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Beppu, located on Japan's scenic Kyushu island, is a haven of stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Renowned as one of Japan’s top spa destinations, Beppu not only offers breathtaking views but also invites relaxation in its numerous hot springs. Among the various choices, Hyotan Onsen was our choice due to its outstanding private onsens that guarantee a unique and relaxing experience. The Charm of Beppu's Hot Springs With over 2,000 hot springs, Beppu is a well-deserved favorite among onsen enthusiasts. These springs get their warm, mineral-packed waters from the strong geothermal activity underground. Each one provides soothing waters that can help you relax, improve your circulation, and make your skin healthier. Exploring Hyotan Onsen Our visit to Hyotan Onsen was a deeply relaxing detour on our way to the amazing Sunflower Ferry Terminal coming from Fukuoka. This peaceful retreat is crafted to suit various preferences, offering both indoor and outdoor bathing options. The highlight of our experience was the array of private baths, allowing us the luxury of unwinding in solitude and bathing together! Distinctive Features of Private Onsen Baths The private onsen experience at Hyotan is truly unique. Each private onsen room incorporates natural materials like wood and stone. Guests can enjoy an uninterrupted soak, away from the crowds typical of public baths. The "Ms. Matsu’s yu-kokochi" series features 8 styles of indoor baths and 2 open-air baths, all available for reservation by phone. You can begin making reservations one week in advance. We wanted an open-air bath, but it was already booked. We chose the Hotaru bath instead and absolutely loved it. Every private bath is a standalone house, offering the ambiance of a villa and with a changing room area. After each use, the water in all reserved private baths is replaced. The bath is filled with hot spring water using a token and is assigned a specific time period. You can expect to pay approximately 2,400 yen or more for this private experience, which is reasonably priced compared to private onsens near Hakone and Mount Fuji. Tip: The onsen also provides bento boxes with a variety of dishes, allowing meals to be enjoyed in the lobby or by the water's edge. Concluding Thoughts on Our Beppu Visit We only had a few short hours in Beppu, but we fell in love with it! We wished we had more time to explore all the features of Hyotan Onsen and the city of Beppu itself. This was an outstanding private onsen experience that we highly recommend if you find yourself in that part of Japan!

Yokohama Bay View If you're thinking of heading to Tokyo and want to do some day trips, Yokohama is a great option! It's the second biggest city in Japan and only a quick thirty-minute train ride south of Tokyo. Wondering what activities this port city has to offer? Discover Yokohama with my 12 Must-See Attractions list below. Seating & View at the SKY Garden 1) YOKOHAMA LANDMARK TOWER - $6 -15 Located within Yokohama Royal Park Hotel is the SKY Garden Observation Deck on the 69th floor. This impressive building offers a 360-degree observation area. You can purchase tickets for approximately $6 online , and it's worth exploring package options that might come with a drink and a small souvenir. Make sure to drop by the Souvenir Shop and also enjoy original cocktails, beer, and floats at SKY Café as you admire the panoramic view. 2) YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN - $7-12 A modern circular cable car links JR Sakuragichō Station and Unga Park, providing a scenic view of the city. A single journey costs approximately $7, and a return trip is priced at $12. It's a fantastic way to explore the city both day and night. Don't forget to check out combo tickets that include the following attraction below. Cosmo Clock 21 in Daylight 3) YOKOHAMA COSMO WORLD - $6-16 Family-friendly amusement park featuring a large Ferris wheel, high-speed roller coaster, and other rides. You can experience the Cosmo Clock 21, the world's largest Ferris wheel with a clock function. Rides to this ferris wheel are around $6 for a 15-minute experience, which is especially beautiful at night. You also have the option for combo tickets with the Yokohama Air Cabin at $11 for one way or $16 for a round trip. Exhibit in Cup Noodles Museum 4) CUP NOODLES MUSEUM YOKOHAMA - $3-15 Discover the innovative world of Momofuku Ando at this interactive museum dedicated to instant ramen. Design your own cup noodles at the MyCup Noodles Factory, indulge in a global noodle experience at the NOODLES BAZAAR, and handcraft ramen at the Chicken Ramen Factory (seperate fee and reservation required). Kids can also enjoy the CupNoodles park for an additional fee. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse 5) SHOPPING!! Yokohama has plenty of malls and shoppping centers to keep you entertained. Explore Yokohama World Porters, Yokohama Hammerhead, and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a converted warehouse that now serves as a shopping and cultural hub. If you are looking for suggestions on where to stay in Yokohama or Tokyo, be sure to read this blog post. View from Osanbashi Yokohama Intl. Passenger Terminal 6) OSANBASHI YOKOHAMA INTL. PASSENGER TERMINAL - Free Once a historic site for the Port of Yokohama, now is a work of art with a unique architectural design. Enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Yokohama's tourist attractions at this terminal. The rooftop is open 24/7, offering spectacular views of Yokohama and the sea. Yamashita Park Fountain 7) YAMASHITA PARK - Free Located along Yokohama's waterfront, this public park boasts beautiful landscaping and is perfect to visit while strolling between tourist attractions. Yokohama Chinatown Street View 8) YOKAHAMA CHINATOWN - Free Visit Japan's largest Chinatown! Featuring colorful streets and numerous stores, restaurants, and street vendors. Concept Car in Nissan Global Headquaters Gallery 9) NISSAN GLOBAL HEADQUATERS GALLERY - Free This car exhibition is conveniently located close to Yokohama Station, where you can view, interact with, and learn about a variety of Nissan vehicles and technologies. Explore the NISSAN BOUTIQUE for a selection of Nissan merchandise and accessories. Treat yourself to a Starbucks coffee or take part in the Car Stimulator, daily test drives offered upon reservation. Feel free to check out our YouTube video below showcasing the top 9 attractions in this article. 10) JR YOKOHAMA TOWER - Free JR Yokohama Tower is a facility connected to the west exit of JR Yokohama Station West Entrance. The complex features a four-story atrium and a rooftop plaza named "Sea-Sky Deck" on the 12th floor, providing stunning views of Yokohama Bay and Yokohama Bay Bridge. It is an ideal spot to unwind and pause for a while. Kirin Beer 11) KIRIN BREWERY YOKOHAMA FACTORY - $3 Explore the production techniques and uncover the secret behind the exquisite flavor of this Japanese beer at a spacious brewery. Experience firsthand the ingredients essential for brewing as you engage your senses through tasting, touching, and smelling. Finalize the tour by sampling the finished products (aged 20 years or older). It is advisable to make reservations in advance and be prepared for the tour to be in Japanese with an english booklet available. 12) SHIN-YOKOHAMA RAMEN MUSUEM - $1-3 In 1994, the Ramen Museum was born, becoming the first-ever Ramen-themed amusement park in the world. It's basically a one-stop shop where you can try out all kinds of delicious ramen from top-notch spots in Japan without having to hop around the country. Inside, you'll find a cool setup that looks like a street scene straight out of 1958 Japan, complete with seven ramen joints to choose from. And if you're curious, there's also an exhibition area where you can learn all about the fascinating history and cultural importance of ramen. Sunrise in Yokohama Bay CONCLUSION Yokohama, located just outside Tokyo, is a real treasure. I wish you the chance to explore this city and check off some items on this list.

Do you have a passion for coffee, particularly from Starbucks? Are you a fan of coffee-based liquors and cocktails, as well as freshly baked bread and desserts? Do you enjoy indulging in a variety of teas? If you said yes to any of those questions, then you're in for a treat because the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo is the perfect spot for you! Providing a unique coffee experience unlike any other, it is a must-visit for all coffee lovers. You are bound to enjoy your time there, regardless of whether you are a devoted coffee drinker or not. Location The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo is situated near Shibuya. To get there, simply take the Toyoko Line from Shibuya station to Naka-Meguro Station in Meguro City, which is just a 3-minute ride. From Naka-Meguro Station, it's a straightforward 12-minute walk to reach the Roastery. The building is located next to a Don Quijote store and may appear unassuming from the outside, but the real surprise lies within. Inside Upon entering this four-story building, you will be welcomed by the delightful scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of skilled baristas preparing specialty beverages. The staff will greet you as you notice the gift shop right at the entrance, offering a diverse selection of exclusive Starbucks Reserve Tokyo merchandise. Additionally, there is a section where you can purchase a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans directly from the Coffee Scoop Bar. First floor The menu offers a diverse selection of unique coffees sourced globally, each with its own distinctive flavor profile. Select your preferred coffee beans. Additionally, you can choose the brewing method that complements your chosen coffee beans. Coffee flights are also available for you to enjoy. Apart from coffee, you will see an authentic Italian bakery where you can find a variety of artisanal breads, pastries, and desserts to accompany your beverage. Treat yourself to a delicious Tiramisu or focaccia pizza. They do offer some of the items in the bakery on the other floors. Second Floor The second floor is designated for Teavana's tea experience, where the focus is on Japanese tea culture, using premium ingredients and creative brewing techniques. This space stands out due to distinctive features like a 3D printed bar, origami ceilings, and a teacup wall. Third floor At our favorite and recommended floor, you can enjoy the Arriviamo Bar, where a blend of coffee, tea, and spirits results in unique cocktails and extraordinary coffee concoctions. If there are open seats, feel free to sit at the elegant wooden bar and witness the preparation of your coffee or cocktail right before your eyes. Additionally, outdoor balcony seating is available. Tip: Try the New Tokyo Fashion - whiskey & cold brew garnished with a sakura leaf. Yes! Fourth floor There is an extra seating area in this space that can serve as an event space or lounge.  