This article is a detailed look inside 9hours – the designer/minimalist capsule hotel which opened in December 2009. Unlike most other capsule hotels, this one allows women – and out of all the capsule hotels that do allow women, this is probably the only one they would want to visit.

Reception desk.

From a sign in the lobby of the hotel…

9hours offers a refreshing innovative service concept focusing on the “value of time” in an urban area. It attempts to break down the well known, the traditional notion of hotel service and stay. We attempt to introduce a functional accommodation experience in an unprecedented manner for those who seek practicality and special aspects in a hotel stay. You can stay here for a maximum of 17 hours. You can check in anytime.

Kyoto map, even information, Kyoto city one-day bus pass, JTB Tour applications, internet and even free lending of an umbrella!

All surfaces are sleek. All signs are part of the walls and floors. Minimal icons are used to guide you around the hotel. A simple colour scheme of white, black and silver serves to enhance the uniqueness and uncomplicated functionality of the hotel.

Lobby area (reception is behind) with elevators up ahead.

Most signs in Japanese hotels will be in English and Japanese.

Having a background in design - I'm a huge fan of Japanese design and how user friendly it always is... even without language, this image makes sense.

After checking in you’ll probably head straight to the locker and shower area. Men’s and women’s locker and shower areas are on separate floors.

There is a public bath and private shower cubicles. Just like every other Japanese capsule hotel, you’ll find razors, combs, toothbrushes and hairdryers.

The locker is a decent size, large enough to fit a small suitcase or a large backpack.

Lockers in the bath/shower area.

9hours creates an experience with their brand. All the toiletries, and even coffee and bottled water, have been made especially for the hotel.

A yukata, towel and 9hours branded toiletries in your locker.

You know what a toilet looks like – but have you seen a control panel for a toilet like this one?

It’s even got a button to play a flushing sound to mask whatever you’re doing in there…

A very fancy toilet indeed...

As well as the showers being on separate floors, capsule rooms for women are on different floors to the men. There are toilets and vending machines on every floor.

Men and women's capsules and bathrooms are located on separated floors accessed by separate elevators.

Another cool graphic on the walls inside the capsule hotel.

After going up the elevator and through the small, very plain room with only a vending machine and a toilet door, you enter the capsule room. There are about 20 – 25 capsules on each floor. If you’ve ever stayed at a hostel in London, you’ll know that it can be fun to hang around the 15 other people in the room – but in such a closed society like Japan, you get privacy literally by being encapsulated!

The eerie gold and green lighting illuminates the entrance to your capsule.

Locate your capsule and jump in! There is a sliding blind to give you privacy.

The entrance to your 9hour sleep system.

Inside the capsule is a very comfortable mattress, a pillow custom made for the hotel, and a control panel for lights and the alarm. Unlike other capsules, there is no TV inside – which I like, it only takes up room and distracts from relaxation.

At the foot of your capsule bed are instructions on how to use the hotel and sleep system.

You can use a normal alarm if you like, but the “Sleep Ambient System” has to be experienced. I’ll let 9hours tell you all about it – verbatim from the How to use the “Sleep Ambient System” printout inside the card left at the foot of your bed:

The “Sleep Ambient System” is designed to help you sleep better. Setup your wake up time and start the system. The lighting in the capsule dims gradually to make falling asleep easier. The next morning as your wake up time approaches, the lighting slowly becomes brighter to help you wake up comfortably.

It was a very cool way to go to sleep/wake up. When you start the sleep system, the lights slowly fade over about 15 minutes. It does the reverse to wake you up in the morning. I woke up with such a strange feeling, maybe it was my dream but I thought for a moment I was sleeping outside …

Control panel inside the capsule to set the alarm and room lights.

True to the nature of the interior, the exterior of the building is very simple.

9hours Capsule Hotel from the street - tall thin buildings are typical of inner city Japan.

The really convenient thing is that you can check in at anytime and start your 9hours. I first stayed at 9hours during a sweltering few days in August during my summer holiday travelling Japan. I checked in around 8PM and checked out before dawn to walk along the Kamo River.

