Ryokans in Hiroshima?

[Cynicor]

Hi.

THe folks are going to Japan soon (late Oct to mid Nov) and I'm starting to book them accommodation. First stop is the Westin Tokyo for 8 nights, so if people have their own list of must-dos for two 60ish people please let me know.

Next is the Japan Rail pass (14 nights, standard cabins), found traveljapan.com.au who seem to me to be the cheapest after the +++ (CC fee, postage etc). Anyone know anywhere better?

And the main question-
They want to stay somewhere traditional in Hiroshima (no idea why there specifically) so I'm trying to find a nice ryokan for them. I figured someone on here must have been to one or knows someone who has. I mostly see ryokan hotels when i search so advice regarding these, too, would be great.

Thanks!

 

[whereishome]

I have done a quick google in Japanese for you, trying to find a few options for non-Japanese speakers that aren't listed in English.

Here is a pretty standard city-type ryokan : IKAWA RYOKAN - Japanese style inn in the center of Hiroshima city

But it's not too different from a hotel.

If you're looking for something more 'traditional' then you won't really want to be looking in the middle of the city. My experience is that a ryokan in the city is really just like a hotel anywhere, just that you sleep on the floor. Ryokan's in onsen (hot spring) villages are more traditional and worth the cost.

This website (run by Japanese National Tourist Organisation) is your best bet for ryokan : Japan Ryokan (Japanese Style Inns) Reservation - JAPANiCAN.com

 

[JetLagged]

This website (run by Japanese National Tourist Organisation) is your best bet for ryokan : Japan Ryokan (Japanese Style Inns) Reservation - JAPANiCAN.com

Thanks for that - I had a good look at their wbsite. Have been thnking about a trip to Japan for some time now - and always wanted to stay in a traditional ryokan.

I came across this website which also looked very good and informative:

Japanese Guest Houses - Japanese Inn (ryokan) Reservation Service

 

[flychrisfly]

Fairly close to where your parents are staying is my favourite restaurant in Tokyo: Kushiwaka. They serve food on sticks that's been barbecued. The main meat is chicken but there are plenty of other flavours to enjoy.

The menus are in English and Japanese and it's easy to try lots of stuff. Order a beer and get stuck in! My favourite dishes are the chicken meatballs, capsicum stuffed with cheese, and tomato wrapped in bacon. You can even get chicken sashimi (raw chicken) which is completely safe. Kushiwakamaru, Nakameguro * For dinner go early in the evening (or go during the day) to avoid the office worker's dinner time as it can get quite busy.

It's a 2 minute walk from Nakameguro subway station which is only one stop from Ebisu - the closest station to the Westin. When they arrive at Nakameguro, exit the station and cross the road in front of the exit. Turn left then take the second street (or lane) on the right then first on the left. This website is in Japanese but shows you what the restaurant looks like from the outside Eating Out in Tokyo With Dominic: Kushiwaka Maru, Naka Meguro and this is a map Unknown road to Unknown road - Google Maps

Enjoy!

 

[Mundi]

For Hiroshima we stayed in a Ryokan on Miyajima Island. Try japaneseguesthouses.com/db/miyajima/iwaso.htm

Easy to get to with your rail pass. For info on Japan try japan-guide.com
Their forum is very helpful in answering any questions. Have fun