Fukiya Ryokan

Fukiya is an old ryokan on the hill in Yugawara village. Water of Natural hot spring seems to be active and healing. Ryokan itself old but really good maintained. The place is extremely clean! Every tiny detail is cared of, you feel like it is titanic part of work to provide this level of cleanness. The food. This was the best food among visited ryokans. It is really the highest level. The chef-cook should be given Michelin or whatever, it is just unbelievable how everything was presented and cooked. All the food is the highest quality, absolutely delicious. I consider myself as demanding client, they exceeded my expectations regarding the food. The were a few things for improvement, though… I did not like the fact that there is no restaurant zone and all the food is brought to your room. They start preparing around 7 am, coming into your room and loudly announcing “good morning!” and the appearance of staff was never quiet ). Being after long night flight, this was a challenge. They close baths from 9:30 am to 2 pm, which limits your ability to use Onsen , even though it is the best time for guests to enjoy hot spring. The lady, who prepared everything in the room was nice but way too pushing and loud and a bit chaotic, we felt like we were being kicked out of the hotel (the lady even was running pushing us and our luggage out of the hotel 🤪), that they forgot to put our bags in taxi. Finally, we arrived to the train station without luggage and were upset that our visit finished that way

Just what my soul needed! When I first arrived, I was a bit underwhelmed. I had just lost a cat also so I was a bit doomed. There are so many doors in the tatami room and it looks dark everywhere plus there are many things to remember and also the translator machine doesn’t make full sense. However, after the first soak and then the first dinner, everything make sense! Japanese are good at hitting the key note right! I reallize that everything has been thought through! The rooftop bath where it is first come first serve is perfect for starting your unwinding. The 7 courses dinner was mesmerizing and the lady who take care of me is delightful. After 2 nights stay, I even feel like we made connection beyond the translator devices. I have use all the baths and they are all amazing. Breakfast is also a real feast. In terms of location for me is perfect. The view from balcony kept me looking out and just watch the fog goes by. The Manyo park is in walking distance ( recommended to go, very refreshing also has a cafe there) the museum is alright but can be missed. Fudo fall is a joke from google map, better to go by bus! Yugawara is a sleepy little town so best for relaxing not for many activities. And Fukiya ryokan is a perfect place for such. A true healing for body and mind. I cherished my memory of being there and I am very grateful.

we stayed in this wonderful ryokan with my family for one night during our trip to Japan. We wanted to try a typical Japanese experience and in this wonderful place we found it. Maybe a little uncomfortable because out from the tourist route but perhaps for that reason it is even more authentic. Super staff, super food, super experience.