Traveling To Japan? Book A Room At Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn, which has been a central part of Japanese culture for centuries. The earliest ryokans were built along the Tokai Highway for travelers journeying between the capital city of Tokyo and the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. The simplest ryokans were actually homes offering extra rooms for travelers. Others, more elaborate, were offering little luxuries to exquisite elaborate cuisine.

Today, there are around 63,000 ryokans in Japan, of which 1,800 are high quality establishments belonging to the Japan Tourism Association. Many are located close to hot springs. Besides offering relaxation and calming views of the gardens, the blue sky or the stars above during the evening, the onsen (Hot springs) are places to meet friends, swap gossip and jokes, and practice Japanese. Rooms usually contain reading material in English explaining the inn's history and ryokan customs.

Gracious service is norm in Japan. The Luxury Ryokan Collection (LRC) in conjunction with Hong Kong TravelOptions group, is a brand of 15 finest ryokans across Japan. It offers added services at some of Japan's most exclusive inns. All painstakingly selected to launch the collection under the name Luxury Ryokan Collection. Reservations are available through LRC's web site which allows visitors to obtain detailed information about the collection of ryokans for travelers with a taste for the finest things in life.

Unique both in concept and execution it is meant to break the language barriers and promote them internationally. Reason that ryokans were not readily available outside Japan. Exclusive services include interpretation from some 150 languages, free mobile phone service, transportation, guide, VIP excursions. Key markets include the USA, China, Hong Kong, Germany and United Kingdom.

Ryokans go back to medieval times and are part of national treasures in Japan, each with its own rich history. Here once can experience the true essence of Japan and where one would want to return often. The exquisite beauty and allure of the ryokans themselves assure a memorable experience.

Photograph with the kind permission of Luxury Ryokan Collection