Savoring Shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), participating in early morning observances, and spending quiet time with sutra copying or Zen meditation. A Shukubo experience on Koyasan will offer more than just accommodation; it will provide soul-stirring emotions and healing. International visitors who are unsure about Japanese can also feel at ease by choosing a Shukubo that offers English support. So, why not experience a sacred night on Koyasan yourself?

What is World Heritage “Koyasan”? The Sacred Site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism and Its Charm

Koyasan, located in the mountains of northern Wakayama Prefecture, is the head temple of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, opened in 816 by Kobo Daishi Kukai. The group of temples spreading across a basin at an altitude of approximately 800m is registered as a “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” UNESCO World Heritage site, and attracts many pilgrims and tourists from Japan and abroad as one of Japan’s representative sacred places.

What is a “Shukubo”? A Worry-Free Accommodation Experience for First-Timers

Shukubo were originally lodging facilities for worshippers visiting temples. Unlike hotels or ryokans, their characteristic is that you can stay while experiencing temple life. Koyasan still has over 50 Shukubo, and many of them accept general travelers. To ensure a worry-free stay for first-timers, English support for foreign tourists has also been progressing in recent years.

Common Ways to Spend Time at a Shukubo

• Shojin-ryori: Savor traditional Buddhist cuisine made abundantly with seasonal vegetables and wild plants, without using meat or fish. It’s an experience that cleanses the mind and body, beautiful to look at too.
• Morning Service (Gongyo): You can participate in the early morning sutra chanting by monks held in the main hall. It’s an extraordinary experience in a solemn atmosphere.
• Sutra Copying (Shakyo) / Zen Meditation (Zazen) Experience: This is a time to calm your mind and reflect on yourself. You can experience copying sutras with a brush or quietly sitting in meditation (content varies by Shukubo).
• Garden Stroll: Each Shukubo has its own beautiful garden, where you can leisurely stroll and soothe your mind.

The Charm of “Ichijyoin,” a Popular Shukubo on Koyasan

There are many Shukubo on Koyasan, but among them, “Ichijyoin” is particularly recommended for international visitors. The reasons are its beautiful garden, substantial Shojin-ryori, and English-speaking staff. It houses a building designated as an Important Cultural Property associated with Kobo Daishi, allowing you to stay while feeling history and prestige.

For reservations at Ichijyoin: https://www.itijyoin.or.jp/en_inquiry/

Related Tour: Incense Powder Crafting and a Lunch of Traditional Fare at a Historic Koyasan Temple – A Time Spent Immersed in Buddhist Teachings

Preparation and Precautions for Your Shukubo Experience

Access to Koyasan

Experience the “Heart” of Japan with a Koyasan Shukubo Stay

A Shukubo experience on Koyasan is more than just encountering traditional Japanese culture. It’s a precious opportunity to forget the urban hustle, reflect on yourself, and refresh your mind and body. Especially, by choosing a Shukubo with English support, international visitors can safely experience a sacred night in Japan.

The taste of Shojin-ryori, the solemnity of the morning service, and meditation in a tranquil space. A Shukubo experience at “Ichijyoin” on Koyasan will surely be one of the most deeply memorable moments of your trip to Japan. We highly recommend trying this unforgettable experience in this sacred land on your next visit to Japan.

https://jatrabridge.com/2025/06/05/12774/from-urban-buzz-to-japans-essence-a-journey-through-tranquil-hidden-gems-in-rural-japan/

This article introduces 7 recommended hotels in the heart of Fukuoka’s yatai district, the Nakasu/Tenjin area, that are accessible within a 5-minute walk, categorized by budget. Choose a hotel with the best location so you can return safely and quickly after drinking late into the night, and enjoy Fukuoka’s night to the fullest!

What are Fukuoka’s “Yatai”? A Nighttime Food Wonderland

Fukuoka’s yatai are mobile food stalls set up along riversides and streets, operating from evening until late at night. They are lively and unique spaces where various people, from local office workers to tourists, rub shoulders to enjoy food and drinks. Each yatai has its own unique menu, and the close proximity to the owners is also appealing. Chance encounters are also a true pleasure of yatai.

https://jatrabridge.com/2024/05/01/12097/12-recommended-food-stalls-yatai-in-nakasu-and-tenjin/

Key Points for Choosing the Best Hotel for Yatai Hopping

To fully enjoy Fukuoka’s yatai, choosing the right hotel is very important. Pay particular attention to the following points:

• Distance from yatai: This is the top priority! Within a 5-minute walk means peace of mind even after a few drinks.
• Price range: Consider everything from budget-friendly to luxury hotels, depending on your travel budget.
• Hotel facilities: The presence of large communal baths, laundromats, and breakfast quality also affect a comfortable stay.
• Surrounding environment: Check access to convenience stores, stations, and ease of travel to other tourist spots.

Within 5-Minute Walk from Yatai! 7 Recommended Hotels in Nakasu/Tenjin [By Budget]

【Reasonable: ~¥8,000s】

1. Toyoko Inn Fukuoka Nakasu

Just a stone’s throw from the Nakasu yatai district! Toyoko Inn is a very popular business hotel known for its reliable service and cleanliness. It has essential facilities in a simple layout, recommended for those who want to keep accommodation costs down. The free breakfast service is also a welcome bonus.

Book Here

2. Hotel WBF Fukuoka Nakasu

A relatively new hotel opened in 2019, featuring a modern design. It’s close to Nakasu-Kawabata Station, offering excellent access to Nakasu’s yatai as well as Canal City Hakata. Recommended for those who want a comfortable yet reasonably priced stay.

Book Here

【Mid-Range: ¥9,000 ~ ¥15,000s】

3. THE LIVELY FUKUOKA

A stylish lifestyle hotel located in the heart of Nakasu. It boasts excellent shared facilities such as a lounge with a DJ booth and a co-working space. It’s particularly popular among younger travelers who want to enjoy not only yatai hopping but also the hotel stay itself.

Book Here

4. Richmond Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin

Located in the Tenjin area, it offers excellent access to both the yatai along Watanabe-dori and the yatai in Nakasu. Its clean rooms and high-quality service are supported by a wide range of guests. There’s also a convenience store nearby, which is handy.

Book Here

5. Hotel MyStays Fukuoka Tenjin

Located in the heart of Tenjin, yet offering a quiet and calm atmosphere. It features a spacious public bath, perfect for relaxing your tired body after yatai hopping. With high cost-performance, it’s recommended for those seeking comfort.

Book Here

【Luxury: ¥16,000s~】

6. Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu

A hotel boasting outstanding access, directly connected to Nakasu-Kawabata Station. Facing the Naka River, some rooms offer night views of the river. The Nakasu yatai district is right in front, making it ideal for adult travelers who want to fully enjoy Fukuoka’s night life.

Book Here

7. Hotel Okura Fukuoka

Directly connected to Hakataza Theatre, it offers a luxurious space and high-quality service. The Nakasu yatai district is also within walking distance, allowing you to elegantly enjoy your stay in Fukuoka, combining theater, dining, and shopping. Perfect for a special trip to Fukuoka.

Book Here

Fukuoka Yatai Area Hotels Basic Information (Nakasu/Tenjin Area)

What to Know Before Your Trip

MAP: Nakasu/Tenjin Yatai Area

Fukuoka Nights: Create the Best Memories with “Yatai” and “Comfortable Hotels”!

Fukuoka’s yatai are truly special places where you can experience Japan’s food culture and hospitality firsthand. By choosing a hotel within a 5-minute walk from the yatai, you can fully enjoy Fukuoka’s nightlife and return to a comfortable private space immediately when you’re tired—an ultimate experience.

Refer to the hotels introduced in this article to find one that perfectly suits your travel style and budget, and create unforgettable memories in Fukuoka. Now, it’s your turn to say “Kanpai!” at a Fukuoka yatai!

If this sounds like you, how about a special night in the ancient city of Kanazawa? We introduce an incredibly luxurious plan where you can privately enjoy a “geisha banquet,” an experience normally available only by introduction, amidst the atmospheric “Higashi Chaya District,” with its cobblestone streets gently lit by gas lamps and rows of beautiful latticed houses.

The stage for this experience is “Maki no Oto,” a private inn limited to one group per day. This article will provide all the information you need to make your trip the best it can be, from the charms of the mysterious geisha banquet to specific booking methods and access.

Three Charms of the Geisha Banquet Experience

What makes this experience so special is the chance to feel “authentic” traditional culture, which you’ve likely only seen in movies or on TV, with all your senses in your own private space.

Charm 1: A Breathtaking Performance Right Before Your Eyes

When the banquet begins, geishas—specialists in dance known as “Tachikata” and specialists in song and shamisen known as “Jikata”—will perform elegant arts just for you. The dance, attentive to every fingertip movement, and the heart-stirring sound of the shamisen are simply breathtaking. The performance, tailored to the season and the mood of the banquet, will vibrantly color your night in Kanazawa.

