Have a Nice Stay! - Season 1 / Year 2019

In Japan, every season and place has its own beauty. Hotels or inns are what make the visit even more worthwhile. These places put a lot of thought into how they can offer their best hospitality to the travelers. They are also the concierges that guide you to see the best of that area. In this episode, we take you to a cozy one-night stay in the winter wonder land. Matsunoyama, the western part of Niigata Prefecture, is known as one of the places to have the heaviest snowfall in Japan, with the average of 3 meters each year. The town is also known as a hot spring resort. There are 11 operating inns along the valley. Enjoy the winter breeze surrounded by snowfalls in a warm open-air bath.

A classic Japanese-Western style hotel in Karuizawa In this episode, we take you to Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. It was promoted as a mountain resort by Western residents of Japan in the late 19th century, and today many wealthy urbanites own their second homes there. Mampei Hotel is one of the symbolic hotels in Karuizawa. It has been in business since 1894, and its long history has seen a number of Japanese and foreign celebrities, most notably John Lennon. Today this hotel still retains its classic old appearance and its excellent service. Please join us to experience one-night stay at a Japanese classic hotel. We also introduce the luxury part-day-use services of the hotels in Karuizawa.

Our destination of this episode is Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Nara period (710-784) was a very important era, with significant interaction with China and the rest of the world through the Silk Road. This is reflected in the very unique history and culture of this area. We stayed at a hotel in Naramachi district where the historical scenery is protected among the city. The hotel's building was once a sake brewery proud of the history of the founding 150 years. It has been reborn as a refined lodging with the theme of sake. We also visit the "historical buildings that can be stayed."

Yokohama is one of Japan's largest port towns with population of over 3 million. Towards the end of the Edo period, during which Japan maintained a policy of self-isolation, Yokohama became one of the first ports to be opened to the world in 1859. Consequently, Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into one of Japan's major cities just in 150 years. We will spend a night at the classic hotel that tells you the history of this town, and visit some hotels offer the great view of the harbor.

"Have A Nice Stay!" features hotels and inns that offer outstanding hospitality while showing you the best of what the area has to offer. Experience each location from the viewpoint of a traveler, from check-in to check-out. Our destination in this episode is Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, an ancient castle town where samurai culture can still be experienced today. Near Aizu, we visit Higashiyama Onsen, a traditional hot spring that dates back 1,300 years. We will stay at a traditional Japanese inn once frequented by distinguished samurai of the Edo period. Relax and be pampered just like the samurai of the past. Also have a look at other outstanding accommodations, while taking in Aizu's gorgeous scenery.

In this new episode, we'll visit Shuzenji Onsen in Izu, not far from Tokyo. We'll be staying at an established Japanese inn known to have entertained famous guests. Open-air hot springs surrounded by nature, meals with local ingredients, comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, this hotel is designed to relax both the body and mind. We'll also explore hotels in Shuzenji with beautiful Japanese gardens "equipped for relaxation," providing tranquil atmosphere of the four seasons.

In this episode, we will visit Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture, known for its warm climate, nature, and beautiful view overlooking Mikawa Bay. We'll be staying at a historical hotel in this wonderful seaside town built in 1934 when Gamagori was chosen as a tourist spot for inbound tourism. The hotel has the grandeur of a castle and a magnificent art deco interior. In the digest, we'll introduce delicious seafood from the sea of Gamagori. As a local initiative, the hotels serve deep-sea fish flavored with products from Mikawa's distilleries.

In this new episode, we'll visit Sannomiya in Kobe. The port opening brought about various international influences and as the area developed into a big trading area, more business people came from around Japan. Budget hotels known as "business hotels" support these frequenters. This digest will cover attractive features such as proximity to stations and their ever-evolving services. We'll introduce a plan with a bit of luxury where you can travel from the budget hotel to the historical Arima hot spring resort and world heritage Himeji Castle within an hour.

Today, we'll visit one of Japan's most famous hot springs, Kusatsu Onsen, approximately 200km from Tokyo. Going by train or highway bus from Shinjuku makes the experience a trip of its own. A favorite since the Edo period, their population of 7,000 attracts 3 million visitors yearly. We'll stay at a Japanese inn adjacent to the symbolic Yubatake, natural hot springs from the source. This impressive 3-story-wooden-building is a tangible cultural property. The manager's hospitality, unique ways of bathing, and various hot springs are on our itinerary.

Today, we'll travel from Narita Airport to Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, which is in the opposite direction from Tokyo. This Pacific Ocean coast town prides itself in having the biggest fishing port, a working brick lighthouse, and other features of a port town. We'll stay at a hotel where a breathtaking view can be enjoyed from a private open-air hot spring included in the room. Fresh seafood will be served with Choshi soy sauce produced from generations-old local breweries. We'll experience the depth of true Japanese cuisine culture.

Today, we'll visit Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, a long-established village with rows of houses donning triangular roofs "Gassho-zukuri." It became a world heritage for its historical landscape and lifestyle. We'll stay at a house with "Gassho-zukuri" designed to withstand the harsh winters as one of the biggest snowfall areas in Japan. You'll encounter hospitable home cooking, a gathering around a hearth, and other village life experiences. We'll introduce other lodgings where you can enjoy the nature and culture of Shirakawago.

Today, we'll travel to Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture in northern Kyushu. You'll enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking Genkai Sea and abundant seafood. Another attraction of the city is famous Japanese pottery, "Karatsu ware." There are many potters around town where you can purchase pottery and observe the skills of artisans. We'll stay at a famous old-established ryokan and experience the harmony of the pottery's beauty and amazing food. We'll make our way to the morning market in Yobuko and you'll learn fun ways to enjoy this port town.

We'll travel to Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, known for hot springs and beautiful sceneries. Recently, it's also recognized as an art town. We'll visit an open-air museum, a Western art museum and a unique "book hotel" opened in 2018 to immerse in art and culture.

Today we'll head to Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture, a city facing Seto Inland Sea that prospered as accumulation area for goods in Edo era. Beautiful scenery along the canal of white houses and storehouses is reminiscent of the past. We'll stay at a renovated old merchant shop storehouse turned modern guest room. In the digest, we'll introduce unique accommodations such as a Meiji era spinning mill renovated hotel and a traditional house rental. We'll also visit a jeans factory that uses Kurashiki style weave and dye.