Ryokan: Japan's Finest Spas and Inns [Hardcover]

Akihiko Seki (Author), Elizabeth Heilman Brooke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2007

This book features Japanese inns, or ryokan, both old and new-from inns with a history dating back a thousand years to modern inns with the latest facilities that nonetheless capture the spirit of old Japan. Each of the properties has been handpicked by the authors for their strong design aesthetic, commitment to service and purity of their spring waters. The photographs showcase the resorts at their best, and accurately express the unique architectural design of each ryokan.

Each chapter begins by introducing the area surrounding the inns and their spas, or onsen, and provides a background of its local history, culture and traditions, as well as the natural environment. The text provides information on the design and development of each ryokan, and descriptions of the owners and their clientele. For those planning a visit to an onsen, this book provides contact details and information on the number of rooms, type of facilities and food, as well as vital information on travel and booking procedures and whether English is spoken. For those fascinated by Japanese culture and design, this book is an absolute delight.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Akihiko Seki was born in Tokyo in 1939, and graduated from Keio University with a bachelor's degree in Economics in 1963. He and his wife travel all over Japan and Asia in search of the ultimate healing and relaxation experience.

American writer and editor Elizabeth Heilman Brooke lives in Japan and is an ardent student of Japan's natural and cultural heritage. She is a contributing writer for the New York Times, International Herald Tribune and Art News magazine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Hardcover with Jacket edition (December 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804838399
• ISBN-13: 978-0804838399
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #289,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #93 in Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Food & Lodging > Hotels & Inns

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A sensitive whole sight introduction into Japanese culture, March 14, 2008

By 

Nils Valentin (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ryokan: Japan's Finest Spas and Inns (Hardcover)

The book is introducing 36 Ryokans throughout Japan.

13 for Tokyos area
6 for Kyoto, Nara and Kansai
7 for central Japan
4 for northern Japan
6 for southern Japan

One of the particularly well done features of the book are the exceptionally well written texts and a very sensitive introduction about the "Ryokan and Onsen Etiquette".

This 3 page introduction alone lists up cases which probably make up more than 80% of common pitfalls when "guests" are lacking the cultural background.

Years back I have been in those or similar situations myself and would have wished to have had such a quick rundown of what to do and what to better avoid.


A few things that could be improved on the book.

1) Some pictures have homepage or newspaper like quality.
(low resolution picture zoomed up to a full page)
2) The introduced Ryokans should be numbered throughout the book as it was done on the map in the front.
3) More seasonal information should be included. Blossom of certain trees and flowers, festivals etc.
4) Perhaps a smaller sized edition would accommodate better for some of the lower quality pictures and would help making the book more portable.


Summary:

With each single well crafted textual descriptions of the Ryokans you get invaluable sensitive introductions to Japans cultural background.

If you are going to Japan for business you will want to consider the book an investment into an cultural introduction.

The other above mentioned points are no deal breakers in an way, but are actually devalueing an another wise excellent book.

The book is highly recommended !!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful pictures, January 7, 2009

By 

Cognitive Scientist - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ryokan: Japan's Finest Spas and Inns (Hardcover)

This book has many very beautiful pictures of -- mostly traditional -- Japanese architecture and gardens. That alone is a good reason to buy it. However, I purchased it for possible use in planning a future vacation trip to Japan, having previously visited the standard tourist places in and around Tokyo and Kyoto. For that purpose, it is a drawback that there is no information whatsoever about costs. I know these places are going to be very expensive. I guess that if you have to ask, you can't afford it. Websites are provided.