Charm 2: Enjoying “Ozashiki Asobi” and Conversation with Geishas

After appreciating the performance, it’s time for “Ozashiki Asobi” (parlor games) with the geishas. The room will fill with laughter as you enjoy games with simple rules like “Konpira Fune Fune.” An English interpreter will carefully explain the rules, so there’s no need to worry, even if it’s your first time. Engaging in direct conversation with the beautiful geishas and hearing stories of the “Hanamachi” (geisha district) that are rarely heard is another unique pleasure of this experience.

Charm 3: Savoring “Kaiseki Cuisine” with Kanazawa’s Delicacies and Local Sake

The dining in this experience is also first-class. For dinner, an authentic “Kaiseki” course, specially prepared for this day by one of Kanazawa’s leading traditional restaurants, is delivered to you. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that maximizes the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients, served one dish at a time in peak condition. It lavishly uses the best local ingredients of the season, such as fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan like Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and sweet shrimp, and colorful Kaga vegetables. The dishes, artistically arranged on beautiful Kutani ware porcelain, are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The moments spent savoring these dishes with local Kanazawa sake, poured by the geishas, are truly blissful.

The Stage: “Maki no Oto,” a Private Inn in the Higashi Chaya District

The stage for this special experience is “Maki no Oto,” a private inn limited to one group per day, nestled on the main street of the Higashi Chaya District. While preserving the architectural beauty of a traditional Kanazawa machiya townhouse, the interior is a splendid fusion of modern comforts and design.

Step inside, and you’re in a private space, undisturbed by anyone. You can relax completely, as if it were your own villa. The greatest charm is the bath where you can feel the atmosphere of the Higashi Chaya District. Gaze at the quiet night sky, a stark contrast to the daytime bustle, and slowly soothe your travel fatigue.

How to Book and Important Notes

This special experience must be requested through the official website. As it’s an extremely popular plan with bookings from around the world, acting early is the key to success.

1. Access the reservation page on the official website.
2. Select your desired date on the calendar (or state your preferred dates) and fill out the form.
3. Wait for a reply from the staff to confirm availability and proceed with the booking.

Request to Book on the Official Website

How to Get There (from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kanazawa Station)

The Higashi Chaya District, where “Maki no Oto” is located, is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Kanazawa Station, which has good connections from major cities.

From Major Cities to Kanazawa Station

• From Tokyo: Approx. 2.5 hours by Hokuriku Shinkansen (“Kagayaki” or “Hakutaka”).
• From Osaka: Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes by Limited Express “Thunderbird”.

From Kanazawa Station to Higashi Chaya District

• By Bus: At the Kanazawa Station East Gate Bus Terminal (Kenrokuen Exit), take the “Kanazawa Loop Bus (Right Loop)” from bus stop #7 and get off at “Hashiba-cho” bus stop (approx. 10 min). It’s about a 5-minute walk from there.
• By Taxi: Approx. 10 minutes from the Kanazawa Station East Gate taxi stand. The fare is around 1,000-1,500 JPY. This is convenient if you have a lot of luggage or want to go directly to the inn without getting lost.

Conclusion: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Cultural Experience Only in Kanazawa

A night with geishas in Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District is not just a stay or a meal. It’s bound to become an unforgettable “story” where you can touch the depths of Japanese traditional culture and the true spirit of “omotenashi” (hospitality).

May your trip to Japan be a special journey that doesn’t end with ordinary sightseeing. For an anniversary with a loved one or as a highlight of a journey to explore authentic Japan, why not create the best memories here?

Check Availability on the Official Website

These accommodations are perfect as tourist bases in Kanazawa, dotted with attractive landmarks like “Kenrokuen” and “Kanazawa 21st Century Museum.”

Why not plan a trip that fully enjoys both the hot springs and the sights of Kanazawa?

Natural Hot Spring Kaga no Takara-sen Oyado Nono Kanazawa

Opened in April 2021, “Natural Hot Spring Kaga no Takara-sen Onyado Nono Kanazawa” is a hot spring inn from the Dormy Inn chain, where you can feel the softness and gloss of Japanese style throughout the building.

The pride of the inn is its spacious bathhouse, which includes a wide sauna and a cold bath, creating an open and liberating space. There are also open-air baths and pot baths available for a relaxing time. The tatami-mat rooms equipped with beds offer the comfort of feeling like you are at home. You can choose from single, twin, or double rooms depending on the number of people.

Don’t miss the breakfast where you can enjoy local menus and freshly made egg dishes, starting with a customizable seafood bowl where you can top it with your favorite seafood like yellowtail, sweet shrimp, and salmon roe.

Natural Hot Spring Relax Park Terume Kanazawa

Enjoy a tour of the baths at “Natural Hot Spring Relax Park Terume Kanazawa,” the largest bathing facility in the Hokuriku area. Centered around a large bathhouse using natural hot springs, it offers over 10 types of baths for both men and women, including 100% free-flowing source water baths, high-concentration carbonated baths, and daily medicinal herb baths.

Rooms are available in various sizes for both Japanese and Western styles. For dinner, enjoy Japanese izakaya dishes heavily featuring seafood from the Sea of Japan, or choose a genuine yakiniku restaurant offering quality meats and seafood. The breakfast buffet with over 30 dishes is also popular.

The hotel also features a full range of facilities, including an esthetic salon, a kids’ corner, and karaoke, making it perfect for a comfortable stay with family.

Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Hyakurakuso

Enjoy a private adult getaway at the secluded “Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Hyakurakuso.” Upon arrival, you’re welcomed with a stylish Japanese afternoon tea. The spacious lounge allows for an elegant moment of relaxation.

Rooms are available in two buildings, one themed around “beauty and excitement” for great social media shots, and another offering suites and a premium lounge for an upgraded stay. Enjoy the hot springs in the main building with a large communal bath and private open-air baths, or one of the four private baths in the auxiliary building, allowing for undisturbed relaxation.

Dinner is a kaiseki meal incorporating the seasons of Kanazawa. For special occasions, consider adding exquisite dishes like “Selected Noto Beef Rock Salt Grill” or “Whole Salt Grilled Blackthroat Seaperch.”

Access to Yuwaku Onsen is about a 45-minute bus ride from JR Kanazawa Station.

Natural Hot Spring Kaga no Yuizumi Dormy Inn Kanazawa

“Natural Hot Spring Kaga no Yuizumi Dormy Inn Kanazawa,” located about a 2-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station, offers excellent accessibility. This facility is the Dormy Inn Group’s first designer hotel, boasting a stylish space that belies its business hotel classification.

It features the only gender-separated natural hot spring large public bath around Kanazawa Station, offering a fantastical and modern Japanese aesthetic. With a spacious sauna and cold bath, as well as an open-air bath and pot baths, you can relax to your heart’s content. The tatami mat rooms equipped with beds offer a homely comfort. Choose from single, twin, or double rooms according to the number of guests.

Don’t miss the breakfast options, including local specialties like your choice of seafood donburi and Hanton Rice, as well as a variety of small dishes and freshly made egg dishes. The late-night ramen service is also popular.

APA Hotel <Kanazawa Chuo>

“APA Hotel <Kanazawa Chuo>,” a large urban hotel boasting 513 rooms, is located about an 8-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station. Close to attractions like Kenrokuen Garden and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, it’s ideal for both business and sightseeing.

The top-floor scenic open-air bath “Souken no Yu” offers spectacular views of Kanazawa city and the distant Sea of Japan. After enjoying the hot springs, why not relax with a healing sauna (stone sauna), massage, or Korean-style scrub?

Rooms are functional Western-style, and all are equipped with free VOD, allowing access to over 200 titles, including movies. Breakfast is served at the in-house “Seattle’s Best Coffee,” offering a daily Japanese set meal.

Natural Hot Spring Kogado no Yu Super Hotel Premier Kanazawa Ekimae

Located approximately 7 minutes on foot from JR Kanazawa Station and an ideal base for sightseeing in Kanazawa, “Natural Hot Spring Kogado no Yu Super Hotel Premier Kanazawa Ekimae” offers gender-separated large public baths using simple thermal springs, allowing guests to thoroughly unwind from their travels.

The hotel features a variety of room types, including ladies’ rooms for solo female travelers, theater rooms with large screens, and family rooms. The breakfast includes a spread of organic vegetables, specially cultivated rice, and locally sourced dishes. In the evening, guests can relax in the lounge with alcoholic and soft drinks, although dinner is not served on the premises—allowing guests to enjoy their evening meal out in Kanazawa before returning to the hotel for drinks.

Oyado Yamashita

“Oyado Yamashita,” known for having been visited by the painter Takehisa Yumeji and his lover, features a gallery displaying Yumeji’s works on each guest room floor, allowing guests to enjoy art viewing while enveloped by Kanazawa’s nature.

The pride of the inn, the hot spring, uses water from the historically loved Yamanaka Onsen. Facilities are child-friendly, with bath toys and chairs available. After a relaxing bath, guests can unwind further in the relaxation space.

Rooms include standard rooms with wide edges and stepping stones, and a maisonette type available for one group per day. The dining experience features creative kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients served in the rooms for both breakfast and dinner. Special plans featuring local delicacies like Noto beef and boxed crabs are also recommended.

