Ryūgū-jō, in a classic Japanese folktale, is the mythical undersea residence of the Sea God, aka the Dragon Palace Castle. According to the books, this fabulous palace is home to Princess Otohime. For many Japanese people, the legendary tale of the exquisite building beyond the blue sea with coral walls …

Cat Spa & Cat Ryokan by Neco is a ryokan, a capsule hotel, and an animal café, but mostly a place overdosed with cuteness in the heart of Osaka. Ryokans are the Japanese version of Western hotels, with some peculiar differences. The cultural experience begins when you arrive at a …

Japan is at the forefront when it comes to digitalization, robotization, and simplification. And this trend has sneaked into the hotel industry quicker than anywhere else in the world. It started with opening the first capsule hotel in 1979, which was and still is a groundbreaking concept. Making the best …

A newly opened hotel in the coastal city of Kanazawa is making waves. Korinkyo Hotel debuted in late 2021, instantly becoming one of the hippest places to stay for the night. Kanazawa is known as the "little Kyoto", full of charming traditional teahouses and wooden structures where you can get …

Nagasaki Prefecture’s Hirado Castle opened Japan's first "shirohaku", castle stay. It's located in the historic hilltop castle from the 18th century with panoramic views across the Hirado Strait. On this site in 1599, Matsura Shigenobu, a local warlord, constructed a castle called Hinotake-jō, which he then burned down in 1613. …

The recently opened Hotel Zen Tokyo has taken the popular capsule-style accommodation from Japan and brought it to a new level. Located in Nihonbashi Ningyocho, or "Doll town" as the locals call it, it's one of the most traditional parts of Tokyo, and it's got a great connection with the …

Located on the Houshi River in the Gunma Prefecture, the Houshi Onsen Chojukan is the epitome of a traditional ryokan where weary travelers can experience Japanese hospitality. Built in 1875 at the source of the hot spring, the Chojukan is a secluded mountain getaway that offers majestic views and an …

This compact luxury inn or “ryokan” is situated in a perfect location with mountains falling like curtains behind small valleys and rivers. The inn has balconies where you can relax and take in the amazing Japanese countryside. There is a nearby train station, so you will easily be able to …