I’d recommend staying here when you’re travelling solo or in small groups.

How to Book Accommodation at 9hours Capsule Hotel

The 9hours.jp website is bilingual and you can make a booking directly through their online reservation system. Payment is made upon arrival.

How to Get to 9hours Capsule Hotel

9hours is located in Teramachi, on the west side of the Kamo River across from Gion. There are a few train stations nearby and buses run frequently through the area. The closest station is Kawaramachi Station, here are directions to get there:

• Train from Kyoto Station: Take the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line for 3 minutes, getting off at Shijo Station. From there find the Hankyu Kyoto Line at Karasuma Station, heading to Kawaramachi Station which is just 2 minutes away.
• Bus from Kyoto Station: I’m a big advocate of the 500円 all-day Kyoto City Bus Pass – but when I stayed at 9hours, I took the train there and walked all the next day. If you want to take the bus, the easiest way is to ask the staff at the information center inside Kyoto station. From memory, I know the 203 bus goes along Shijo Dori – just get off at Kawaramachi Station.

Walking to 9hours Capsule Hotel from Kawaramachi Station

After getting off the train, take any of the western exits up to the street. There is a main road called Shijo Dori – you want to get yourself on the sidewalk on the south side of this road. You’ll see a MOS Burger and a McDonalds along here.

Walk west along this road, past the MOS and McDonalds. After McDonalds, turn left at the lights – you’ll be walking down a one-way street against traffic. After 100 metres you’ll see a Family Mart convenience store – 9hours is next to that!

View Larger on Google Maps

With the bus and train so close, 9hours is a great place to see the amazing and almost ancient treasure of Kyoto. Be sure to see these places on your next visit:

• The Golden Pavilion – Kinkakuji – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kyoto’s Castle – Nijojo – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Fushimi Inari – mountain shrine with thousands of red gates – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kyoto Imperial Palace – National Heritage Site.

Next time you visit the Kyoto area, spend a night at 9hours and let me know how you like it!

This short video was taken during my visit in summer of 2011.

History of Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji was built in the Kamakura period (between 1185 – 1332) as an aristocrat’s country estate. In 1397 it was taken over by a retired shogun who transfored the temple into an elegant recreational villa. He had aspirations of becoming a dynastic figure, hence the gold leaf gilding.

A wide view of the temple and pond from the main photo spot.

Taken from the very edge of the main photo spot.

When the shogun, Yoshimitsu, died in 1422 it was converted into a Zen Buddhist Temple. After death, this shogun was awarded the name “Shari-den Kinkaku” (金 = kin/gold). That’s why today the temple is commonly refered to as Kinkaku-ji (or Golden Pavilion) and not its real name of Rokuonji Temple.

Design of the Golven Pavilion Temple

The temple has a very interesting design which is the inspiration for Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion Temple).

The brilliance of the temple in real life just can't be done just through photos, even HDR photos.

The first floor (ground floor) contains 2 statues and is built in the court noblemen’s residence style, reflecting an era of around 1000 years ago.

1st floor - you can just make out the statues inside.

The second floor (gilded in gold leaft) is designed in the samurai warriors house style and contains 2 statues.

2nd Floor.

The third floor (also gilded in gold leaf) is built in a Zen temple style. It also holds ashes, said to be those of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism.

3rd Floor, including the Golden Phoenix on top.

On top of the temple is a golden figure of “ho-o” – a classical Chinese mythical phoenix bird.

Close-up of the golden 2nd and 3rd floors and the "ho-o" mythical bird.

The surprising thing about Kinkaku-ji, aside from the sheer brilliance of the temple itself which pictures cannot do justice, is the garden of the temple grounds.

The garden utilises the sight of a local mountain and specially selected rocks have been placed in the pond. There is also a lookout area along the path.

Anmintaku Pond in the temple grounds.

Somewhere along the strolling garden path.

Taken from the lookout area.

There are also various buildings such as halls and tea houses in the temple grounds. And of course, a souvenir shop to buy lucky charms and other standard stuff.

Hojo Building.

Visiting Kinkaku-ji

The grounds of Kinkaku-ji are relatively smalled when compared to other sites in Kyoto. Your visit would last around 45 minutes, with plenty of photo taking time and a liesurely stroll through the entire garden.

From Kyoto station it is a 15-20 minute bus ride to the entrance of the temple grounds. You’ll find signs in English at the station as well as a screen inside the bus telling you where you are and when the stop to Kinkaku-ji is coming up.

If you’re spending the day in Kyoto, be sure to grab the 500 yen all day bus pass. The buses run to all the major historical sites and areas and a one way trip usually costs 200 yen. There are vending machines for these passes at the bus stops in front of Kyoto station, if you have trouble finding them, go to the information center inside the station where the English speaking staff can help you.

Kurashiki is a short drive (about 30) from Okayama city, and it is a very quick trip by train. We passed by Kurashiki on the way to Shikoku for Awa Odori, as it is on the northern edge of the Seto Inland Sea (the sea between the Japanese mainland and Shikoku island).

A typical alleyway in the area.

Tourists to the area will want to head straight for the Bikan historical area. It is full of things to do and see, you can enjoy a whole day here. Unfortunately when I visited, it was the middle of summer and the temperature was over 35 degrees Celsius. We only lasted a couple of hours.

The bikan area is mostly around the canal.

A hard to miss building in the area is Ivy Square, an old factory which now serves basically as a tourist attraction centre, containing various special art shows, souvenirs and snacks. It is hard to miss as it is one of the biggest buildings in the area and is covered in vines.

Another standout building is the Ohara Museum of Art, which contains paintings from some of the worlds most famous artists. The reason it is such a standout, is its ancient Rome inspired architecture. With massive stone columns and sandstone appearance, I guess it speaks of the relationship of the neoclassic era, the same time which the Bikan district preserves, the Meiji era.

The Bikan area has been maintained to keep the same appearance it had in the Meiji era (late 1800s) of Japan.

Enjoy a gondola ride on the canal.

The canal is surrounded by weeping willows, yet on a gondola ride you can view the historic buildings.

Many swans were taking shade from the summer heat in the canal, under the willows.

Relics of an older time are strewn throughout the area.

The area is filled with different souvenir shops, restaurants, sweet stores and more. There are a lot of local hand made crafts, pottery and arts. Even outside the Bikan area, there is still a lot to see, the main difference is you won’t see any power lines inside the Bikan area (this is to ensure it replicates the area as it was hundreds of years ago).

Truly a great place to experience historic Japan.

The traditional black tiles are another historic aspect of Kurashiki.

Getting to Kurashiki

Kurashiki is in Okayama prefecture, not far from Osaka. It is easy to reach by train from Okayama city, taking only about 15 minutes. From Kurashiki train station it is about a 15 minute talk to the Bikan area and Ivy Square.

Walking directions:

View Larger Map

Things to do in Japan during summer

Well, actually, things to do almost anytime in Japan…

This article and photos are from my summer in Japan. This isn’t just a travelogue, the series is full of great things to do in Japan. See all the articles in the summer travel series.

This week, the 50th in the the “JTM Photo” series was published via JapanTravelMates’ Twitter. I have travelled Japan a lot, but upon starting to live in Japan, this series began. The photos are sent out every few days, whenever I spot something interesting, which is almost everyday now… To stay up to date and view the latest, you’ll have to follow JapanTravelMates’ Twitter.

Editor’s Top 3

Here are the top 3 photos of Japan from the number 1 to 50 of the JTM Photo series, as chosen by the editor of japantravelmate.com.

I guess you could call this a smoker’s etiquette sign. The first time we spotted these signs was 2 years ago in Harujuku, every since we have been noticing them everywhere.

Blow your smoke my way... and you

The next photo is in my top picks, because I had so much fun collecting these. Here is every size of Asahi Super Dry commercially available in Japan (I’d be happy to be proven wrong, so I can track down more to add to my collection!). Coming from Australia, I’d never seen a 135ml can or a 1L can!