Access to Yamanaka Onsen is about a 45-minute bus ride from JR Kanazawa Station.

Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Yuno Ryokan

“Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Yuno Ryokan” is a place where you can feel the Japanese ambiance at every corner, from the tea rooms to the lush green courtyards. The onsen is a colorless, transparent, weak alkaline saline spring gentle on the skin. Guests can enjoy a spacious indoor bath with two bath types—one made from red granite shaped like plum flowers and another with the fragrance of cypress—and an open-air bath.

The guest rooms vary from cozy traditional rooms to special rooms and rooms with their own open-air baths. Dining at the ryokan features kaiseki meals that change monthly, utilizing seasonal seafood and local specialties like Noto beef, nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), and Kaga vegetables. The breakfast buffet includes local dishes like “toppe” and “berobero” and is not to be missed.

Natural Hot Spring & Health Land Kanazawa Yumenoyu

“Natural Hot Spring & Health Land Kanazawa Yumenoyu” boasts extensive facilities including a healing corner and karaoke room. Though it’s about a 15-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station, a free shuttle bus is available for convenience.

Enjoy a variety of baths such as an open-air bath with natural stones, the largest bath in the prefecture featuring radium water, powerful jet baths, and carbonated baths infused with natural hot spring water. It’s a bonus that you can enjoy the natural hot spring water in the baths of the Western-style rooms as well.

With diverse dining facilities offering Japanese, Western, Chinese, Indian, and barbecue options, you can choose whatever suits your mood or preference. The breakfast is a Japanese set meal with free refills on drinks, rice, and miso soup.

Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Yamane

Perched on a hill and enveloped by the greenery of the countryside, “Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Yamane” offers a 100% natural hot spring that is gentle on the skin. Its open-air baths are set amongst bamboo groves, allowing guests to enjoy the changing seasons and natural soundscape while soaking in the healing waters.

The indoor bath features a small stained-glass window that evokes the spirit of painter Yumeji Takehisa, who once stayed in the area. Another highlight is the private open-air bath carved from a single block of Kaga clan’s secret stone “Tomuroishi.”

The ryokan has ten guest rooms in total. Options include purely Japanese-style rooms, rooms with living areas furnished with sofas, and special rooms equipped with their own open-air baths. Dining here is a particular treat with dishes such as rice cooked in a traditional kamado stove, and local seafood grilled on a Suzu diatomite charcoal grill, all curated by the head chef. Be sure to check out the irori (sunken hearth) dining room, which can be booked in advance for an exclusive dining experience.

Access to Yuwaku Onsen is approximately 45 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station.

MAP

You can enter the open-air bath anytime you like, making it perfect for couples or family trips.

This time, we introduce recommended hotels and ryokans in Osaka Prefecture with rooms that have open-air baths.

Also, check out the world’s first “Official Champagne Hotel”!

We also picked up a few rare hot spring inns in Osaka Prefecture.

The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa

After playing at USJ, relax in the semi-open-air bath with a view of the night sky at The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa.

For those celebrating an anniversary, why not stay at USJ’s official hotel and fully enjoy Universal Studios Japan (USJ)?

It is directly connected to Universal City Station and has excellent access.

The journey between Universal City Station and Osaka Station takes about 15 minutes by train.

The limited “The Singulari King” rooms feature a semi-open-air bath with views of the Osaka city night. After a fun day, relax in your private spa.

After playing at USJ, take a break in the semi-open-air bath with a view of the night sky.

The “The Singulari King” rooms have a simple and relaxing atmosphere. The night view outside the window will also add color to your special day.

The hotel’s top floor has separate observation open-air baths for men and women.

From the large windows, you can enjoy the beautiful night view of Osaka Bay and the city. It seems like a trip that will create lasting memories.

Randor Hotel Namba Osaka Suites

Randor Hotel Namba Osaka Suites is a hidden gem with all-suite rooms located in the city of Osaka.

For those who want to spend time in the convenient Osaka city area, why not stay at “Randor Hotel Namba Osaka Suites,” just a short walk from the Ebisucho subway station?

All rooms are suites, so both the room and the bathroom are luxurious.

The “Executive Penthouse” and “Presidential Penthouse” with open-air baths are perfect for couples.

Relax on the sofa or lounge on the bed.

Enjoy dinner prepared by a dedicated chef in this hidden gem with all-suite rooms in the city.

The open-air bath in the “Executive Penthouse” has a large round tub.

Let it ease the tension of your journey.

CANDEO HOTELS Osaka Namba / Osaka City

Located in Higashi Shinsaibashi, in the heart of Osaka Minami, “CANDEO HOTELS Osaka Namba” has a sky spa on the top floor!

Enjoy a special time soaking in the bath and gazing at the night sky or stars while being caressed by the wind in the middle of the city. Relish the overwhelming sense of openness in the atrium.

Luxurious suites with bath time in the room, complete with terrace and open-air bath!

Enjoy timeless relaxation.

Relax on the spacious green sofa overlooking the city and indulge in a luxurious moment.

Hotel Code Shinsaibashi / Osaka City

Celebrate an elegant anniversary in the jacuzzi at Hotel Code Shinsaibashi, a designer hotel in Shinsaibashi.

Why not stay at “Hotel Code Shinsaibashi,” just a 3-minute walk from the subway’s Shinsaibashi Station?

It offers 10 types of rooms, including the “Premium Room” with an outdoor jacuzzi, which feels like stepping out of a movie into a modern room.

Soak in the tub with a glass in hand for a celebrity-like holiday.

Celebrate an elegant anniversary in the jacuzzi at this designer hotel in Shinsaibashi.

The “Premium Room” is stylish not only in the bath but also in the room itself.

From the wallpaper to the lighting and furnishings, everything is supervised by a designer, creating a cohesive look.

Despite being in the center of the city, the 41m² space allows for a comfortable stay.

Fushio Onsen Fushioukaku / Ikeda City

Surrounded by rich nature, “Fushio Onsen Fushioukaku“.

It’s about a 10-minute drive by the reservation-only free shuttle bus from the nearest station, Hankyu Takarazuka Line’s Ikeda Station.

A reservation for the bus is required.

There are 20 rooms with open-air baths here.

Depending on the room, you can enjoy various types of baths, such as cypress baths and jar baths.

If the weather is nice, you can enjoy a private bath time under the starry sky or moon at night.

This hot spring inn lets you savor seasonal ingredients and game dishes in a place brimming with seasonal atmosphere.

On the higher floors, there are 4 types of rooms with natural, folk, sukiya-modern, and Asian themes, all with open-air baths. The baths come in 3 types: cypress, jar, and rock.

After a leisurely bath amidst lush greenery, unwind on the in-room massage chair and let go of your daily fatigue.

Shuttle Bus Timetable

The shuttle bus stop information is translated from the Japanese site.

Minoo Sansou Kazenomori / Ikeda City

“Minoo Sansou Kazenomori” is an accommodation located on a hill in northern Osaka’s Minoo City. The view overlooking the Osaka Plain, especially the night view, is breathtaking!

For those who want to fully enjoy their trip, the special rooms with observation baths are recommended.

Bathing while gazing at the night view can make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

You’ll want to gaze endlessly at the changing night view of Osaka and the colors of the sky.

There’s also an attractive shuttle bus service about once an hour from Hankyu Minoo Station, taking just about 10 minutes to arrive.

The special rooms with observation baths, “Yamatsubaki” and “Hanasuizuki,” both offer great views.

Fudouguchikan / Izumisano City

A hidden retreat surrounded by deep greenery, the culinary inn

Located along the Kashii River in Izumisano City, the culinary inn “Fudouguchikan” is recommended for gourmet couples.

It’s about a 15-minute bus ride from JR Hineno Station, and a free shuttle bus is available if you make a reservation.

This inn, enveloped in deep greenery, exudes the ambiance of a hidden retreat.

There are only 2 rooms with open-air baths.

It’s a comfortable space with traditional Japanese atmosphere and functional amenities.

Listen to the murmuring river and chirping birds as you spend an extraordinary moment.

After relaxing in your room bath, why not head to the inn’s open-air bath?

This inn is located in the Kongou Ikoma Kisen National Park, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts.

The photo captures the view from the open-air bath.

A hidden retreat surrounded by deep greenery, the culinary inn

For dinner, enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and crafted with artisanal skill.

There’s a variety of menus including seasonal kaiseki, duck pot, peony pot, or assorted hot pot plans, and Wagyu beef plans with options like sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. Enough to satisfy even the most food-loving partner.

CuveeJ2 Hotel Osaka by Onkochishin / Osaka City

“CuveeJ2 Hotel Osaka by Onkochishin” is located in Shinsaibashi and is the world’s first official champagne hotel with 11 rooms, each occupying one floor, and equipped with a semi-open-air anytime bath.

Each room, created in collaboration with 11 prestigious Champagne Maisons = producers, offers a unique and valuable experience of each Maison’s history and culture.

You’ll receive a bottle of champagne as a gift from the Maison.

Enjoy a luxurious night in a room enveloped in pure white, reminiscent of a scene from a movie.

Matsuba Onsen Taki no Yu / Kaizuka City

Located about 40 minutes by car from Osaka city in Kaizuka, “Matsuba Onsen Taki no Yu” is a private inn with only 4 rooms.

All rooms have natural radon hot springs open-air baths made entirely of Japanese cypress.

Two rooms are barrier-free, making them accessible for wheelchair users.

Relax with the sound of the river and free massage machines.

For dinner, enjoy exquisite seasonal Wakayama crab dishes.

There’s even a direct sale of natural radon hot spring water, 20 liters for 100 yen!

Okumizuma Onsen / Kaizuka City

“Okumizuma Onsen” is a solitary inn located in the back room of Senshu, a picturesque spot with beautiful views of cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, autumn leaves, and winter snowscapes reflected in the clear stream.

One of the 4 rooms has a private open-air bath overlooking the mountains and river.

Though not a hot spring, the bath’s Shigaraki ware tub changes color with water, adding a stylish touch.

The rooms, with floor heating in both the Japanese-style room and living room, are comfortable even in cold weather.

Enjoy the “beauty water” and “miracle water,” known as Osaka’s best natural sodium spring, for its silky and beauty-enhancing qualities.

Yamanobe Riyu / Nose Town

“Yamanobe Riyu” is a secluded inn located in a 10,000-square-meter area of Nose Onsen in Nose Town, Osaka.

You can fully enjoy the 100% natural hot spring source in the open-air baths of the three buildings: Kaede-no-Yakata, Hiiragi-no-Yakata, and Katsura-no-Yakata.

The open-air baths amidst the quiet of the countryside, spacious rooms, and cuisine featuring local fresh ingredients and seasonal produce all promise ultimate relaxation.

Enjoy a leisurely time in the calm flow of time. The view from the private dining area for dinner is also beautiful.

Kamenoi Hotel Tondabayashi

“Kamenoi Hotel Tondabayashi” is located about an hour’s drive from Osaka in Tondabayashi City.

It is about 20 minutes by the free shuttle bus, available 5 times a day, from the nearest station, Kintetsu Nagano Line’s Tondabayashi Station.

Among the variety of rooms, the 56.2 m² “Special Japanese-Western Room with Scenic Bath” is recommended for couples!

High-quality furnishings and amenities will enhance your mood. The large windows offer a sense of openness.

The inn is located at an altitude of about 280 meters on the summit of Dakeyama, offering an exceptional view!

This area is a hidden gem for night views.

From the observation room on the top floor, you can view the Osaka Plain sparkling like jewels.

Also, the inn has an open-air bath with views of the countryside and Kongou and Yamato Katsuragi Mountains, making it irresistible for scenery lovers.

Here is the shuttle bus timetable

Perfect Choice for Staying in Hotels or Ryokans with Open-air Baths in Osaka

For a unique stay in Osaka, why not try rooms with open-air baths?
Perfect for couples or family trips, you can enjoy the baths anytime you like.

The convenience of being just 30 minutes to an hour’s drive from the city center of Osaka is also great.

In this article, we introduced recommended hotels and ryokans in Osaka Prefecture with open-air baths.

Don’t miss the world’s first “Official Champagne Hotel”! Be sure to visit at least once.

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Not only known for its beautiful sea and delicious seafood, but also for shrines and temples that have played important roles in Japan’s history, attracting a large number of tourists every year.

This time, we introduce 11 recommended tourist spots in Atami for those planning a trip.

We have selected places that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, including popular spots, hot springs, and shopping streets perfect for food exploration!

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MOA Art Museum

MOA Art Museum is located on the hillside of Atami.

It houses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, allowing you to appreciate masterpieces of East Asian art from various eras all at once.

Even before entering the museum, there are many highlights, and the long escalator extending from the parking lot to the entrance is a must-see.

In the ‘Circular Hall’ along the way, kaleidoscopes are projected, and the changing colors of the dome-shaped ceiling create a romantic atmosphere.

The museum also has five dining establishments, including Japanese restaurants, cafes, and soba shops, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes.

When booked MOA Art Museum through Klook, you can avail a discount of 200 yen from the regular admission fee.

Atami Trick Art Meikyuukan

Atami Trick Art Meikyuukan, showcasing a variety of trick art that appears three-dimensional despite being flat, is a highly recommended tourist spot enjoyable for both children and adults.
Atami Trick Art Meikyuukan

Featuring booths that create optical illusions, making figures appear like dwarfs or giants, and artworks that give the illusion of interacting with sea creatures, the variety is extensive.

Bring your camera and try capturing various poses!

With quizzes set up inside, explore the museum while discussing and solving puzzles!

As Atami Castle is nearby, it’s convenient for efficiently touring the tourist spots.

Atami Baien (Plum Garden)

Atami Baien is a garden located one station west of JR Atami Station, near JR Kaimonosu Station.

Atami Baien’s plums are known as the ‘earliest-blooming plums in Japan,’ with flowering starting from late November to early December every year.

Featuring 60 varieties and 469 plum trees, the blooming periods vary by variety, allowing you to enjoy plum blossoms for an extended period.

Check out the various attractions enhancing the beauty of plums, such as waterfalls, bridges, and stone monuments scattered throughout the garden!

In one corner of the plum garden is a Korean garden, and next to it is a limited-time foot bath!

It’s only available during the Atami Baien Plum Festival held from January to March every year, allowing you to relaxingly appreciate plums while soothing your feet.

Ocean Spa Fuua

Located very close to Atami Port, Ocean Spa Fuua is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy Atami Onsen on a day trip.

In addition to hot springs, it also has facilities such as restaurants and esthetic salons for refreshing your body.

Especially recommended in the hot springs is the ‘Roten-tachi-yu,’ an open-air bath.

The baths are positioned to extend towards the sea, allowing an unobstructed ocean view.

There are also hydrogen springs, saunas, and cold springs, making it a haven for bath enthusiasts.

After bathing, you can get a massage or enjoy a sophisticated meal – the possibilities are plentiful.

The restaurant offers hamburger sets, pizzas, and afternoon tea during specific hours.

Izu-yama Shrine

If you’re exploring power spots in Atami, Izu-yama Shrine is a must-visit. Enshrining four deities collectively known as ‘Izu-yama Shin,’ it is believed to bring good luck and facilitate matchmaking.

Highly revered by influential figures throughout history, including Hojo Masako and Minamoto no Yoritomo, featured in the 2022 Taiga drama ‘Kamakura-dono no 13-nin,’ as well as the protagonist of the 2023 Taiga drama ‘Dousuru Ieyasu,’ Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The amulets feature a design where two red and white dragons ascend powerfully towards the sky.

A recommended spot not only for history enthusiasts but also for those seeking improved fortune.

Kinomiya Shrine

Kinomiya Shrine is a shrine dedicated to protecting locals and travelers. Praying for safe travels, numerous tourists visit every day.

The vividly red torii gate and main hall are so vibrant that they leave a powerful impression you won’t easily forget.

A must-see at Kinomiya Shrine is the over 2,000-year-old large camphor tree.

There are various legends, such as ‘circumambulating the tree once extends your lifespan by one year’ and ‘circling the tree while thinking of your wish will make it come true.

At night, the precincts are illuminated.

The sight of lights softly emerging in the dark precincts is truly mystical.

Whether it’s the beginning or conclusion of your Atami trip, it’s a recommended spot.

Atami Sightseeing Boat Sanremo

Atami Sightseeing Boat Sanremo is a cruising boat navigating around Atami Port. Depending on the sea and wind conditions, it travels one of three courses: Nishikigaura, Sagami Bay, or Yacht Harbor.

On the boat’s rooftop deck, you can overlook Atami’s sea, feed seagulls, and experience an ‘underwater viewing room’ where you can observe the sea through glass windows.

On days with high water clarity, you can see fish patterns clearly.

The side blowholes of the boat let you feel the sea breeze while swiftly advancing – an exhilarating experience!

You can take lots of photos, making it an activity spot enjoyable for both children and adults.

ACAO FOREST

ACAO FOREST is a stylish tourist spot with 13 types of gardens on a vast 200,000 square meters of land.

Especially notable is the vast collection of roses, numbering an astonishing 600 species and 4,000 plants!

Positioned atop a hill, ACAO FOREST offers a luxurious landscape that harmonizes Atami’s expansive sea with vibrant gardens.

In addition to roses, various flowers bloom seasonally, making it a recommended point that you can enjoy beautiful gardens whenever you visit. If you get tired during your stroll, take a break at the bakery or café within the park.

There’s also a workshop where you can make soaps and blended perfumes using herbs, making it a satisfying spot for children too.

Kiunkaku

Kiunkaku is a building constructed in the 8th year of the Taisho era.

Originally used as a villa, it was converted into an inn in the 22nd year of Showa.

Renowned literary figures such as Shiga Naoya, Tanizaki Jun’ichiro, and Dazai Osamu have stayed here.

The garden features a Japanese-style design with trees, ponds, and lush lawns.

Inside the building, you’ll find traditional tatami-matted rooms alongside Western-style rooms with carpets and sofas, reflecting the cultural blend of the East and West at the time of its construction.

