| What springs to mind when you think of Japan? | | | | meals to your room. |
| From sushi to Shinto temples, sumo to stylish | | | | - There are also a number of smaller versions of |
| gadgets, Japan remains a popular destination for | | | | the traditional ryokan - known as minshuku - |
| western tourists. | | | | which are equivalent to holiday homes and |
| After sorting out your flight details, with many | | | | B&Bs. Facilities could consist of that of a |
| major airports in the UK offering services to | | | | small hotel or just a room in a family home, and |
| Tokyo and Osaka, it's time to decide what kind of | | | | often serve as accommodation in villages and |
| accommodation you wish to stay in during your | | | | towns which are too small to warrant a hotel or |
| visit. | | | | ryokan. |
| There are many different types of | | | | - If you'd rather not sleep on a futon, there are |
| accommodation you can choose to stay in during | | | | many hotels that have facilities that combine |
| your visit to the land of the rising sun. As well as | | | | Eastern and Western traits, whilst still offering a |
| the larger chain hotels located within the bustling | | | | taste of the Orient. |
| city streets, there are a number of smaller | | | | - There are also a number of hotels where you |
| establishments tucked away amongst the hustle | | | | can spend the night in 'capsule rooms' - small |
| and bustle and the neon lights: | | | | bunks which include televisions and lockers in the |
| - If you fancy spending the night in a more | | | | corridors to store your luggage. Don't worry if |
| traditional dwelling rather than the more upmarket | | | | you're travelling in a group, for these hotels also |
| hotels, try searching for a ryokan. Ryokan are | | | | offer a number of small rooms that have a lot |
| small inns, usually located in scenic areas on the | | | | more space for a little extra money. |
| outskirts of cities. Typical sleeping arrangements | | | | Many hotels in Japan are located within the |
| involve futons on tatami-matted floors. These | | | | bustling city environments, and tend to be within |
| establishments also include communal bathing | | | | walking distance of railway stations and tram |
| areas, separated by sliding doors, which use water | | | | stops, as well as a wide range of restaurants |
| from hot springs to give a feeling of relaxation in | | | | offering everything from traditional Japanese |
| an Oriental environment. Traditional Japanese | | | | cuisine such as sushi and ramen noodles to |
| meals are usually included in the price - though not | | | | modern fusion-cuisine in Michelin-starred |
| all ryokan offer this service - and whilst some | | | | restaurants. |
| have communal dining areas, most will bring the | | | | |