When planning a trip to Japan, just one night in a Ryokan can become the highlight of a holiday. You will be fussed over and pampered. Your every wish granted; quite a change from the formal distance observed in Western style hotels. Ryokans can vary from traditional wooden structures to modern ones, which look like large hotels from the outside.

Traditional Japanese food, served at Ryokans, has a well-earned reputation for looking good as well as being delicious. You can also expect to be served the local specialities depending on the season and the place you will be staying. The Ryokans used by Jaltour all include Japanese dinner and breakfast, Japanese style room, and private bathroom.

A stay in Japan wouldn't be complete without trying Japanese-style bathing. Japan boasts more natural onsen (hot springs) than any other country in the world, and visiting and staying at an onsen resort is a popular pastime. Perhaps the ultimate bathing experience comes from a leisurely soak in a rotenburo (open-air onsen) with a view of mountains or the sea. And if you can't make it to an onsen resort during your trip, try a visit to a sento (public bath) or a kenkou senta (health centre) instead. These can be found in most towns and cities, and for a minimal charge you can sample a range of therapeutic mineral baths, soaking in the baths for as long as you like.