Fukiya Ryokan

After the crowds and bustle of Tokyo, this was a peaceful place to recharge. My boyfriend and I came from Los Angeles last November, and our stay became the most memorable part of our Japan trip. We chose it for its proximity to Mount Fuji, then found it offered much more than we expected. The view was beautiful, and soaking in the onsen was a real highlight. We felt immersed in traditional Japanese hospitality. The staff were so kind and thoughtful, and put a lot of effort into looking after us. They brought every meal right to our room. They didn't speak much English, but used translators to communicate, which added to the authentic feel of the stay. I can't recommend this place enough if you're looking for a warm, genuine ryokan experience. It'll always have a special place in our hearts.

The baths were just one part of what made my stay at Fukiya Ryoukan so memorable. There are several onsen options, non-reserved and reserved private baths, and public baths. I also enjoyed the karaoke room, relaxation area, massage chairs, hot foot baths, and hot stone sauna. The bathroom amenities surpassed those at any Japanese Ryoukan or five-star hotel I've visited anywhere. Meals in the room were another highlight. I stayed two nights and had different courses each evening. The first dinner had incredibly fresh sashimi, including blue mackerel and white fish, plus lovely shabu shabu with high-quality meat and ingredients. The next night, the appetizers and soup were excellent, as were the fresh sashimi, especially the amadai, and perfectly grilled tachiuo. The Kyoto chicken sukiyaki was delicious, though there were a lot of side dishes. The drinks list included a full selection of sake, soju, wine, and beer. My caretaker, Aimi, was an absolute delight and sweat. She showed real hospitality and patiently explained the schedule, dishes, facility time slots, and local weather. She was also kind and patient as we talked in my mix of English and beginner-level broken Japanese. Her kindness added so much to the stay. At checkout, I was given a tenugui, a traditional Japanese decorative towel, which made a lovely souvenir. The inn sits on a gentle slope, with wonderful views of the area and the soothing sound of the Chitose River. The staff welcomed me warmly, and check-in was smooth. The place was impeccably clean, even compared with other Ryoukan I've visited around Japan. Guests change into slippers at the entrance, something I'd only seen a couple of times before at historic Ryoukan in Yamagata and Hanamaki. Fukiya brings modern amenities together with traditional Japanese design and experience in a way that feels comfortable. My stay at Ryolam Ryoukan ranks among the best and most unique Ryoukan experiences I've had in Japan. I highly recommend it for a relaxing getaway.

Our S-type room by the Zen garden gave us a lovely outdoor spot to read. The private rooftop onsen was clean and relaxing, and the food was consistently delicious, with plenty of local dishes across the multi-course dinner and breakfast spread. I was surprised by how extensive and thoughtfully chosen the wine list was. The staff and service were amazing. If you're after an authentic Ryokan stay, I highly recommend it and will be telling friends and family about it.

The food was incredible. I'm vegetarian, and the chef made me a delicious custom 10-course menu. The baths were relaxing, and the staff were attentive and always ready to help. They even helped us get dressed in the traditional Japanese yugata and take photos. I loved the hotel's design and decor, and it had all the amenities and comforts we needed. A stay at Fukiya was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I'd recommend it to anyone and hope I can return one day.