#NipponDisey – where I stayed in Japan

Hiking the Nakasendo Way into my ryokan in Tsumago

On the Go tours managed my itinerary while I was in Japan, including where I stayed. I would travel with them again in a heartbeat. I had the flexibility of travelling independently without the drudgery of having to organise domestic transport and accommodation, and I had someone on the ground in Japan if I got into trouble.

The standard of hotels in Japan was excellent, although some of the breakfasts were a bit odd!

Tokyo

Tokyo Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku

I stayed here for five nights and I really enjoyed my stay. It was close to the subway (as in right next door) and only a 10 a minute walk to Shinjuku Station. Lots of eating options close by. The only issue I had was that I couldn’t check in until 2pm. I arrived in Tokyo early via an overnight flight from Singapore and it was HELL having to wait that long to access my room. However, this is not unusual in Japan.

Nagano

Nagano Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

I arrived here via the bullet train from Tokyo in the afternoon and checked in immediately. This is a lovely hotel, and it was hosting the Nagano Marathon while I was there, so was quite busy which added to the atmosphere. It was located close to the station and only a 10 minute walk from Zenkoji Shrine.

Matsumoto

Matsumoto Richmond Hotel

A lovely hotel located only a 10 minute walk from Matsumoto Castle. The hotel was a little tricky to find and I had to backtrack quite a bit to find it.

Tsumago

Tsumago Minshuku Daikichi

If Matsumoto Richmond Hotel was tricky to find, this ryoken was worse! The trek along the Nakasendo Way was a fabulous experience though, and while I’m grateful I stayed in traditional accommodation, I ended up not being a huge fan of the ryoken; it was something I endured rather than enjoyed.

Kyoto

Kyoto Mitsui Garden Shijo

Lovely hotel, with a great location and only a five minute walk to the station. There’s a fabulous Thai restaurant located just up the road.

Kinosaki

Kinosaki Onsen Mikuniya Ryokan

Another day, another ryoken. This one was much easier to find.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima Daiwa Roynet Hotel

I loved Hiroshima; it was one of my favourite cities in Japan. This hotel was lovely and a short stroll to the Hiroshima Peace Park. The tram was across the road from the hotel, and it was only a few stops to the station. Take the ferry to the Miyajima Island if you get a chance.

Osaka

Osaka Cross Hotel

This hotel was located right in Shinsaibashi, there was lots of action right on the doorstep. It’s a lovely hotel and I very much enjoyed my stay here.