Ryokan Garden, Shuzenji Onsen, Shizuoka

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Frequently they are located in hot spring spa (onsen) towns, such as this one in Shuzenji Onsen, on the Izu peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture about two hours by train from Tokyo.

A night at a good ryokan is the height of sophisticated relaxation. After soaking in the hot spring bath you can be served a gourmet dinner (with plenty of fine sake) in your tatami room. After a walk through the village to watch fireflies dancing over a stream, a blissful slumber awaits.