There’s a cafe called ‘Yasuragi,’ where you can order sets like tea and cookies or matcha and Japanese sweets.

It’s a sightseeing spot in Atami that transports you back in time, making you feel like you’ve slipped into the past.

Atami Castle

Atami Castle, located approximately 120 meters above sea level, is a symbol of Atami City.

With Nishikigaura spreading out in front and surrounded by mountain forests, it resembles a natural fortress.

It was once used as a naval base for warriors.

Now serving as a museum, it’s a popular spot among tourists for foot baths and enjoying video games.

The foot bath on the balcony on the first floor offers a panoramic view of Atami’s sea while feeling the sea breeze.

For children, there’s a gaming booth with video games and table tennis, along with a cultural experience corner from the Edo period. You can also dress up in costumes, so feel free to choose your favorite and take commemorative photos.

Atami Heiwa-dori Shopping Street

For food tasting and souvenir hunting, visit the Atami Heiwa-dori Shopping Street right in front of JR Atami Station.

There are many shops offering stylish sweets and local delicacies like fruit sandwiches, deep-fried seafood, and cream puffs. With seafood restaurants and cafes, it’s perfect for a meal.

When buying souvenirs, check out Atami Onsen-manju (sweet buns made with hot spring water) or shops using local seafood.

In one corner of the shopping street, there’s a hand bath called ‘Fukufuku no Yu,’ where you can soak your hands in hot spring water.

Whether it’s dining, shopping, or enjoying a hot spring, it’s a recommended spot to casually savor at the end of your trip.

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With the beach close by, Atami is a popular destination for summer vacationers, and you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes at the same time.

There are also many recommended plans for those who do not have time to stay overnight or for those who want to enjoy a day-trip date at a hot spring resort.

Check out the top 10 popular hot spring resorts for one-day trips that you can go to as soon as you think of it!

Atami Onsen Aji to Yu no Yado New Tomiyoshi

Enjoy seven private open-air baths with a tasteful atmosphere.

Seashore cuisine featuring the taste of the sea is also popular!

The first on the list is “Atami Onsen Aji to Yu no Yado New Tomiyoshi,” located right in front of Nagahama Beach.

The inn boasts four private open-air baths with free-flowing hot-spring water and a garden-style open-air bath “Hamanoyu” that overlooks Sagami Bay over 200-year-old black pine trees, and hearty meals featuring fresh seasonal fish.

The inn is a hot-spring resort where you can fully enjoy the unique attractions of Atami, such as the scenery and tastes.

The day-trip plans include a short stay in a Western-style room with an open-air bath and meal, or a casual plan that includes use of seven private open-air baths and a meal, making it possible to spend a relaxing and meaningful time even on a one-day holiday.

Nearby is Nagahama Seaside Park, which is surrounded by nature, including a 400-meter-long sandy beach, a grassy park, and a promenade.

After enjoying the hot springs, a stroll around the park is also recommended.

Atami Onsen HOTEL HOTEL MICURAS

Refresh yourself after a long day at a hot spring with a spectacular ocean view.

French dinner plan available.

Atami Onsen HOTEL MICURAS, located right in front of Atami Sun Beach, is No. 2, where you can enjoy Atami’s famous fireworks display from your room or open-air bath.

The stylish atmosphere is popular among women, and offers a one-rank higher adult one-day stay.

The hot spring baths offer an ocean view and a sense of openness, and with an unobstructed view, you will feel as if you have become one with the sea.

The view of Hatsushima and Izu Oshima in the distance, as well as the sunrise, illuminated sun beach, fireworks, and other scenery that changes with the time of day, is another attraction.

The in-house hot spring water, which contains high metasilicic acid and calcium ions, is a skin-softening hot spring that easily blends with the skin.

The combination of Atami’s famous hot spring and the beautiful view of the sea makes for a perfect healing experience.

We also offer a one-day plan that includes a full-course French dinner.

Atami Onsen Atami Korakuen Hotel

The large observation bath about 25 meters above the ground, using its own hot spring, is impressive.

Also check out the adjacent day spa facility, Ocean Spa Fuua.

No.3 is Atami Onsen Atami Korakuen Hotel, which boasts a hot spring using its own hot spring source that bubbles up from the premises.

The spacious large observation bath is located approximately 25 meters above the ground, and offers an excellent view of the Sagaminada Sea below while bathing.

The highly moisturizing chlorinated spring water will leave your skin smooth and refreshed after bathing.

The women’s bath is equipped with a bright and open powder room.

You can relax after warming up in the hot spring.

The one-day plan allows you to use an ocean view room of approximately 40 square meters with a view of the ocean for up to 7 hours.

In addition to bathing in the large observation bath, a discount offer is also available at the “Ocean Spa Fuua” one-day spa facility, so a combined visit is also recommended.

Yamanoue Hotel, a secluded hotel in Atami

A hot spring hotel on high ground boasting a view of the city.

Enjoy the hot spring and the view at the same time in the luxurious golden open-air bath.

The fourth-ranked hotel, Yamanoue Hotel, is located on a hilltop with a night view of Atami.

Located on a hill, this hot spring hotel offers a panoramic view of the city and coastline from its guest rooms and lobby.

The “Golden Open-air Bath” with a golden Jacuzzi and the “Hot Spring with a View” with an outstanding view are popular.

The spring water is a simple spring that is effective in relieving fatigue and neuralgia.

The spring water is mildly stimulating and gentle on the skin, so you can enjoy a relaxing bath with the city of Atami below.

In addition to a one-day plan that includes the chef’s recommended special course, there is also a plan that includes king crab and abalone grilled on the dance floor.

Enjoy the hot springs and seafood and refresh yourself after a hard day’s work.

Condominium with private hot spring Grandview Atami

Enjoy a day trip to a hot spring at a reasonable price.

You can use the open-air bath with a great view as many times as you like.

Condominium Grandview Atami, a condominium hotel using a resort condominium, comes in at No.5.

This hot spring hotel is perfect for those who want to enjoy a simple stay at a reasonable price.

In addition to an open-air bath with a panoramic view of Sagami Bay, Hatsushima Island, and Oshima Island, there is also a shallow half-open-air bath that children can use with ease, and a “Bukubuku bubble bath” with underwater lighting that soothes the senses.

All baths are free-flowing hot-spring water and can be used as many times as you wish, as long as they are available.

The one-day plan includes use of a room equipped with a kitchen and a hot spring bath, where you can relax from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m.

We also recommend the “Maesawa Beef Marbling Steak” plan, in which the chef prepares the beef in the room kitchen, or the plan with a boatsled set meal.

Atami Onsen Yuyado Ichibanban (former Shihomiya Ryokan)

Two private hot springs x 6 baths make you feel like a hot-spring tour. Don’t miss their specialty, “Atami simmered sea bream!”

No. 6 is Atami Onsen Yuyado Ichibanchi, which is close to sightseeing spots such as Atami Castle and the MOA Museum of Art.

The hot spring water, which is free-flowing from two private sources, is a weakly chlorinated spring with high heat-retaining effects and a mildly alkaline spring known for its skin-beautifying properties.

You can enjoy bathing to your heart’s content in the large retro-style bathhouse and two open-air baths with different atmospheres.

For a private onsen experience, the popular private open-air baths are also recommended.

In addition to a one-day plan that includes a day trip to the hot spring and a 50-minute private open-air bath, we also offer a one-day plan that includes the hot spring, a guest room, and a kaiseki meal that includes our famous “Atami stewed sea bream” dish.

Atami Hot Spring　Relax ResortHotel

Stay up to 10 hours! Feel the warmth from the core of your body with our private hot spring, which is rare in Atami!

Atami Onsen Relax Resort Hotel, a small luxury hotel located on a hill overlooking Hatsushima Island and Izu Oshima Island, is ranked seventh on the list.

All guest rooms have ocean views, creating the atmosphere of a hideaway.

The hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can spend an extraordinary holiday for adults.

The hot spring water that bubbles up from the premises features a high temperature of 91 degrees, which is rare even in Atami.

You can enjoy the hot spring water for beautiful skin in “SPA L&R,” which is equipped with a half-open-air bath, sauna, water bath, and a variety of other baths.

In addition, the VILLA guestrooms, located away from the main building, are equipped with an open-air bath with natural hot spring water, perfect for a stay-at-home experience.

We offer day-trip plans that allow you to stay for up to 10 hours! We also have plans that include a full-course Italian dinner with hot spring baths and rest, as well as casual plans that allow you to use both the hot spring facilities and your room.

A variety of room types are available, so even if you visit again and again, new pleasures await you.

Atami Onsen Hotel Sanmi Club

The open-air garden-style outdoor bath on the top floor is comfortable.

The care of bedding and amenities is a high point.

No. 8 is Atami Onsen Hotel Sanmi Club, where the magnificent Sagami Bay spreads out before your eyes and you can walk to Atami Sun Beach in your swimsuit.

The abundant in-house hot spring water is a sodium-calcium chloride spring that makes your skin smooth and smooth.

The garden-style open-air bath on the top floor offers a great sense of openness!

Enjoy a relaxing soak while gazing at the cityscape of Atami and the ocean.

