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At some of the smaller towns we visited, we stayed in ryokans. A ryokan is a traditional inn with lots of wood, bamboo, paper screens and tatami matting. Shoes are not worn and you sit and sleep on the floor. The bathing facilities are traditionally communal. This is the outside of the Ryokan Seiryu in Takayama. |
Staying at a ryokan is a good way to experience the Japanese lifestyle. |
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The futon and bedding is stowed in the cupboards and laid out in the evening while you are at dinner. |
This is the dinner we were served at the Seifu-So Onsen Ryokan in Awara Onsen. |
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After your bath, you put on your yukata and come to dinner. The yukata design is unique to each ryokan. Fold yukata left-side over right. Right-side over left symbolizes death in Buddhism and can cause upset. |
Serving rice. |
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Ryokan breakfast. |
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We didn't wear our yucatas for breakfast. |
The Seifu-So Onsen Ryokan in Awara Onsen was near the coastal town of Tojinbo on the Sea of Japan.
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A street market in Tojinbo. |
The rugged cliffs and rocky coast of Tojinbo. |
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