The best of the commercially available draft beers in Japan.

The last of my picks made it in the list because, I believe it is one of the better photos I have actually taken. We visited Tokyo Tower in 2009, just before starting this site. It was during this visit that I realised just how big Tokyo really is.

Tokyo Tower on a fine spring day.

Audience’s Top 3

These photos are the top 3, chosen by the most views by the audience.

Passing a local conbini on the way home from work, during rainy season.

One Piece in a format I can almost read.

Loitering around the station, this is the centre of Toyota city.

If you couldn’t be bothered following @japantravelmate’s Twitter, then stayed tuned to JapanTravelMate.com when the best of the next 50 will be posted.

If you are looking for reasons to travel to Japan, then look no further then this highly refined article from a foreigner who has holidayed in Japan and now lives in Japan. When I first started this blog, the very first post was about reasons to visit Japan. Since then, I have discovered more of its hidden culture and surprises. A revision to the original list was needed, so here is the new Why go to Japan post.

The thing I have come to find most interesting about Japan, is how the country can be so ultra-modern technologically, while juxtaposed with tradition and culture. This is the thing Japan does best of all and tops this revised list of reasons in this Why go to Japan post.

Why go to Japan? Reason #1: Japanese culture

As a tourist, it’s all about Japanese culture. From the castles, temples and shrines, the authentic restaurants and festivals, experiencing Japanese culture is the number 1 reason for coming to Japan.

Sanjuusangendou temple in Kyoto, a view from the temple gardens.

• A visit to Kyoto is a must. If you don’t go to Kyoto, and for example, only visit Osaka then do check out Osaka Castle, or whatever the major castle of the area or city is.
• Temples and shrines are everywhere and are never far off the main tourist track.
• If you travel to Japan in their spring (around April) then you must see the cherry blossoms, or go to a cherry blossom festival. If you do not travel to Japan in spring, then find out what festivals are on and go see them, you will experience great local Japanese food and culture.

This is the famous (and huge!) Osaka Castle, surrounded by moat walls and cherry blossoms. Most cities and towns have a castle.

Why go to Japan? Reason #2: Technology

Along with a rich tradition, Japan is the birthplace of many technologies, from the Toyota Prius (check out the interactive 3D experience of the new Toyota Prius Alpha, just press the CLICK HERE button when you are on the site) to the famous electronic “washlet toilet“, to perhaps the even more famous bullet train (Shinkansen, the newest E5 Hayabusa started service in March 2011, the E6 Hayabusa bullet train is about 1-2 years away).

Japan also has, on average, the fastest internet speed in the world. I guess this is because it is geographically a small country, and the penetration of fiber optic is very high.

For the traveller, everyday you will experience this technology. It could be a ride on the bullet train, it could be the fancy touch screen pad or “dumb waiter” used to order your sushi (which arrives at your table on a mini-bullet train), the automatic bath (which fills itself and keeps warm) or any other number of hidden technologies that just make travelling so convenient!

Why go to Japan? Reason #3: Food and drink

Japan’s unique cuisine is world famous, especially sushi. Some of my favourite Japanese’s foods (which are extremely difficult to find outside the country) are Okonomiyaki (often referred to as Japanese pizza), Hiyashi Chuka (a cold noodle dish that is great summer) and Miso Ramen (Japan’s version of the famous chinese noodle).

To accompany your meal, try a Chu-Hai (fruit flavoured carbonated drink) or Umeshu (fruit liquer) or one of the good nama (draft) beers such as Asahi Super Dry or Yebisu Premium Gold.

This is one of the reasons that has been identified since living in Japan. I’m pretty sure that the concept of all you can drink would be illegal in Australia. Best experienced at either an Izakaya (traditional Japanese drinking establishment, which serves food and drink) or at a Yakiniku (which means grilled beef in Japanese). Here you can have all you can eat, called tabehodai (Kanji = 食べ放題, hiragana = たべほうだい, romaji = tabehōdai) and all you can drink, called nomihodai (Kanji = 飲み放題, hiragana = のみほうだい, romaji = nomihōdai).

