Akan View Hotel, Akanko Onsen

Advantages: Quiet, fine accomodations, easy to reach
Disadvantages: Avarage managed

...Many people thought that the most beautiful beach in Indonesia is in Bali. However, I always believe that it is not in Bali (province) but in Lombok (province). The name of the beach is Senggigi. The beach is very calm. It's not crowded like Kuta (in Bali), even at the weekend. I went to Lombok twice, in 2001 and 2002. The second visit, I was stayed in Lombok Raya Hotel in Mataram (the capital city of Lombok). In front of my hotel there were many taxies waiting and all the taxi-drivers were very familiar with Senggigi. I choosed a taxi from Blue Bird company (a big and famous taxi company in Indonesia). I went there not very long before twilight. It took around 30 minutes from the city to Senggigi. I found several good cafes near the beach. They have various menus. Foods and drinks. I picked up one cafe that has a best view... Read review

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Advantages: A great adventure
Disadvantages: Leave that handkerchief at home!

...of the household to use. Just like the sentou, the household bath is a place to relax and wind down at the end of the day, which is why the Japanese take their bath just before going to bed. As a visitor, remember the golden rule - strictly no soap in the bath! **Onsen** Japan is a volcanic country and there are numerous natural hot springs in many areas. Like the sentou, the onsen is a type of public bath but there the similarity ends. Onsen can be indoors or outdoors, natural or artificial, but the best ones are the outdoor onsen fed by natural hot spring water. These are generally found in the countryside in beautiful, natural settings. They may be beside a tree-lined river, on the cliffs overlooking the ocean or high in the mountains. They are often like spa resorts with hotel accommodation, high quality restaurants and massage treatments available... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: With a short visit you'll still be gagging for more and you get better value for money than London
Disadvantages: Some may find it impersonal, my feet were so sore by the end and its another long review!

...eaten out in Roppongi - although again there seemed to be a little bit of hassle to go into certain bars. - Kamakura Rather than visiting shrines in Tokyo, I would suggest visiting the more impressive shrines at nearby Kamakura, which takes approximate 50 minutes on the JR line (800 Yen) OTHER THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DONE OR SEEN - Have an onsen (mineral spring) bath at the one in Roppongi. Although people should note that as only the Mafia have tattoos, this may cause problems at public baths. - Witnessed a traditional tea ceremony (these can be seen at hotels in Tokyo) - Seen part of a Noh or Kabuki theatre performance GENERAL INFORMATION As this review is very long, I would direct you to my other review on Kyoto if you are interested in general information about Japanese food and people, which includes some useful words. MONEY... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful