Story Title: Traditional Japan – Experiencing Onsens & Ryokans
Episode: 6
Broadcast Date: 25th January 2014
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane & Kim Syrus

Wakayama is a wonderful place to experience traditional ryokans. We visit  Kamigoten ryokan which was built in 1657 for Yorinobu Tokugawa, the feudal lord of Kinokuni as a site for bathing and relaxing. We feast on beautiful local, seasonal Japanese cuisine at Kamigoten Ryokan, and afterwards, Trevor relaxes in the open-air bath. Kim on the other hand, heads out to experience Kawayu Onsen, where the hot spring water bubbles to the surface of the crystal clear river!

Experiencing Tradition

• Natural hot springs (onsen) are numerous and highly popular across Japan. Every region of the country has its share of hot springs and resort towns, which come with them. There are many types of hot springs, distinguished by the minerals dissolved in the water. Different minerals provide different health benefits, and all hot springs are supposed to have a relaxing effect on your body and mind.
• Hot spring baths come in many varieties, indoors and outdoors, gender separated and mixed, developed and undeveloped. Many hot spring baths belong to a ryokan, while others are public bathhouses. An overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan is a highly recommended experience to any visitor of Japan.
• Ryujin Onsen is a hidden, historical hot spring settlement situated in the mountainous heart of the Kii-hanto Peninsula along the upper reaches of the Hidaka-gawa River, famous for its beautifying mineral waters.
• A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn that originated in the Edo period (1603–1868), when such inns served travelers along Japan's highways. They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner.
• Most ryokan offer dinner and breakfast, which are often included in the price of the room. Most visitors do take their meals at the ryokan, which usually promote themselves on the quality of their food. Meals consist of traditional Japanese cuisine known as kaiseki, which features seasonal and regional specialties.
• Kamigoten Ryokan was built in 1657 for Yorinobu Tokugawa, the feudal lord of Kinokuni as a site for bathing and relaxing. The Onarino-ma (the room built for the ruler) is where the feudal lord used to stay, and is decorated with beautiful antique art.
• The Ryujin family has been managing Kamigoten for 29 generations, and they pride themselves on serving delicious meals made with the best ingredients from the surrounding mountains and having guests relax in the bathes overlooking the river.
• To find out more about Wakayama click here

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