You might get about 3-5 small pieces of meat per serving, so make sure you keep the orders coming...

After getting a table, order some nice beef. It will be served raw at your table, and it’s over to you to do the grilling. It isn’t just limited to beef though, there is some amazing chicken, pork, seafood and vegetables.

Yakiniku - a table full of beers and food, with beef grilling in process.

In no time at all you will have a table full of delicious food and drink. Make sure you keep the orders coming, as the servings are small.

The revised list of Why go to Japan wouldn’t be complete…

…without adding that Japan needs tourism now more than ever. In my opinion, some of the mainstream media has been overly sensationalist when reporting on the nuclear disaster. However the radiation risks are limited to a 20-30km radius around Fukushima in the north of Japan. A long way south of that is Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and many of the best places to visit.

So come visit Japan, and decide for yourself the best things about this wonderful country!

Getting to Kyoto

The best way to get to Kyoto from other cities is by the bullet train (shinkansen). You can use a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) to take the bullet train to Kyoto Station. If you don’t have a JR pass you can still buy shinkansen tickets to Kyoto from JR stations which the shinkansen passes through.

Kyoto Station is one of Japan's largest buildings, and is the second largest train station building in Japan.

Kyoto train station is a mega-hub as far as stations go, and is a tourist attraction itself. It services two JR lines and some private lines. It is quite a sight, very large inside and looks to be a very new building with lots of shopping, cinemas, hotels and more. Kyoto station is easily accessible from the other major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Okayama and more.

Just one of the statues outside Kyoto station.

A quick travellers tip for this station, my friend had a very funny experience, when he encountered a toilet inside the station that did not have toilet paper. It is extremely rare, but some places require you to purchase toilet paper. My advice… if people are handing out tissues on the street (which they do everywhere, popular method of advertising), then do take a few and keep them in your carry bag.

Getting to the main tourist attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto is a city that requires a bit more exploration, but it is well worth it. Unlike other cities where you step off the train and you are amongst it all, you generally have to take a bus to get to Kyoto’s temples, castles and shrines. There is a major bus terminal adjacent to the station.

As Kyoto is such a popular place for Japan tourism, you can find tours and tourist information in English to help you find the right buses. Take a look outside the station to find these.

A Kyoto temple you must visit

You will not find any photos of the interior of Sanjuusangendou (translated literally into 33 ken/length hall) here, as the monks forbid it. However, inside this building is one of the most amazing sights you will see perhaps not only in Kyoto, but all of Japan…

Sanjuusangendou view from the temple gardens.

The main hall contains a marvel, the Thousand Armed Kannon Statues. This temple is a National Treasure, and it is easy to see why. The hall contains 1000 life-size statues, all coated in gold (the remnants of the original coat anyway), all striking different poses. Some are from the original temple and some were rebuilt in the 13th century.

Sanjuusangendou verandah, used over hundreds of years for traditional archery competitions and displays.

The outside of the hall contains the temple gardens, strewn with shrines, ponds and more. Since the Edo period, the verandah outside the hall has been used for famous and traditional archery competitions, and marks can still be seen underneath the roof of the walkway.

One of the ponds in the gardens surrounding Sanjuusangendou temple.

Kiyomizu Temple

This temple in Kyoto is easily one of the biggest temples I have ever been to. It is positioned on the mountain overlooking Kyoto, and is extremely popular, especially in the Japanese spring.

Kiyomizu Temple, viewed from one of the shrines.

A view of Kyoto city from Kiyomizu temple.

Around the temple are many large and small shrines. A popular activity at a Shinto shrine is to drink natural spring water, it is a form of prayer (but I just make a wish!). You can just watch and learn, but the basic method (I’m told…) is to first wash your hands (with the water in the rock basin) take the ladle, which is on a long handle, fill it with water which is dripping down from the small rock canal. You then pour a small amount into your hand and drink it.

After hands are washed, drink from the ladle.

