October 15, 2012
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Ryokan surprise.
You are not going to believe this. This is one of the best surprises I’ve had all year. We just got a confirmation from Japan on our accommodation for our coming November visit, to one of our suppliers there. To our surprise, one of the three companies that invited us for a visit has arranged a RYOKAN accommodation for us. And to top it all off, it will be under THEIR expenses, which means that my company won’t have to spend a single cent on this hotel.
For those who may not be familiar with what a ryokan is, it is a traditional style Japanese accommodation. It is more like an Inn but unlike an Inn, it is a very expensive substitute to a regular business hotel. It comes with all the traditional architecture, facilities, services, and food that mainly served for the locals there. The president of the company has decided to provide us with a full-service welcome, considering this will be our first visit to their factory.
I know that I won’t have enough time to really enjoy this ryokan for I will be spending most of my time in a factory. The only time I’ll be inside this ryokan is in the evening when I sleep and in the morning during breakfast. And it’s only for one night. But just LOOK at the place!
Check out this site to see a preview of what the place looks like.
This looks like one of those perfect settings where I picture andreas (@andreas_d) sipping away his tea, and zakiah (@zsa_md) writing up another one of her beautiful poetry with her fountain pen. And it is Fall season there, which means it is the perfect time to be in Japan.
Oh man! I CAN’T WAIT!!
If only all of our suppliers are this generous.
Comments (25)
Hahaha, congratulations! Too bad you're not stopping by Korea in November, Nick is coming to Seoul for a few days
It looks wonderful and I would love to drink tea there
OK, traditional it is for you then.
@secade - I have a hunch there will be another time.
Take me, take me. I would love to be lost in the atmosphere of the place.
Niice.
Cool!
@beowulf222 - Why are you always in Seoul? hehe
Thanks for clarifying what a Ryukan is... I was really thinking it was
the name of a move from those Street Fighter video games ! The Ryukan is such a beautiful place to stay, I'm sure you'll love it there... especially knowing that you won't have to pay a cent. You are very lucky to have this opportunity to go to Japan, and even though it will be mostly business, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself a lot and it will be a wonderful experience. Take care and have a great start to the week, bye for now.
Kyle
Oh wow Rudy! I am amazed at the beauty of the place and the immaculate cleanliness seen in the pictures, even in the stores. I went to the Wikipedia first and read up about the traditional Ryokan. Most impressive.
I am so happy for you dear friend. What a fabulous way to be entertained at the host's cost! Too bad you couldn't stay there an extra day and night. I am sure you will post a lot of photos.
Thank you for mentioning me. I would love to sit there, and write. Definitely.
@oxyGENE_08 - I wasn't referring to me when I mentioned the hunch.
Why I like going to Seoul? Easy, because of the nice grill there.
Hi Rudy, I came over from Nick's.
I have always wanted to stay in a Ryokan. Hope you enjoy your stay.
I can't read Japanese but the pics speak for themselves. I expect lots of pics!
@beowulf222 - KBBQ? Hehe It's great that there's like a Korean Invasion here in the PHL. There's a bunch of Korean Restaurants and groceries being put up by Korean nationals everywhere.
@oxyGENE_08 - Yes, the operators may be Korean but they source the ingredients locally. And for grill, good meat is what matters. You should come to Korea again.
Nice! I'm excited for you too. From the web site, the place seems huge, with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. I believe their breakfast/meals will be delicious as well! Yumm!
@beowulf222 - You have a point. Korean food is better in KOREA! I'm coming back next year. Winter time hehe
Awesome! Tawn and I went to a ryokan when in Hakone a few years ago. Great experience. Can't wait to see pictures.
@beowulf222 - @oxyGENE_08 - ok, you both feel free to keep chatting here on korean food. you guys actually are making me hungry!! ps to nick: you go to seoul because of the grill? i don't believe you ;p
@secade - oh, nick is always going to seoul.
@andreas_d - so would i, andreas
@Fatcat723 - sure. would you fit into my luggage, robert?
@manic_lizard - thanks. it is, isn't it?
@kyle061685 - street fighter? hahaha... thanks, kyle. i'll be sure to brush up on my martial arts when i'm there.
@ZSA_MD - i'm actually will be in japan for a little over a week, but will only be staying at that ryokan place for only one night. yeah, if i knew they would pay for everything, i'd make a request for a 2-day visit.
@icepearlz - thank you for stopping by. much appreciated
@Scrooge0 - not sure if my iphone could do justice to the beauty of the place or do better than the pics already posted on the website, but will try to take some pics when i'm there.
@CurryPuffy - i know, right? can't wait for the breakfast feast
@christao408 - hakone? i've been there! though didn't stay at a ryokan when i was in the city. but the hotel was equally nice. it also had the 'hot spring' pool.
@oxyGENE_08 - OK, keep me posted. Maybe I happen to be there for some grill and makgeolli.
@rudyhou - Ok, Ok, I go there for ... Makgeolli!!!!!!
@rudyhou - LOL Korean BBQ
and hmmm intriguing about @beowulf222 - LOL Makgeolli eh? :p
@oxyGENE_08 - @beowulf222 - i'm not a fan of makgeolli. tastes a bit like fermented yogurt drink. it reminds me of turkish raki, though makgeolli is not as bad. i prefer the sweetened roasted rice tea flavored with cinnamon (i have a sweet tooth), but can't remember what it's called.
@rudyhou - @beowulf222 - Not a fan of Makgeolli too. Out of courtesy to my Korean friend I had to finish a bottle though. Hehe It's not that bad but I'm more of a Soju guy.
ryokans are the most legit places in Japan. Enjoy
@NIMOnkey - legit indeed
thanks.