mkb

I am interested also in finding a Ryokan to try for a night...any suggestions...not ultra expensive, but something to really remember Japan by....cities we will be in, Kyoto, Kanazawa,Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Miyakjima,Hagi? and Osaka. Thank you, MKB

KimJapan

Start with www.japaneseguesthouses.com and http://travel.rakuten.co.jp/en/. Miyajima might be the place to do your ryokan. Be careful about going too cheap, as ryokan is a general word used to mean Japanese style accommodations, and many places that offer little more than a futon on tatami use the word ryokan in their name, which can be misleading. If you want the futon on the floor, plus a nice bath, great food and the service that goes along with it, you'll need to pay from ¥10,000 per person and on up...average price for a memorable experience is about ¥30,000 per person. The rare place may exist that is an amazing experience for less than ¥10,000 per person, but its not an easy find at all. Beware of places that cater to foreigners on a budget...they are inexpensive, yes, but experiences, not so much.

mrwunrfl

Try Momijiso on Miyajima. Nice people, good food, nice traditional room, absolutely nothing to do at night (meaning it is quiet).

In Kurashiki there is a place that is in a former warehouse that sounds interesting. Not a traditional ryokan, I think, but might be nice. I haven't stayed there yet.

mrwunrfl

There is a little tv in the room.

mflickermd

These perhaps are a bit high end,but we very much enjoyed them:Iwaso in Miyajima,Tomoe in Hagi, and for a super splurge,Hiiragiya in Kyoto.

Mara

mrwunrfl - were you referring to the Naraman Inn in Kurashiki in your above post? Or if not, which inn did you have in mind?
Thanks!

mrwunrfl

It's Ryokan Kurashiki. I'd like to give a fodors link describing the place, but no such link exists. This link will do:
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...ki/H45153.html

Mara

Oh, okay, thanks mrwunrfl - it's a little above my budget....