Lodging in Japan doesn't have to be cookie cutter
The expression living like a monk can take on a whole new meaning to those vacationing in Japan.
John McMillen of tour operator Inside Japan said during a recent webinar that the country’s varied accommodation scene includes opportunities to stay in Buddhist lodges, viewing monks as they go about their daily routines.
But that is only one of several intriguing lodging options for tourists, with another including ryokan stays, something the Colorado-based company promotes. “We always recommend guests experience the traditional inns of Japan,” he said, adding they’re “very comfortable.”
Japan also has Western-style hotels, although McMillen cautioned they may be smaller than hotels in this continent as developable land in the mountainous country is sometimes scarce.
Japan’s famed “capsule hotels” – which have people sleep in very small quarters – are “kind of a fun option,” but McMillen suggested that those who want to experience them bring earplugs as “you can hear every snore.”
Among popular ways of exploring Japan are its famed trains, which McMillen said cover almost the entire country and are clean, punctual and convenient.
Many worry that Japan will be expensive, but McMillen said that doesn’t have to be the case, with meals available for less than the equivalent of US$10 and tipping not generally expected. Indeed, those who try to tip Japanese hospitality workers may end up “offending the person,” he cautioned.
McMillen said visitors could spend months in Tokyo without getting bored, and also labelled Osaka “Japan’s kitchen.”
He praised Japanese cuisine, saying it’s more varied than Westerners usually expect and added that vegetarian cuisine is available.
Although tourists tend to quickly associate Japan with modern cities, the country is largely covered with mountains, with McMillen stating it’s great for hiking and biking.
Geothermal activity means hot springs can be found in many parts of Japan.
Japan has distinct seasons, with McMillen noting spring is famed for its cherry blossom displays, while winter is an “undersold time of year.”
Okinawa can provide tropical beach vacations, he told the WheelHouse Travel Alliance webinar.
McMillen said Japan is “great for everybody” and also stated that it’s “one of the safest destinations on the planet.”
Inside Japan is part of the Inside Travel Group, which sends clients to such Asian destinations as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Bali, Malaysia and Thailand.
