Along the way to the holy site, shops sell everything from Japanese books to handcrafted teapots to sake, while restaurants and stalls serve up fresh noodles, baked goods and a wide range of seafood.

BBC: Four authentic Asian layovers

At Sushi Sasaki, a small counter in Toyama city run by Sasaki-san and his wife, I sampled a variety of fresh nigiri and sashimi, washed down with a few glasses of local sake.

BBC: Japan��s mysterious glowing squid

After a soothing soak in the baths, a lavish meal of fresh fish, tempura and other regional delicacies are served in your room, washed down by cold sake.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Asia Buzz: What, No Coffee?