The pinnacle of Japanese culture

Kyoto has it all when it comes to Japanese culture. It is also a great place for authentic Japanese food and drink, as well as purchasing unique, hand-made souvenirs.

This article is basically a travelogue of a day trip which my friends and I did in Kyoto. We arrived by around 9AM, and between seeing the sights, had time for a nice lunch and souvenir shopping before getting on the bullet train to Okayama.

Other famous places in Kyoto that you should (and that I want to) visit are: Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion); Saihō-ji (Temple with famous moss garden); Nijō Castle (with fortifications, a palace, older palace ruins and gardens); and many more…

The best capsule hotel in Osaka
This article is about the best capsule hotel I have experienced, Osaka’s largest capsule hotel “Capsule Hotel Asahiplaza Shinsaibashi”. It is the best option for a Dotonbori capsule hotel, Osaka capsule hotel, Shinsaibashi capsule hotel. This is a cheap capsule hotel, perfect for the budget Japan traveler, within short walking distance of Osaka shopping (at Namba, Shinaibashi or Dotonburi, Big Step and American Village), Osaka nightlife (gaijin bars like Coolabah in Dotonbori) and very close to a few different JR train stations.

Inside the Capsule Hotel Asahiplaza Shinsaibashi

The amenities provided here are excellent. Hence why I say this is the best capsule hotel in Japan I have been to.

• Free computer and internet usage, just ask reception.
• On each floor there are toilets.
• On the lowest basement floor are the public baths, with hot and cold baths and showers. If you are with a group, get used to getting naked together, another Japanese norm.
• Next to the public baths is a sauna, sectioned into hot and very hot.
• Before entering the baths and sauna, there is a locker room to store your clothes. Also in this room are mirrors, hairdryers, hair oil, toothbrush and toothpaste kits, combs and towels.
• There are vendis (vending machines) on most floors, where you can by the normal drinks as well as some hot meals and alcohol.
• On the second floor is a comfortable lounge with games, anime, newspapers and TV for a bit of relaxation.
• You can even buy shirts, ties and underwear from reception!

Rows upon rows of capsules at the capsule hotel in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan

Inside your capsule
Then you will surely want to go see your capsule…

The inside of the capsule has a comfortable mattress and pillow, all linen, air conditioning (or at least a fan), light, mirror, a TV (insert 100 yen coin for the adult channel) and a bamboo screen for privacy. The Japanese are very considerate so you should do the same, keep quite when you are on the capsule floors.

The interior of the standard capsule.

Checking into the Capsule Hotel Asahiplaza Shinsaibashi
We checked in at about midnight, reception is open 24 hours and the reception staff speak enough English to get you checked in and answer basic questions. As is the norm in Japanese culture, take your choose off when you walk through the front door and put on the provided slippers!

You will be given a locker key and shoe locker key after you check-in. Lock your shoes in the shoe locker in the lobby. Then follow the signs to the bag lockers, and store your bags. The lockers are large, I fit my very large backpacker style backpack in here. Put on the yukata (Japanese style robe) that is in the locker, this is a requirement in the capsule hotel. You can take some small things with you to your capsule, but note that they aren’t lockable so be careful with valuables.

How to get to the Capsule Hotel Asahiplaza Shinsaibashi
Here are some photos of the front of the hotel, sometimes it can be the only way to find a place…

Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi at day. Entrance is on the right. Photo from Trip Advisor.

Outside of the Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi at night

Best option, especially on a JR pass is to walk from JR Namba train station.

Google Maps walking directions from JR Namba to the capsule hotel.

More information
For more details on prices, bookings and how to get there, see Capsule Hotel Asahiplaza Shinsaibashi’s website (English).

This article is about our stay at the Japanese Ryokan Kashima Honkan in Fukuoka. You may have stumbled on this article while searching for “ryokan fukuoka”. This ryokan is a heritage building (Tangible Cultural Property) due to the unique traditional Japanese architecture and the Edo period garden enclosed in the centre of the property.

Edo period Japanese garden seen from the window of our Fukuoka Ryokan room.

