Onsen Ryokans

“If you were a young Japanese in your 20’s, wouldn’t you rather do your blogging sitting out in the woods by a hot spring than in your cramped little apartment in Nishi-Shinjuku?” said Mr. Grilli, the Japan Society president.

WHERE TO STAY

Otaru Ryotei Kuramure (81-134-51-5151; www.kuramure.com/english) charges 36,750 yen a person, double occupancy, with dinner and breakfast included. A 150 yen bathing tax also applies.

Rooms at Hoshinoya (81-267-45-6000, www.hoshinoya.com/en) start at 13,000 yen a person, double occupancy. Meals at the three restaurants are extra; dinner entrees at the best start at 12,600 yen, but at 1,200 yen at the most casual one.

The ancient Shiroganeya ryokan (81-761-77-0025; www.shiroganeya.co.jp) offers rooms from 28,000 yen a person, double occupancy, in its classic wing, and from 32,000 yen in its modern wing.

***