Pricing The exceptional quality of service justifies the cost. Coffees and teas are priced at approximately 1,000 yen or less, equivalent to $7. Food items range from $3 to $7, while alcoholic beverages are priced at $15. Plan to spend between $60 to $100 for two people to enjoy coffee or tea, a cocktail, a tasty treat, and perhaps a souvenir. FYI: I found other Starbucks Reserve Bar locations in Japan! They are a much smaller scale version of the Roastery but are a great alternative if you are closer to those locations.  Conclusion Whether you prefer a classic espresso, a handcrafted latte, or tea you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. This Roastery offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and an immersive experience that demonstrates their "love affair with coffee knows no bounds". Everything was so thoughtfully designed and its truly impressive.  So why not add this to your Tokyo itinerary? It's a coffee experience you won't forget.

Relaxing Ryokan Stay A ryokan is a traditional Japanese accommodation similar to an inn, typically featuring rooms with tatami mats, communal baths, and a shared public area. Things to Know: Rooms usually include tatami mats & sliding doors. Traditional futon mattresses are placed directly on the tatami floors at night and set aside during the day. Meals like breakfast and dinner are delivered to your room. A table set low to the ground with cushions is arranged in your room for dining. Traditional Japanese meals are served in an elaborate manner, with limited or no substitutes or alternative options available. Many traditional ryokans are situated outside the city, often near hot spring regions. Ryokan are renowned for their traditional style and atmosphere, so it's important to respect the facility's procedures. In older or budget ryokan, you might find that toilets and sinks are shared and located in common areas outside your room. Yukatas are available for use during your stay. You can usually enjoy and choose hot baths in a shared, gender-separated area, reserve a private bath, or choose a room with a small bath included. Pros: Cons: Traditional Stay May Not be Centrally Located Relaxing - Outside the City Lacking Some Privacy and Comforts Support Local Community Food Options May be Limited Hot Baths Can be Expensive Traditional Food and Hospitably Procedures Can be Intimidating To see some reviews of our stays, take a look at this article.

Are you planning your first trip to Japan and are about to book a flight, but you want to make sure you don't miss anything? Did you know that booking your flights at the right time can save you hundreds of dollars on your first trip to Japan! Allow me to help you get this just right. Here is some key information you need for booking your flight to Japan, assisting you in finding the best deals and maximizing your travel experience in this incredible country. Avoid Overspending! Japan is a distant country, making flights expensive and potentially stressful, which might deter you from visiting. Overspending on flights can limit your funds for enjoying the trip. It's better to spend money in Japan rather than just on getting there. Once you visit, you'll likely want to return, so securing the best deal ensures you enjoy your trip, possibly extend it, and have the chance to return in the future. Timing of Booking Google Flights Search Engine Timing is crucial when booking flights to avoid increased costs. For international flights, start searching at least 6 months in advance. Use search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare prices on different days, months, and airlines for the cheapest fare. You can search for one-way or round-trip options. Google can also indicate when prices are high and suggest waiting, and you can set alerts for fare drops. Flexibility & Creative Alternatives For the best deals, travel during the off-season, like winter, and avoid holidays. Consider departing from different airports; though we are in ATL, we've flown from DFW and ORD to Japan by finding cheap domestic flights, which led to better deals. Also, compare arrival airports in Japan: Narita International is 1 hour away, but Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, and KIX is in Osaka. Airline Points from Credit Cards First Class Seat in ANA Flight leaving from ORD to NRT Our strategy to save on flights involves responsibly using credit cards to accumulate points, allowing us to book international flights, including business and first class, for the first time. Consider this approach if interested. Flights should be booked either a year in advance or last minute. Conclusion Thorough planning and research are crucial for a successful booking. Here are my tips for booking flights to Japan, which I hope will help you save money and turn your Japan trip into a reality! If you're unsure about how long to stay, take a look at this blog post.