Inside the Ryokan in Fukuoka

We stayed in a 2 person room, which had 2 futons to sleep on (with all pillows and bedding) in a separate bedroom. In the lounge room (tatami room) is a low table with kotatsu (which has a blanket and heating under the table – so comfortable!). Every Ryokan we stayed in had hot fresh green tea and yukata’s (Japanese robe’s).

Inside our 2 person room at the Fukuoka Ryokan Kashima Honkan.

There is also a computer with free internet access in the lobby. Toilet and bathroom facilities are available shared or in your room. This ryokan in Fukuoka was the most spacious I stayed in whilst travelling Japan.

How to get to the Fukuoka Ryokan

We actually found our way here with the help of a convenience store employee. If you want to do the same, you can use some Japanese “Ryokan Kashima Honkan wa doko desu ka?” (meaning where is Ryokan Kashima Honkan).

From Hakata train station, which is the main station where you would get of the shinkansen (bullet train), take the east exit and walk up the main road which is Taihaku Dori. You will walk about 600m, passing an AM/PM convenience store, arriving at a large intersection which Kokutai Dori. Here is Gion train station, continue walking along the same road, Taihaku Dori for 2 small blocks until you see a 7/11 convenience store on the corner. Turn left down this small one-way street, you will be walking with the traffic. You will then come to an intersection with a pedestrian crossing, across the road you will see a do not enter traffic sign, and on your right is car park. Turn left here, and the building after the one on the corner is the Fukuoka Ryokan Kashima Honkan.

You can see a map of the location at the Google Maps place page for Japanese Ryokan Kashima Honkan.

Things to do in Fukuoka

Of course, make sure you take your shoes off in the entry way! Put on a pair of provided inside shoes and head to reception. When we got there, lots of pleasant older ladies were shuffling around looking after the place. There are plenty of things to do, as this Ryokan is a great place to stay for your Fukuoka travel. It is very close to Tenjin, Fukuoka’s main restaurant, shopping and bar area. Fukuoka nightlife is great, the city is not too big and there are plenty of tourist attractions.

Check out the related post ‘Fukuoka – things to do‘ and have fun in Fukuoka!

And for more clarification on what is a Ryokan, see the Wikipedia article.

Hire a bicycle for 100 yen a day, and see the area at a very comfortable pace! Go shopping at the oasis of Canal City, or see the amazing design of the city’s stunning landmark buildings. All of the following places are accessible by bicycle.

Hire/rent a bicycle in Fukuoka, Japan

After just a few weeks in Japan, we were very jealous of everyone riding on bicycles. In Japan bikes basically have the right of way on the road, and since we had been walking everyday for a few weeks we were keen to try something different.

Bicycle hired in Fukuoka, Japan. Step-over bar style with a front basket, stand and wheel lock.

Hiring a bike for a day when travelling Japan is one of my favourite things to do when travelling on a budget.

Finding bicycle hire in Fukuoka: From Tenjin station, take the train 2 stops to Hirao station. Find (or ask for) the bicycle parking station, which is open from 6am to midnight.

Bicycle hire cost in Fukuoka: Bicycles cost 100 yen to hire for the day, with a 2000 yen refundable deposit.

Parking your bicycle in Fukuoka: There are many free bicycle parking spots, all bicycles have built in locks. Take care when parking your bicycle, to be safe we always parked where there are others parked, as you can be fined for illegal parking.

Language tip: In Japanese, bicycle is ‘ji-ten-sha’ or in hiragana ‘じてんしゃ’.

ACROS Fukuoka “The amazing green building”

This building is ‘a hub of international, cultural and informational exchange’, and one of the most interesting buildings in Japan.

Entrance to the ACROS Fukuoka building interior.

ACROS Fukuoka - the green side.

Canal City – shopping, entertainment and food

A 15 minute walk from Hakata Station (the shinkansen station for Fukuoka) is the Canal City, a huge shopping and entertainment complex. With a man-made river running through it, this place is visually spectacular.

Canal City - one of the many unique perspectives from this huge shopping and entertainment area.

