As I get all geared up for our upcoming family vacation in the land of the rising sun, the discovery of the culture is already impressing me. I can’t wait to experience a ryokan stay in Hakone and Ito areas after being enchanted by all the outdoor hot springs photos in the various ryokan websites.

What I didn’t know is that ryokans, especially luxury ones can cost so much! Be ready to pay up to $1,000 per person for those super luxurious ryokan! Though dinner and breakfast is often included in the rates, it still makes me wonder if it’s worth splurging so much for a night on the tatami :P

For me, I’m hoping that I can still get access to the internet during my trip everywhere in Japan. That also means checking on my computer memory before our trip.

If you are looking for ryokan reviews, you may want to check out some real travelers’ reviews at Trip Advisor or http://www.japan-guide.com. Find the best hotel deals, compare hotel prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Japan.