The view from the observation bath with its large windows is also wonderful, and the high point is that you can fully enjoy both the hot spring and the scenery.

Day trip plans are available for stays of up to 3 or 5 hours.

The rooms are furnished with futons and amenities for a relaxing stay.

Atami Onsen Umibe no Yado Nagahamaen

Enjoy a hot spring bath in one of the five private baths available without reservations.

Enjoy the taste of Atami with the plan with Hamayaki.

No. 9 is Atami Onsen Umibe no Yado Nagahamaen, which boasts three private open-air baths overlooking the Nagahama Sea.

Each bath has a different atmosphere and can be used as many times as you like for free as long as they are available!

Some baths are spacious enough to accommodate the entire family, allowing you to enjoy a private bathing experience.

We also recommend two types of private bathhouses with gardens, one with an indoor bath and the other with an open-air bath. One of the baths has a reclining bath, allowing you to enjoy a hot-spring tour within the hotel.

The one-day plan includes five private baths and a room with a view of the sea or an open-air bath.

The plan with a Japanese meal course that includes “Hamayaki” (five kinds of seafood, including lobsters and abalone, grilled on a ceramic plate) will allow you to fully enjoy the tastes of Atami.

Atami Onsen Gensen no Yado Shofuen

Beautiful garden and one of the best alkaline hot springs in Japan will heal you.

Enjoy kaiseki cuisine featuring delicacies from the mountains and the sea.

No. 10 on the list is the Atami Onsen Gensen no Yado Hotel Shofuen, which has a magnificent garden of about 4,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters) that has been used as the setting for a movie.

Visitors can enjoy the flowers in bloom throughout the year, including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and hydrangeas, as well as Nishikigoi carp swimming gracefully in the pond.

The hot spring baths, which use their own hot spring water, include indoor baths, outdoor baths, bubble baths, and a natural spring bath, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide variety of bathing experiences.

The private baths that have been opened in the garden offer the luxury of being able to enjoy both the hot spring water for beautiful skin and the beautiful garden scenery at the same time.

The hot spring baths are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of spa connoisseurs, and are sure to heal both body and soul!

The one-day plan allows you to enjoy a short stay in the hot spring, dinner, and guest room for a maximum of 5.5 hours.

Kaiseki cuisine using carefully selected seafood from the mountains and the sea is served at the restaurant.

The day-trip hot spring spa is available only by advance reservation.

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In this article, we will introduce a variety of recommended lunches on Naoshima.

There are many stylish cafes on Naoshima where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or a fresh lunch.

Let’s Go to Naoshima for a Fish Lunch or Cafe

Naoshima, one of Kagawa’s most popular spots, is a hot town that many people are visiting right now.

Did you know that there are many restaurants in Naoshima, where you can have a delicious lunch?

In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the recommended restaurants in Naoshima, such as the popular one where you can enjoy lunch with fresh fish unique to Naoshima and the one where you can have a recommended lunch at a stylish old house cafe.

Cafe Salon Nakaoku

Nakaoku in Naoshima, Kagawa is an old house cafe with a stylish atmosphere that is popular on Naoshima.

The cafe is popular with tourists visiting Naoshima, and offers a delicious lunch of omelets and other dishes, as well as homemade sweets such as cheesecakes and chiffon cakes.

This Japanese cafe has a lot of elements of a traditional Japanese house, such as frosted glass and wooden sliding doors.

The best thing about this popular cafe on Naoshima for lunch is its delicious omelet rice.

The menu includes a fluffy omelet with homemade tomato sauce made with organic Italian tomatoes, an omelet with a special curry sauce, and a keema curry style omelet.

We recommend the lunch set that includes homemade potato salad and a drink.

Issen

Located in the Benesse House Museum on Naoshima, Issen Japanese Restaurant is a place where you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.

This Japanese restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and daytime, making it a great choice for all kinds of occasions.

For lunch, they offer course lunches and bento lunches.

On weekdays from 11am to 2pm, they serve lunch dishes.

Their recommended Yoshino Bento is served in a stacked box, giving it a classy feel.

We also recommend the donburi lunch that comes with a small bowl, red miso soup, and dessert, which is limited to 10 meals a day.

Aisunao

Aisunao, located on Naoshima, is a cafe run by the guesthouse.

The pride of this restaurant is its many dishes made from delicious and healthy unpolished brown rice.

The “genmai(brown rice) lunch”, in which rice made from Okayama’s pesticide-free brown rice is served with a vegetable-filled side dish, is very popular.

This Japanese-style cafe is located in an 80-year-old private house in the Naoshima Honmura district.

The delicious brown rice lunch available from 11am to 3pm is very popular.

The brown rice is made from pesticide-free Koshihikari rice grown in Okayama Prefecture and is cooked slowly in a pressure cooker.

The brown rice comes with a bowl of soup filled with soybeans, tofu with mushroom sauce, and a vegetable-filled side dish set.

The lunch price is very reasonable at 850 yen.

Cafe Ougiya

Cafe Ougiya is located in the corner of Naoshima’s Sea Station Naoshima, and is a convenient café on Naoshima that you can use when you have some time before the ferry ride or for lunch.

You can spend a leisurely time here with a drink in hand while gazing at the sea of Naoshima.

There is a wide variety of food and drinks available for takeout, so it’s easy to use.

Cafe Oguiya’s Niku(meat) Udon is a recommended to have a quick lunch.

The udon noodles are characterized by a perfect combination of firmness and sweet and spicy braised beef.

They also offer lunch side dishes such as fired chicken made with soy sauce and whole soybeans to bring out the flavor and taste, and “Fried Potatoes” to enjoy the true taste of freshly fried, fluffy potatoes.

Japanese Cafe Gu

The Japanese Cafe Gu in Naoshima is a student-run cafe planned and run by the students of Kagawa University.

The Japanese café serves a variety of delicious lunches and sweets that make you feel as if you’ve been to your grandmother’s house in Japan.

The crunchy hanifle, Naoshima honey plum ice, Japanese parfait cookies, and other original sweets created by the students are highly recommended.

They also offer a wide variety of delicious food for lunch.

Norinori Don

The grilled ginger plate with a secret garlic flavor and Naoshima’s signature nori seaweed, and the Naoshima Norinori Don, a healthy bowl of tofu with egg and pork on top of the bowl of rice, are just a few of the tasty lunch items you should try.

Saryou(Tea House) Omiyake

Located in Naoshima, Saryou Omiyake is an old-fashioned cafe in an inn registered as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs across from the Naoshima House Project.

The high ceilings and beams of this 400-year-old registered tangible cultural property create a nice atmosphere, and you can enjoy a lunch full of originality, including Moroccan cuisine arranged for the Japanese.

The cafe offers two main types of lunch.

The “li’alla sauce” recommended for lunch is a popular dish from West Africa.

It is a curry-like dish made with vegetables and chicken, and comes with a salad.

You can enjoy a delicious curry in a historic building that has been selected as an important cultural asset, and it’s a great way to remember your visit.

Shima Syokudo Miyanda

Located on Naoshima, Shima Syokudo Miyanda boasts a delicious fish set meal with a focus on fresh seafood.

Their daily menu will be the only posted outside the restaurant, and  offer many delicious fish set meals for lunch, including today’s set meal, sashimi set meal, grilled fish set meal and boiled fish set meal.

The fish selection changes from day to day, such as Spanish mackerel, sea bream, and mackerel.

At this restaurant, you can choose from a sashimi, grilled or boiled fish set meal at lunch time.

The main course of the delicious fish changes from day to day, which is one of the points to look forward to.

The miso soup that comes with the fish set meal is very popular.

The Miso soup is filled with clams called “turtle hands” which are unique to Naoshima and are hard to find anywhere else.

Konichiwa

Naoshima Cafe Konichiwa in Naoshima is one of the world’s best loose cafes, converted from a small house in Naoshima.

This is a cafe on Naoshima, where you can relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about the time.

You’ll feel as if you’re at home, with plenty of sofa seats and tatami rooms.

They offer a variety of delicious sweets and a food menu that is highly recommended for lunch.

At this cafe, you can choose from three different lunch menus, including one that changes daily.

You can choose from a daily seasonal risotto, a seafood-filled conch curry with seafood, and a whimsical menu.

We recommend that you spend a relaxing time after your meal with a cup of hand-drip coffee, which is carefully brewed after your order is placed.

Yunagi

Yunagi in Naoshima is a restaurant that boasts a delicious fish set menu that includes flounder and other fish.

The pride of this restaurant is its flounder dishes.

They have a wide range of flounder dishes and you can enjoy the flavor of flounder cooked in a variety of ways.

The set meals with flounder are very popular for lunch as well.

At Yuunagi, they offer a variety of flounder dishes prepared in a variety of ways.

The most popular dish for lunch is the “Fried Flounder”. Fried Flounder is a dynamic and luxurious lunch set meal with a whole fish of flounder raised.

The large flatfish has soft and fluffy flesh, and even though it’s big, you’ll still be able to enjoy it for a long time.

