400K Followers in 7 Months
Discover the Japan You've Never Seen
Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto lies a Japan of hidden hot springs, centuries-old ryokans, and stories waiting to be told. Let us guide you there.
We want to show the world the Japan that even most Japanese people have never experienced.
Japan of Japan was born from a simple belief: the most extraordinary experiences in Japan aren’t found in guidebooks. They’re hidden in remote mountain villages, centuries-old hot spring inns, and the warm smiles of people who have preserved their traditions for generations.
Creator Ken, who bridges Japanese culture to global audiences, and Yohei, CEO of Ryokanbook and a passionate expert on ryokans and regional Japan, joined forces to share these untold stories with the world.
Ken
- Creator -
International content creator specializing in sharing authentic Japanese culture with global audiences through compelling visual storytelling.
Yohei
- CEO, Ryokanbook -
Ryokan and regional Japan expert who visits 100+ ryokans annually. Dedicated to connecting travelers with Japan’s finest hidden gems.
Our Story
Two Guides, One Mission
The Story Behind
Why We Started
Japan of Japan
During his university years, Yohei was cycling from Tokyo to Minamiaizu, Fukushima. Deep in the snowy mountains, he ran out of money and was stranded — until a ryokan took him in. They let him rest in their hot springs, prepared meals for him, and welcomed him as if he were family.
That moment of genuine kindness changed everything. While studying abroad in Singapore and traveling the world, Yohei stayed at countless hotels — but none matched the hospitality, the aesthetic consciousness, or the soul of a Japanese ryokan.
Our Mission
To connect the world with Japan's hidden regional beauty and the irreplaceable warmth of ryokan culture.
We believe that the most meaningful travel experiences come from genuine human connections. Through our videos and Ryokanbook, we don’t just show you places — we introduce you to the people and traditions that make them extraordinary.
"I can confidently say: Ryokan is Extreme."
— Yohei, CEO of Ryokanbook
Yohei & Ken's Picks
Ryokans We Recommend in Aizu
We’ve visited countless ryokans across Japan. Here are our top picks in the Aizu region — ranked by total video views — with personal comments from both of us on why each one deserves your visit.
Higashiyama Onsen, Aizuwakamatsu
A cozy 7-room onsen ryokan in Higashiyama Onsen. Famous for its irori (hearth) kaiseki dinner featuring local iwana fish and Aizu chicken, grilled right at your private hearth. A rare, authentic Showa-era ryokan experience.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“Ashina has the most lovable okami (innkeeper) you’ll ever meet — the kind of person you’d want to share your life stories with. The irori hearth, tatami rooms, and deliberately preserved vintage atmosphere make this one of Japan’s most precious authentic ryokans.”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“The tatami rooms, irori hearth, and soothing hot springs are filled with traditional Japanese charm. The hospitality is incredible — whether you’re from Japan or abroad, this is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.”
01
Irori no Yado Ashina
いろりの宿 芦名
Lake Inawashiro, Fukushima
A lakeside resort on the shores of Lake Inawashiro. Features a tent sauna where you can plunge into Japan’s clearest lake, and rooftop glamping BBQ with views of Mt. Bandai. A perfect blend of nature and relaxation.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“Lake Inawashiro boasts the clearest water quality in Japan. The luxury of enjoying a sauna and sunset by the lake is unmatched. And the rooftop BBQ is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss!”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“Sauna culture is booming across Japan right now. At Minatoya, you can stay in a charming Japanese inn while experiencing a tent sauna that merges you with the vast nature of Lake Inawashiro — a truly one-of-a-kind experience.”
02
Lakeside Hotel Minatoya
LAKE SIDE HOTEL MINATOYA
Ashinomaki Onsen, Aizuwakamatsu
A hot spring inn overlooking the magnificent Okawa Gorge. Enjoy their private natural hot spring source and a 12-course kaiseki dinner featuring mountain and sea delicacies — a feast for both body and soul.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“The moment you step into the lobby and see the magnificent gorge stretching before you, you’re captivated. The open-air bath surrounded by greenery and the sound of the river is pure healing. The grandeur of this place is absolutely addictive.”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“A majestic ryokan surrounded by mountains and crystal-clear rivers. It accommodates both small and large groups, and the cypress hot spring bath offers an unforgettable moment of relaxation while gazing at breathtaking scenery.”
