Originally Posted by silverkris168
I'd agree with wideman on the whole objectives of ryokan stays. It's the whole experience of it, very relaxing and to unwind. That said, I would probably get more out of a ryokan stay in a resort area as opposed to one in a bustling city like Tokyo, where you tend to be on the move all the time.
My wife and I went to ryokans in Beppu and Yufuin, about 35 mins apart in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, to partake of the hot springs baths there. Enjoyed it a lot. I'd recommend staying two nights if you can, but if the budget is tight, just stay for one.
We orginally wanted to go to Yufuin and stay in a Ryokan but decided we didn't to spend 8 hours traveling there from Tokyo and flying was too expensive. Thanks for your advice and thanks to Wideman too... you make a good point about what I would remember 20 years from now.
fyi.. this is the ryokan we may visit
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/d...a/yatsusan.htm