Benesse House Museum Cafe

Benesse House Museum Cafe is located in the Benesse House Museum on Naoshima Island.

You can spend a relaxing time while gazing at the blue sky in this stylish cafe with a shop attached.

The cafe offers a wide selection of food items such as curry and pasta that are perfect for lunch, making it a great place to have lunch after a day of sightseeing.

Located in Naoshima’s famous Benesse House Museum, this cafe serves up curry and pasta dishes that are also great for lunch.

They offer many delicious food items such as the Ika Sumi(squid ink) Curry, which has a pitch-black visual with lots of squid ink, and the Amatriciana, a tomato-based sauce full of sweet and savory tomatoes with bacon added to it.

Cin.na.mon

Located near Miyanoura Port in Naoshima, Cin.na.mon is a stylish restaurant that can be used as both a cafe and a bar.

The cafe serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and offers curry and set lunches.

This cafe offers a lunch menu during the hours of 11am to 3pm.

Starting with the recommended Naoshima Curry, they offer a variety of curry lunches full of originality such as Squid Fried Curry, Chili Mayo Curry, Vegetable Curry, Omelette Curry and Cheese Curry.

They also offer a variety of cinnamon lunch plates and rice bowl lunches.

Kinosaki Udon Naoshima

Kinosaki Udon in Naoshima is an udon shop where you can enjoy delicious udon in Naoshima.

It opens 11:00 to 14:00, so it is only open during lunch time.

After you take your tray, you can choose the warmth of your udon and choose your favorite tempura.

It is very popular because you can eat delicious udon for a reasonable price.

They offer a wide variety of udon for lunch.

They serve a variety of udon noodles, including kake udon, udon noodles with meat and beef udon noodles with an onsen tamago(egg slow-boiled in a hot spring) sauce, and zaru udon.

The gentle taste of the dashi broth is a perfect match for specialty udon noodles.

We recommend topping your udon with freshly raised crispy tempura such as barbecue tempura or chicken tempura.

Seto-no-outchi

Seto-no-outchi, located on Naoshima, is an old house cafe that is more than 100 years old and has a great atmosphere, organized by the island festival.

The cafe also has an inn attached to it, so it’s a good idea to stay here when you visit Naoshima.

In a nostalgic atmosphere, you can enjoy delicious Naoshima fish lunches such as octopus rice, sashimi, grilled sea bream, etc., which are the pride of Naoshima.

The octopus rice set meal is recommended for lunch, in which octopus is finely chopped and mixed into the rice.

It’s simple, but you can enjoy the flavor of the octopus and it’s a great dish.

They also offer a variety of other delicious octopus dishes such as sashimi and fried octopus, which use fresh octopus.

Little Plum

Located about a 2-minute walk from Naoshima’s Naoshima Miyaura Port in Naoshima, Little Plum is a stylish cafe with an atmosphere.

The cafe is a great place to have a delicious lunch or to enjoy a drink, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re a tourist on Naoshima.

For lunch, the special dry curry is highly recommended.

We recommend the homemade dry curry for lunch.

It has a spicy and mature taste with plenty of spices and a strong acidity.

It is spicy and mature, and is served in a large bowl, so even the male customers will be very satisfied.

They serve alcoholic beverages from lunch time onwards, so a beer is recommended to accompany a delicious lunch.

Also about 30 bicycles are availabel for rent for 500 yen per day

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With the Kanmon Straits in front of you and the Karato Market for fresh fish, it’s a great location for sightseeing in Shimonoseki.

However, as of April 2020, the hotel is not accepting overnight stays, and many events that were scheduled to take place at the event space have been cancelled.

I hope you will come to Shimonoseki when the situation is under control and we can go sightseeing.

So, in this article, we will tell you all about the charm that uzuhouse.

As soon As You Cross Kanmon Straits, You’ll Arrive uzuhouse

Get off the highway at the Shimonoseki IC near the Kanmon Straits and drive for 6 minutes. The guesthouse “uzuhouse” is located 5 minutes on foot from Karato Market and is marked by a cute blowfish symbol.

The “uzuhouse” is a guest house born in August 2016.

It was reborn after a total renovation of a 43 year old Japanese restaurant inn by the first class architect, Mr. Mitsuwa Okino, the representative of uzuhouse.

Let’s take a look at the inside of uzuhouse.

Spectacular View From the Rooftop

When I walked out onto the roof of the uzuhouse, I saw the ocean in front of me.

It’s like being on a boat.

The Kanmon Bridge across the Kanmon Straits.

On the other side of the sea is Mojiko Port.

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And the sound of ships and whistles coming and going.

The Kanmon Strait is a navigable waterway, so you can enjoy the dynamic scene of large ships passing by at a great speed at close range.

Where did this ship come from?
What’s this ship carrying?

I could spend hours gazing out at the ocean with that in mind.

The view is delightful with such movement.

By the rooftop terrace, there is a kitchen and dining area for guests.

Guests can cook and eat here.

The rooftop was originally a space for guests only.

But now (April 2020), due to the spread of the new coronavirus, guests can take their purchases from the cafe to the roof to enjoy.

Deluxe Rooms Are Like a Resort!

Uzuhouse is the best place to stay in Shimonoseki if you want to stay as cheaply as possible.

Here is an introduction to the accommodations.

A Deluxe Room Like a Resort Hotel Suite

I was surprised when Okino-san showed me to the deluxe room.

It was so far from what I had imagined a guest house to be.

The spacious living and dining room.

A bedroom with bedding made by Kyoto-based company Iwata.

A luxurious bathroom.

iconHow much does it cost to stay here?

iconMs. Okino: For 1 to 4 people, it starts at 25,000 yen.

iconEhh! Does that mean 4 people start at $6,000 per person? That’s bad …….

Who would have thought a guesthouse would have such a luxurious room? Of course, you can see the sea outside the window.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see such a big ship.

It would be great to spend some time here, watching the ships go by the sea. ……

Superior Room, Which Can Accommodate up to 4 People

The Superior Room has two bunk beds side by side and can accommodate up to four people.

It’s nice to have a sofa and a small table as well as a bed.

It’s also good for a group of women traveling together.

You can’t see the ocean from the windows, but you can see the Akama Shrine. At night, you can see it beautifully lit up.

Spacious 14 Tatami-mat Room “Japanese Style”

The Japanese-style room is spacious with 14 tatami mats.

It can accommodate from 2 to 5 people and you can enjoy the view of the Akama Shrine from the window.

Private Bunk Bed “Western-style” Room

The Western-style room is a small private room with bunk beds that can accommodate one to two people.

It’s nice to have a small sofa and table.

Since it’s a private room, I think it’s easy for those who have never been to a guest house before to come and go.

You can see the Kanmon Straits from the window here.

Convenient “Dormitories” for Traveling Alone

This is the kind of dormitory you’d expect to find in a guesthouse.

The beds are separated from each other by curtains, and once inside the room is surprisingly spacious and comfortable.

In addition to the men’s and women’s rooms, there are women-only rooms for your peace of mind.

Reading lights, personal power outlets, and lockers for valuables are available from 2,250 yen per person.

Uzuhouse’s Cafe and Bar

The first floor of “uzuhouse” is also open for business as a cafe.

Not only tourists, but also locals seem to use it.

The restaurant has been remodeled into a modern and stylish atmosphere, so much so that you can’t feel that it used to be a traditional Japanese restaurant.

There is a beautiful wall art inside the restaurant. It is the work of Saori Kanda (@SAORI_An), an artist who works as a “dancer”.

In addition to drinks, the café prepares snacks such as cheesecakes, terrine chocolates and salsa and chips.

Cheesecake 420 yen

There is also a cafe space on the second floor, and the atmosphere is completely different between the Kanmon Straits side where you can see the ocean and the Akama Jingu Shrine side along the road.

Akama Jingu side

The Akama Jingu side is based on white and has a bright atmosphere.

You can sit on the sofa and relax while enjoying cafe time.

The bookshelves are lined with a variety of novels, comics, and practical books for you to read at your leisure.

Kanmon Straits side

This is a chic space, which is the complete opposite of the Akama Shrine side.

There are more seats than the Akama Jingu side and the tables are spacious.

If you are in a group of several people, I recommend this side of the Kanmon Straits side.

It’s this spectacular view from the window.

There’s another big boat going by.

Let’s go out to the balcony.

The breeze feels great!

This is already a resort.

This is a cafe space, so you can drink anything here, no matter what you like.

Even if it’s cold, it’s exceptionally good.

You can buy alcohol at the cafe on the first floor, so you can drink beer here.

It’s great!

Uzuhouse is a cafe that many customers use just for its café.

Be sure to stop by this café during your visit to Shimonoseki.

Uzuhouse’s Shared Office and Event Space

The uzuhouse also has a shared office and event space.

Shared Office with Ocean View

The uzuhouse also has a shared office space where you can work while taking in the spectacular view.

There are 12 fixed desks and 8 free desks.

There’s also a multifunctional printer and meeting space, making this the perfect place to work.

The free desk plan is available for a whopping 800 yen per day.

It’s a great place to work when you’re in Shimonoseki.

