OWL RESORT ARIFUKU ONSEN
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 46 reviews
OWL RESORT ARIFUKU ONSEN sits in the Arifuku Onsen district of Gotsu, Shimane, presenting a compact contemporary ryokan that blends clean-lined interiors with traditional Japanese bathing culture. The property arranges a mix of room types across three floors, with first-floor rooms featuring hinoki-style wooden baths, second-floor rooms offering semi-open-air tubs, and upper rooms prioritizing views over the historic onsen streets. Room layouts are aimed at couples and small families, with non-smoking options, basic in-room tea/coffee facilities and complimentary Wi‑Fi; the building is modest in scale and depends on stairs rather than an elevator.
The accommodation draws its water from the local Arifuku hot spring and presents both room-attached bathing options and shared thermal facilities, so it functions as a ryokan with private onsen for guests who prefer an in-room soak while retaining public bathing for those who want a more communal onsen experience. Baths are described on-site as semi-open or private depending on the room, and the property emphasizes a relaxed, unhurried bathing routine beneath open skies in select units. Careful housekeeping and clear guest guidance help maintain privacy and comfort around the bathing areas.
Dining focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients served in straightforward, well-presented courses and an on-site café; the broader Arifuku area supplies regional seafood and produce that feature on menus seasonally. Practical amenities include free private parking and family-friendly room configurations, and the resort is generally reached by car from Route 9 or regional rail plus a short taxi ride; the nearest commercial airport lies roughly an hour’s drive away. The hotel suits travelers seeking a compact, service-minded stay in Shimane’s hot-spring district and offers the calm, private soaking options that define a ryokan with onsen in the Chūgoku region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: OWL RESORT ARIFUKU ONSEN
Positive Reviews
Clean, modern and well-maintained rooms
Multiple guests commented the property and rooms are new, tidy and have a pleasant atmosphere—clean interiors, spacious layouts in many room types and a feeling of comfort throughout the stay.
Excellent food and dining
Several reviews praised the meals—especially the course dinners and breakfast—describing food as delicious and well-portioned, with good table service.
Private outdoor/room onsen available
Guests appreciated private outdoor or in-room baths and easy access to bathing (some rooms offer open-air baths), noting this as a highlight and relaxing feature.
Friendly and attentive staff
Staff were often described as polite, bright and helpful; many guests noted attentive service and a welcoming attitude from employees.
Quiet, natural setting and good for relaxation
The ryokan’s countryside location and tranquil surroundings were repeatedly noted as ideal for refreshing getaways; several guests felt the setting and nearby hot springs added to the experience.
Negative Reviews
Pest and cleanliness issues in baths/rooms
Multiple guests reported insects (small bugs, cockroaches, even a large centipede) and mold or dirt in bath areas on some occasions, which disturbed sleep and affected comfort—though staff sometimes responded when alerted.
Hot water/boiler failures and service gaps
There were serious incidents of hot water stopping (alleged boiler depletion) leaving guests without hot water or functioning showers for extended periods; communication and follow-up/apology from the property were reported as insufficient.
Price vs room size and bed comfort
Some visitors felt rooms (and bathrooms) were small for the price paid; complaints included narrow/small beds and overly soft mattresses that reduced perceived value.
Limited amenities, accessibility and contact options
Guests noted shortages or lack of basic supplies (toilet paper, toiletries), no direct phone line to the hotel (reliance on messaging apps), no on-site vending or nearby shops, and some difficulty obtaining receipts—causing inconvenience, especially given the remote location.
Noise, building layout and seasonal limitations
Several reviews mentioned noise issues (footsteps from upper floors, drainage/pipe noises), room layout concerns (steps/level changes problematic for elderly), and that outdoor washing/bath areas are less suitable in cold weather; some guests also noted weak Wi‑Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type from double/twin rooms to family rooms with up to three double beds; check the specific room's maximum occupancy when booking. The property does not provide extra beds or baby cots.
The property offers natural Arifuku hot spring water, with guest rooms on some floors featuring private in‑room or half open‑air baths and shared onsen facilities on the property. Baths use the local simple alkaline spring known locally as a 'beauty' hot spring.
Some room types include a private attached open‑air bath for exclusive use; public onsen areas are generally not automatically privatized, so contact the ryokan in advance to request any private‑use options.
There is no regular hotel shuttle listed; most guests reach the ryokan by local bus or taxi from nearby JR stations or by connecting buses from Iwami (Hagi‑Iwami) Airport. If you need assistance, contact the property in advance to discuss transfers.
From JR Gotsu (江津) station take a local bus or taxi for about 30 minutes; alternatively, travel via JR Hamada with a bus/taxi connection. Detailed routes include highway bus connections from Hiroshima and train/bus links from Iwami Airport with transfers at nearby stations.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check‑out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive later than the stated check‑in window, notify the ryokan in advance.
Pets are not permitted on the property.
The ryokan provides on‑site dining focused on seasonal local cuisine and regional ingredients, and breakfast is offered with some rate types. Dinner availability or special menus should be confirmed at booking or on arrival.
Staff are primarily Japanese and English may be limited; the ryokan can be contacted in advance for requests or to arrange basic assistance. Consider preparing key information or using a translation app if you have specific needs.
The ryokan sits in Arifuku Onsen village—ideal for walking the historic hot‑spring street—and is within regional driving distance of sites such as Iwami Ginzan and local museums. The onsen village has limited shops, so for supermarkets or larger services plan a short trip into Gotsu or ask the front desk for local directions.