"To a modern Westerner, the idea of “ancient wisdom” — that there could be something that was known in the past, but is now lost — seems like a contradiction. Any good ryokan, however, is proof that the old ways were the best ways, and that they don’t make them like they used to. You can have your design hotels, your boutique hotels; there are times when only something like Kyoto’s venerable Hiiragiya will do." - Tablet Hotels