The preparations proceed, the suitcases are almost ready, and the day of departure is quickly coming closer.
As Marie mentioned, for most of the time we will stay in traditional Japanese houses.
The choice has been made almost by chance. At the beginning, I was looking for something typical. No western hotels, I see enough of them in Europe. A few years ago, at the time of my first stay in Japan, I relied on impeccable decisions of two of my dear friends, who chose a ryokan (the equivalent of a B&B more or less) quite good in Kyoto.
Obviously I wanted to replicate the experience and while searching on my favorite reference site, I run into the phrase “vacation rentals”. Hmm, the idea immediately won over my heart: what is better than stay in a typical old Japanese house to immerse themselves in the authentic Japan?
The choice is varied and interesting, but the final decision has required a considerable effort to compromise among budget, location and availability (believe it or not, some of the top choices were already full in November!).
Here then is the list of our accommodation:
Kyoto 13/03 – 18/03
Juichi-an machiya
An old machiya, a traditional Japanese townhouse. Made by wood and with rice-paper doors, its name Juichi-an come from 11-headed Bodhisattva of compassion della India. After 16h of flight we will need it…
Koyasan 18/03 – 19/03
Yochi-in shukubo
In Koyasan, the only choice is to stay with the monks. The shukubo is the traditional accommodation for pilgrims. So by choice, not out of obligation: the opportunity to sleep in an authentic Buddhist temple is unique and unrepeatable.
Tokyo 19/03 – 25/03
The Edo Sakura ryokan
In Tokyo we will have a more traditional arrangement. So it was more the position to make me choose this simple ryokan. The name, sakura, is an invitation to watch the cherry blossom season, so it could not have been chosen in a better period.
Miyajima 25/03 – 26/03
Ryoso Kawaguchi ryokan
We will be only one night on the island of floating shrine, so we will have no particular request. But of course no western hotels: looking at the photos, this simple b&b Japanese seems pretty good .
Hiroshima 26/03 – 27/03
Sansui ryokan
Given the proximity, we could not fail to visit Hiroshima. And to taste the local delicacies (okonomiyaki), one night is of obligation. So another ryokan (and hopefully a good one…)
Kyoto 27/03 – 03/04
Gojo machiya
Finally, before the return to our daily lives, another week in Kyoto, and once again we will stay in a recently renovated machiya. From the reviews and the pictures it looks cute, we hope that the renewal has not altered the charm.
Of course, these are just initial impressions. We will definitely keep you updated when will be there.
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