Japan's Momijiso hotel

Our group of 10 enjoyed three restful nights at Momijiso (Momijidani koennai Miyajima-cho, Saeki-gun, Hiroshima-ken, JAPAN; phone 81-0829-44-0077, fax 81-0829-44-0076, or visit http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/miyajima/momijiso.htm), a small, family-run ryokan (Japanese inn) on Miyajima, a lovely island off the coast of Hiroshima. The ryokan is located in Momijidani Park above the town and just below the cable car station.

Miyajima, which is easily accessible by ferry from Hiroshima’s port, is a popular destination for local sightseers, with several lovely temples (such as Itsukushima with its picturesque red Torii Gate), a cable car that provides a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, and tame deer that are constantly begging for food or stealing paper from the tourists.

At night when the day-trippers go home it is a peaceful retreat, with only a few hotels and ryokans to house the lucky travelers who get to spend the night. While few restaurants are open after 6 p.m. or so, the ryokans feed their guests very well.

Accommodations in October ’05, including a choice of Japanese or Western breakfast, cost ¥8,000 ($67) per person plus an additional ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 ($25-$42) for dinner.

DEE POUJADE
Portland, OR