유후쿠 온천 × 일품요리를 즐길 수 있는 숙소만족도 평가가 높은 호텔·료칸

It was so relaxing!

This Accommodation sits at the highest point of Arifuku Onsen in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. I stayed here eight years ago and returned this time. It used to be a historic, retro inn, but after the renovation it has been transformed into a wonderful Onsen Accommodation that beautifully blends tasteful interiors with a nostalgic atmosphere. Dinner was a full-course meal at a nearby Italian restaurant included in the Plan. Despite being stylish, they also provided chopsticks, and every dish was carefully prepared with delicate seasoning—everything was truly delicious. Breakfast was also very good, though I would have liked one more side dish (such as dried fish). The Onsen water has a silky, slightly slippery feel—perhaps that’s why it’s known as “beautifying” water. I’ve visited many hot spring areas, but this texture is quite rare. There is also a glass window in the dining room floor where you can see the source spring. On Saturday nights, it seems you can watch Iwami Kagura at the nearby Kagura hall just steps from the Accommodation. Unfortunately, my stay wasn’t on a Saturday so I couldn’t see it, but next time I’d like to make my Reservation for a Saturday.

It's hard to find a place where you can enjoy an Onsen while traveling with your dog. This time, we drove all the way from Kanagawa to Arifuku Onsen, a place we had never heard of before. Honestly, we didn’t have high expectations, but we spent a relaxing 2 nights and 3 days there. There was a small mishap on the third morning when breakfast didn’t arrive, but they handled it sincerely and professionally. (That breakfast was quite extravagant, wasn’t it? Thank you!) One request: if possible, please consider installing sound-masking devices in the toilets. The sounds are quite audible while cooking... I wish it were closer, but if I get another chance, I’d love to visit again!

My spouse and I stayed with our miniature dachshund and chose the BBQ course. After arriving, we checked in at Bianco. We were then shown to our Room, and everything was explained carefully, including how the Room and the public Onsen work. You can buy a 24-hour pass for three public baths at Gozen-yu for 600 yen. We started with a soak at Gozen-yu, then took our dog for a walk around town before dinner. The atmosphere is lovely, but to be honest there aren’t really any tourist facilities like souvenir shops (lol). There are walking paths too, but we decided not to go into the mountains because we were worried about bears. Before dinner, they brought us the meat for the BBQ. A one-drink option is included, so I ordered a craft beer. The meal was more filling than expected and very tasty. One thing to note: you cook the rice yourself using a mess tin (camping-style pot), so it might feel challenging if it’s your first time—though I’m used to it as a camper. It felt less like staying at a Ryokan and more like casual glamping. Also, since you’re grilling as you eat, it’s not really a sit-down-and-relax style meal. After dinner we went to our second bath, Satsuki-yu. However, Arifuku Onsen is very hot, so you can’t soak for long. My wife tried to go for one more bath at Yayoi-yu before bed but ran out of time and ended up going back to Gozen-yu instead (open until 10 p.m.). In the morning we visited Gozen-yu again (open from 7 a.m.) before having breakfast bento boxes—those were great too. The Room was very clean, and best of all we could let our dog relax freely inside, which made us really happy. We’d love to stay again if we have the chance—next time I’d like to try dinner at Bianco as well.