04
Fudokan Kotani no Yu
不動館 小谷の湯
Bandai-Asahi National Park, Inawashiro
A serene hot spring lodge nestled within Bandai-Asahi National Park. Originally connected to legendary mountaineer Junko Tabei, this renovated lodge offers creative kaiseki cuisine crafted with Aizu and Tohoku seasonal ingredients.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“Don’t let the word ‘lodge’ fool you — this is a villa in the heart of nature. The cuisine is exceptionally delicious, and the hot spring water quality is among the finest in all of Japan. This is one of my top recommendations in Fukushima.”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“Looking for an extreme experience you’ve never had before? At Numajiri Kogen Lodge, alongside a premium stay, you can enjoy a special ‘Numajiri Genyu Tour’ — a journey to the raw hot spring source bubbling up from the earth itself.”
05
Numajiri Kogen Lodge
沼尻高原ロッジ
Yunokami Onsen, Shimogo
An 8-room onsen ryokan closest to Ouchi-juku, a preserved Edo-era post town. Known for its free-flowing natural hot springs, homemade local cuisine, and the famous Ouchi-juku Night Tour — an experience that keeps guests coming back.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“This is the #1 ryokan where you can truly feel ‘Magokoro’ (sincere heart) and ‘Omotenashi’ (hospitality). The exclusive Ouchi-juku Night Tour after dinner is a little adventure that will make you want to come back every time.”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“The pride of Japanese hospitality lies in ‘Magokoro’ — sincere heart. At Hoshinoi, it’s not just the tatami rooms, cuisine, and hot springs — it’s the genuine warmth and care from every staff member that stays with you long after your visit.”
03
Magokoro no Yado Hoshinoi
まごころの宿 星乃井
personalized recommendations beyond this list?
Culinary Art
Mountain & Sea Kaiseki
Each dish is a work of art, expressing Japan’s four seasons through seasonal ingredients from mountains and seas.
Extreme Onsen
Hot Springs
Okami's Welcome
Hospitality
Yohei's Selection
Your Perfect Ryokan Awaits
Yohei personally visits over 100 ryokans each year, carefully selecting only the finest establishments. Here are the experiences that define what makes a ryokan truly extraordinary.
Authentic Ryokan
Carefully selected ryokans packed with Japanese tradition and special experiences
Onsen-Focused
Immerse yourself in Japan's finest natural hot springs with exceptional healing properties
Experience-Inclusive
Ryokans with regional tours and special cultural experiences included in your stay
Culinary Journey
Ryokan experiences for food lovers, featuring unique culinary delights and kaiseki cuisine
Yohei's Pick
Personal Recommendation
“Every ryokan on Ryokanbook has been personally visited and vetted by me. I don’t just recommend places — I recommend experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Let me help you find your perfect match.”
We Handle Everything
Your Perfect Ryokan Awaits
Are you concerned about staying at a ryokan? Language barriers, transportation challenges, communication difficulties — there are many obstacles. Yet, for those who seek the finest hot springs, scenery, cuisine, and experiences, we deliver authentic ryokan stays and deep regional experiences.
Expert Curation
We personally visit 100+ ryokans each year, carefully selecting and featuring only the finest establishments. An absolutely reliable experience.
Onsen-Focused
Immerse yourself in Japan's finest natural hot springs with exceptional healing properties
Experience-Inclusive
Ryokans with regional tours and special cultural experiences included in your stay
Culinary Journey
Ryokan experiences for food lovers, featuring unique culinary delights and kaiseki cuisine
400K+
Social Followers
100+
Ryokans Visited Yearly
4
Curated Regions
14%
Ad Click-Through Rate
Why This Hidden Snow Town in Japan Feels Magical
Aizu, Fukushima
Discover the enchanting winter landscapes of Aizu, where centuries-old traditions meet breathtaking snow-covered scenery. Ken and Yohei explore hidden gems that most travelers never find.
Featured Video
Featured Content
See Japan Through Our Eyes
From hidden snow towns to centuries-old ryokans, our videos take you to the places most travelers never discover. Watch, dream, and then let us take you there.
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Aizu
Start Your Journey
Let Yohei Plan
Your Perfect Trip
“Every traveler is different, and every journey should be unique. Tell me what excites you about Japan — whether it’s hidden hot springs, incredible food, or ancient traditions — and I’ll craft an experience you’ll never forget. Let’s start with a conversation.”
Yohei
Ryokan & Regional Japan Expert
Free consultation — no obligation
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Response within 24 hours
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