Japan

Kurashiki is a charming historic town near Okayama, which is about three hours by bus from Matsue. The city was originally used as a rice storage area, so the old buildings have been preserved and changed into cute little shops and hotels. It's kind of like a Japanese Jonesborough in a way.

After walking around the historic downtown area, I stayed at a ryokan, or Japanese style inn. I had been wanting to stay at a ryokan for a very long time, but never had enough courage to go, but I finally did it!

It was amazing. When I first arrived, the staff were waiting on me at the front and immediately took me into a room where waiting for me was over ten yukatas (Japanese robes) to choose from. I picked out one and they showed me around.

One of the most appealing thing about ryokans is their architecture and design. Everything inside is traditional: tatami floors, Japanese flower arrangements, old wooden walls and sliding doors. The staff wear kimonos and serve your meal and wait on you in old traditional fashion. It's definitely a true Japanese experience that few foreigners are lucky enough to get to experience I think.

There was a gorgeous onsen which overlooked an old traditional Japanese garden. I took a bath three times while I visited there because it was so relaxing and I was always the only one there! I just soaked up in the hot stone bath and looked out over the garden. I don't think I'd been more completely relaxed in all my life. Then, I went up to my room and they brought a traditional Japanese dinner right to my room. By traditional I mean seaweed dishes and miso soup, sashimi, tempura, rice and Japanese style vinegared vegetables. All ridiculously healthy.

After finishing dinner, I went to the onsen again and when I returned back to my room, the attendant had laid out my bed for me. I felt so taken-care-of and pampered. Then the next morning, they served a Japanese breakfast. After checking out, they followed me outside and all bowed, then didn't go back inside until I walked out of sight.

I had always been so nervous and afraid to go to one because I felt like I didn't know enough about Japanese manner and language to not make a huge fool of myself, but, I finally mustered up enough guts to go. And, I'm so glad I did! I knew after living here for a year and a half how wonderfully polite and curteous Japanese are, but after experiencing a night's stay at a ryokan, I'm definitely blown away!