After staying in the spectacular new Fufu Nikko and the very mediocre Hoshino Resorts Kai Nikko in October (we're really beginning to sour on Hoshino, by the way), we tried out the terrific Minamikan in Shimane Prefecture. We then visited Asaba Ryokan (our #1 choice) in Izu. Last week was in Shikoku in the remote Iya Valley, where Iyaonsen is the only choice in the area.

Unfortunately, we will be cancelling Oaxaca over Christmas and Namibia in January. For the time being, we'll stick to Japan.

Next week we'll be back at FS Kyoto, followed by Nishimuraya Honkan.

In mid-December it's two nights at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, the world's oldest continually operating hotel/inn that was established in 705 A.D. and has been served through 52 family generations. Along the way, we'll stay for a night at Hazu Gassho.

We'll spend the Xmas holidays a bit further south - Myoken Ishiharaso in Kagoshima, as well as Sankara Hotel & Spa in Yakushima island.

Beyond that, it's a bit up in the air. Currently booked for Amanemu and Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima in January, and Setouchi Retreat Aonagi and Bettei Oborozukiyo in March. In April, we're intending to venture to the Tohoku region, and are excited to try out Kakunodatesanso Wabizakura and Matsushima Sakan Shoan.