Hakata Bay

Fukuoka Beach & Momochi Beach Resort

Heading east from ACROS Fukuoka and Tenjin are some nice beaches and the Momochi Beach Resort complex, for shopping and restaurants.

Beach at Hakata Bay, Fukuoka. The Yahoo Baseball Dome can be seen on the left.

Momochi Beach Resort, photo taken from Fukuoka Tower in Japan.

Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka Tower is a must, including Robo Square which is found in the tower’s lower levels.

Fukuoka Tower at Hakata Bay, Fukuoka Japan.

Fukuoka Yahoo! Baseball Dome

If you are a baseball fan, or just a fan of big buildings, Yahoo! Dome with retractable roof is on the way to the Tower and Beach from Tenjin.

Fukuoka Yahoo! Baseball Dome

Fukuoka is a great city, not too big but with plenty happening. Many cheap hotels and apartments around Tenjin, but the best place to stay is definitely a ryokan!

I am from Australia and recently travelled to Japan for a holiday. In terms of traditions, we borrow from elsewhere, in terms of historical architecture there is nothing older than 250 years. Travelling to Japan was a chance to visit a country that is most steeped in tradition and culture of their own country – deeply proud and very generous people. It is a challenge and a massive reward holidaying here. So much so that I am now planning on returning to live.

There are so many reasons to visit Japan. Here are my top ten reasons why you should travel to Japan.

1. City, night lights and shopping.

Major shopping hub at Shibuya in Tokyo, near Shibuya 109.

The first of my top 10 reasons to visit Japan is really hard to justify on camera. But the shopping here is something very different, Shibuya 109 is a mutli-storey shopping centre just for teenage girs. And Akihabara in Tokyo is know solely for its electronics and games.

2. Festivals.

Sakura (Japanese Cherry Blossom) during the spring festival in Osaka.

Although in this list of 10 reasons to visit Japan I include only one example of a festival, Japan has many and they are very unique. From the snow and ice festivals in Sapporo in the north and more ancient/traditional festivals with priests and shrines, Japan loves the celebrations!

For more information see Wikipedia’s article on Japanese festivals.

UPDATE: New post ‘Japanese cherry blossom – photos and info‘.

3. Robots, gadgets and all things tech.

Sony AIBO, robot dogs at Roboworld in Fukuoka

Western style Japanese toilet with myriad of controls. Known in Japan as the Washlet (ウォシュレット Woshuretto)."

If you visit Japan, you will encounter one of these Japanese ‘washlet’ toilets. They really should be all over the world! Very hygienic, although it took a few times to get used to the water jets…

4. Castles, temples and shrines.

Okayama-jo, black and gold castle called 'Crow Castle' or 'U-jo'.

5. Efficient transport and the shinkansen (bullet train).

JR Central's Hikari Shinkansen.

Riding on Japan’s bullet train was actually at the top of my mates 10 reasons to visit Japan. Riding along at 300km/h or more, it feels more like air travel than rail travel.

At the opposite end of the speed scale, bicycles have right of way on the roads in Japan.

6. Japanese food and drink (especially Yebisu beer).

Yebisu beer and takoyaki (octopus in battered balls).

Yebisu (pronounced ‘eh-bi-su’) is my favourite Japanese beer, there are a lot of good quality beer in Japan, including beers that aren’t beers… take a look at the Japanese Beer Difference article for an explanation.

7. Manga and anime.

Just a small part of a multi-level book store in Okayama

8. Astro boy.

Statue of Astro Boy (named Atom in Japanese) outside Kyoto train station.

9. Architecture.

ACROS Fukuoka - the green side.

10. Origami, ancient traditions and art.

A tiny origami crane sitting on the bar of a nightclub in Fukuoka

This post marks the beginning of a series of posts, about my trip to Japan. I went to Japan for a holiday for about 1 month. Almost daily I would go to an internet cafe to find something to do – being in a non-English speaking country meant things to do were hard to find on the internet. My site ‘Japan Travel Mate’ aims to provide information on what to do and how to do it when you are in Japan.