Exactly a year ago, we went on a two week trip to Japan. Our main reason for going was to go snowboarding near Nagano and spend some time in the tech, anime, toy, gaming district of Akihabara in Tokyo.
The day after we booked our tickets to Tokyo, we found out we were pregnant. Super exciting news, and the trip was still going forward, but I unfortunately wasn't going to go looking for japow with my partner.
On the bright side, I did some research and found some really cool places to visit near the ski hills and around Tokyo and Kyoto.
With the money I saved on not snowboarding lift tickets and gear, I decided to treat us to an all-inclusive traditional Japanese ryokan. A ryokan is basically a type of inn dating back to the 8th century that consist of a room with mats on the floor called tatami mats, low table for tea, sliding doors, ideally a porch or balcony, and have traditional yukata for its visitors to wear while staying.
You have to do your research as there are many ryokans to choose from, I decided on one that looked like it had scenic views, delicious food, and private relaxing onsens. The name of the ryokan we stayed at was Momijiya Ryokan.
When we arrived we brought to our room after slipping into a pair of slippers and served tea and cookies. Our room was beautiful and had a view of a valley full of trees and a river below with walking trails and bridges.
We immediately put on our yukata robes and went for a walk around the ryokan, had a relaxing dip in the private onsens and walked outside along the pathways before it got dark.
Our dinner was served with beautiful presentation and over at least ten courses. Being pregnant a lot of the food didn't appeal to my senses as it was foreign and a bit to gelatinous for me, but I did attempt to try everything and not be rude.
After dinner we came back to our room and found our beds had been made, on mats on the floor and beds were heated with a foot bag. Dave deconstructed it, and found a hot coal inside.
The entire experience was serene and relaxing, and not a person in the ryokan spoke english, so there wasn't much communication, but that was fine. We just took in the sights and relaxed and it was a perfect mid-way point from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and on our way to Nozawa Onsen and Nagano for some winter wonderland snow adventures.