Fujinoyu

We arrived late in the evening in the rain, and Noriko, Schinji, and their sweet resident Dog Ko welcomed us. Our rooms and the Onsen were ready and well cared for, which set us up for a relaxing stay after days on the Nakasendo Trail. All the little thoughtful gestures made this travelers Ryokan feel like a private home. Schinji, one of the owners, cooked every meal. The food was beautifully made and the best we had during our two weeks in Japan. Each dish was brought out carefully and explained in detail. The explanations were in Japanese, but the four of us managed with our English and the bits of Japanese we knew. A local typhoon was forecast for the day we left. Despite the very heavy rain, Noriko walked us to the bus depot, waited for the bus, and made sure the driver knew where we were going. She even called our next destination to let them know when we’d arrive. We loved our stay and felt the five-star service this family-run business gives its guests. We highly recommend Fuji -no-Yu Ryokan. We found a little gem in Matsumoto. Thank you!

I stayed with three friends, and we all finished both breakfast and dinner. The food was delicious, with gentle flavors. Everyone at the inn was kind and attentive, too. The hot springs warmed us right through and helped us relax, body and mind. It was a lovely stay, and I’d like to come back.

The food was a real highlight: there was plenty of locally sourced produce, and we were completely satisfied with the two hours we spent eating. We came to Matsumoto with a couple of friends hoping to visit Asama Onsen, so we chose historic Fujinoyu. The owner and landlady were lovely, and the gardens, hotel, rooms, and baths all showed so much care.

The participants in my retreat left very satisfied. They told me they’d let their true feelings out naturally, shed tears, and made time to care for themselves. I’m grateful to Fujinoyu, and I’d like to come back regularly. I chose Fujinoyu for a restful retreat where people could focus on themselves. The hot springs warmed me from the inside out, and I enjoyed three different spaces. The outdoor bath in my room was especially lovely. As a preventive medicine specialist, I was impressed by the meal for intestinal health. It was filling without making me feel bloated, and my stomach felt refreshed the next morning. The staff were wonderful and comforting, and my friends and I enjoyed the secret lounge. I wrote a letter to myself there and felt grateful for that luxurious time. A lovely map of the hot spring town led me out to enjoy some solitude. I’ll definitely be back!