For more information, please visit the official “uzehouse” website.

Open-plan Event Space

The event space is large enough to accommodate about 40 people.

Of course, out the window, as we’ve shown you so far, is the Kanmon Straits!

A wide range of events have been held here so far, including yoga classes, overnight seminars, and JAZZ concerts.

How will Corona Affect? The Future of “Sharing” that Uzuhouse Consider

After touring the guest house, I asked the head of uzuhouse, Mr. Okino, for a few words.

iconIt’s a very nice place, isn’t it!　Did you originally want to open a guesthouse in Shimonoseki?

iconMs. Okino: I’ve worked on share houses and guesthouses before. It was a coincidence that I wanted to do something local.

iconDid you always have the idea to do something local?

iconMs. Okino: I am a university graduate from Tokyo. Every year when I return to Shimonoseki during the New Year’s holidays, I feel that there are fewer and fewer people in the city. I began to wonder if there was anything I could do to revitalize the city.

iconI see. So that thought led to the birth of uzuhouse. What was the deciding factor for you to choose this house?

iconMs. Okino: It’s near the ocean, and you can see the ocean from every floor. That’s the deciding factor.

iconYou’re right. It’s just that the ocean is really beautiful, and it’s great!

iconMs. Okino: The other deciding factor is that the view of the ocean is not just an ocean view, but a typical Shimonoseki view.

iconThat’s true. The Kanmon Straits, Moji Port, and Karato Market and a big ship. There are so many hints of Shimonoseki, aren’t there? Tourists are surprised.

iconMs. Okino: But we don’t have many tourists anymore.

iconI guess the spread of the new coronavirus has had a big impact.

iconMs. Okino: That’s true. We’re looking for things to do every day. It’s a waste of space, so we’re thinking about how we can use the space. We’re also proposing to rent out the private rooms to the café space.

iconI see. ……. This is a place where the space is meant to be shared, so it’s not so easy.

iconMs. Okino: Yes, ……. Even if the spread of the disease has been contained, I think we need to change our mindset before and after the corona.

iconEven after the spread of the disease is over, I have a feeling that there will still be some lingering fears about infectious diseases. Values will change a lot, won’t they?

iconMs. Okino: I think people’s perceptions are changing. The idea of sharing is changing. I’m thinking that even if we do exactly the same thing as before, it may not work.

iconI’m thinking that it might not apply in exactly the same way as before. Do we still do it with the idea that sharing is a good thing? …….

iconMs. Okino: I still think it’s fun for people to come together and talk. I don’t think that’s going to change.

iconYes. And I think it’s unavoidable that “people don’t get involved with other people” as long as they’re alive. I don’t think a virus can take away the fun of interacting with people.

iconMs. Okino: Yes. That’s why I think “uzuhouse” should not be a place where people gather as it has been. In order to do that, it can’t continue as it is now, so I’ll continue to think about what to do from now on.

iconI see. When the spread of the new coronavirus is under control and I am able to travel again, I will definitely visit the “Deluxe Room”. Thank you!

Must-see Spots in Shimonoseki Around Uzuhouse

Let’s take a look at some of the spots in Shimonoseki near “uzuhouse”.

Karato Market, Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Karato Market is a large market where you can find a variety of fish caught in the seas around the city, including the famous puffer fish.

Just looking around the market is a lot of fun with fresh fish sold at market prices.

In addition to seafood, the market also has a direct sales area for agricultural products, and you’ll find a variety of delicious foods.

Incidentally, the best place to eat fresh fish from the market is at the restaurant in Karato Market.

Yoshi set meal 1,600 yen

“Ichiba Shokudo Yoshi” is a very popular place to eat with the market workers.

You can enjoy excellent meals with fresh fish at local prices.

Yoshi set meal is a value-priced set meal that includes deep fried pufferfish and fried shrimp, as well as sashimi.

The fried pufferfish is made with fresh pufferfish and is very tender and delicious!

The sashimi was also very fresh and delicious.

There are other menu items that you can only find at the market, such as raw sea urchin set menus and seafood rice bowls, so if you’re ever in Karato Market, be sure to stop by.

Akama Shrine in front of Uzuhouse

The Akama Shrine is a shrine that can be seen from the window of “uzuhouse”.

It enshrines Emperor Antoku, who entered the water at the Battle of Dannoura.

In the precincts of the shrine, there is the Emperor Antoku’s Amidaji Mausoleum, the grave of the Heike Clan, Hoichido Hall where a wooden statue of “Hoichi the Earless” is enshrined, and the Treasure Hall with valuable documents such as “Genpei Battle Picture”.

When the weather is nice, you can see the sea from the temple grounds and it is a good spot for a walk from uzuhouse.

Please visit the shrine.

“Kaikyokan” , an Aquarium

Kaikyokan is an aquarium located about a 10-minute walk from “uzuhouse”.

The aquarium has a large, powerful tank and the world’s largest display of pufferfish species on display is a sight to behold.

A variety of puffer fish, including the tiger puffer, Harisenbon, and the headfish (the headfish is also in the pufferfish family), are on display, and you’ll feel Shimonoseki’s commitment to them.

The penguin exhibit is one of the largest in Japan and is a must-see.

The dolphin and sea lion show, which is rare in Japan, is also very popular.

In the center of the facility, there is a large bookshelf with up to 5,000 books on it.

Places to stay are in a magical space between the bookshelves.

In addition, the Kyoto store sells local beer, so you can enjoy it too.

I could read some more… The best moment to fall asleep is in Kyoto!

Most of the books are in Japanese, but they also have some western books  such as English.

BOOK AND BED AND BEER

BOOK AND BED KYOTO is located in Gion, the center of Kyoto’s tourism.

When you arrive at the nine-story building, you will find a door that leads you to a world of fairy tales.

What’s beyond that door?

This is an entrance that will spark your imagination.

When you pull the door open, what do you see inside is a world of pink?

Actually, this is the front desk, with 30 different beers on the wall labeled BOOK AND BED AND BEER!

There’s also a wide selection of Kyoto’s local beers on tap.

You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a stylish bar, but when you open the other door, you’ll find a bookstore where you can stay the night.

With your favorite beer and snacks in hand, enter the world of books!

Like a Fancy Bookstore! But There’re Rooms

Once the check-in process is complete, we open the door further in and finally enter the bookstore.

In front of me is a large bookshelf with books displayed on the ceiling as well.

Looking at the bookshelves, which can hold up to 5,000 books, you’d think you were stopping by a stylish bookstore, but if you look between the shelves, you’ll see that there’s plenty of room for a bed.

No one will complain if you bring in your favorite books and stay in.

The mattress is firm and the only light in the room, but books are the main attraction.

Read your favorite book in the room and you will fall asleep before you know it.

These moment falling asleep is the best part of a bookstore where you can stay overnight.

View of Japan’s Oldest Theater From Above

If you’re going to sleep in a bookcase, do you have a view?

Is this an enclosed space?

BOOK AND BED KYOTO is located on the 9th floor of a building with a great view!

Located across the street from the landmark Kyoto Shijo Minamiza Theater in Gion, you can enjoy the luxury of reading a book while gazing at Japan’s oldest theater from above.

There is a bookshelf in the center of the room and a sofa by the wall, so when your eyes start to get tired from reading too many books, you can rest your body on the sofa and enjoy the view of the city.

If it’s clear, you can even see Kyoto Tower!

There are three types of room types.

RIVER VIEW COMPACT is a special room with a window where you can lie down and look at the Kamo River.

There is only one room available, so early booking is recommended.

Books Are from Kibunsha Ichijoji Store

What I’m interested in is the variety of books.

The book select shop is the famous Keibunsha Ichijoji store in Kyoto.

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With the concept of “this and that book-related selection shop”, this bookstore offers not only new books, but also books carefully selected by the staff and lined up on their bookshelves.

Of course, we can also read travel guide books with information on sightseeing and dining in Kyoto, so you can decide on the next day’s sightseeing route while you sleep at night.

Want to Take Home Some Original Goodies!

If you want to relax, it’s definitely pajamas!

At Kyoto store, they have a pajama day on the 8th of every month, and a limited number of pajamas are available for rent.

Original pajamas, designed by “NOWHAW”, are shaped like a yukata and are soft and fluffy to wear.

They are stylish and functional pajamas that can be worn as they are or as an outer garment.

You can only rent them on days that on the 8th day, but they are also available for sale.

They are very comfortable to wear, so why not buy one for your home?

In addition, a variety of stylish original goods are available, including tote bags and notebooks.

The tote bag is just the right size to pack a book and carry it to bed.

Check out the popular tote bag at the Tokyo store before it’s sold out!

One Minute Walk From Gion-Shijo Station

BOOK AND BED KYOTO is conveniently located 1 minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Railway, which is also convenient for sightseeing in Kyoto, and a 5 minute walk to Yasaka Shrine.

There are Tsujiri, which serves green tea sweets, and Kyoto Udon shops nearby, so you can enjoy Kyoto’s gourmet cuisine.

Falling asleep while watching TV, looking at your phone or reading a book…

How about experiencing this great moment in the middle of Kyoto?

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