryogoku In general, this part of Tokyo is in the grip of sumo and all that comes with it. From the hall where they hold tournaments to the traditional restaurants where they eat. However, it is not just wrestling; Ryogoku also possesses many special exhibits and museums. It all comes down to what type of traditional art you prefer. Finally, there are many good restaurants, ensuring a good time for food lovers. To sum up, Ryogoku has much to offer, so make sure to add it to your next Japan itinerary. Featured Photo Credit: expedia.com Interested in learning more about Sumo or visiting Ryogoku? Ask our Tailored Travel Experts to include them in your personalized itinerary! We also have an EXTREMELY exclusive VIP Sumo Experience for this month, with tickets going fast. Read more about the experience here and be sure to contact our team of travel specialists or send an email to concierge@arigatojapan.co.jp to secure your spot before they're all gone!
Matsutake Mushrooms: The Autumn Delicacy That Captivates the Senses | Arigato Travel
As the crisp air and vibrant foliage of autumn sweep across the Northern Hemisphere, a culinary treasure emerges from the forest floor: the matsutake mushroom. Revered for centuries in East Asia, particularly in Japan, this wild mushroom is more than just a seasonal ingredient. It is a symbol of autumn's fleeting beauty and a testament to nature's delicate balance. What are matsutake mushrooms? Matsutake (松茸), meaning