I am planning a trip to Tokyo in late November and want to go up to Hoshi and Takaragawa for 2 nights. I thought I would spend one night at Choshukan in Hoshi and one in Ohsenkaku in Takaragawa. How do I make these bookings? Is it best to use the Japanese Guest Houses booking service or is there a better way to get a better rate using some other service?

Thanks!

I'm not sure how to book other than calling directly. I've been to both and that's what I did. Both are really beautiful traditional onsen. I would strongly suggest going during the weekdays. Because they are such famous spots, they are extremely crowded on the weekends and like a zoo with buses full of tour groups and people on day trips. You'll have a totally different experience during the week. November should be an ideal time to go. It's a very popular season, so you should try to book soon.

Since I do not speak Japanese, can I really call directly? Does anyone know any services or travel agents I can use?

Ryokan rates aren't generally negotiable through agents. However, many offer good package deals and special plans when booking directly. You might try calling them directly and asking for special plans.

http://dom.jtb.co.jp/yado/Shisetsu.aspx?st=3217001
JTB lists several rates on this all Japanese page...most expensive is 24,885 yen per person per night. So with Japanese Guesthouses, you should not pay any more than that....the 24, 885 rate is for a large 10 tatami room, 2 meals and tax and service included.

You can call directly...there will either be someone who can speak English or there won't...likely there will be. You could also FAX your inquiry to them if you are more comfortable with that, but don't expect a return FAX to an overseas number.

Paulo, those two places are popular with foreign travelers, so I suppose they might have someone who can help with reservations in English. You could try anyway. Or you could ask your hotel in Tokyo to help you book ahead.