Ryokan Tamagoyu
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 22 reviews
Ryokan Tamagoyu sits on the mid-slopes of Mount Azuma within the Takayu Onsen area, offering a quietly traditional stay framed by a broad garden and mountain views. The ryokan preserves a thatch-roofed bathhouse and timbered lobby that reflect more than a century of continuous operation; guestrooms are all Japanese-style and open onto the garden, with fifty rooms in total. Built for soaking rather than spectacle, this ryokan with onsen in Fukushima favours unadorned, nature-focused hospitality.
Its waters are the defining feature: several natural springs feed white, sulfurous baths that the property describes as 100% free-flowing, drawn directly from the source and left unblended. The name alludes to the way mineral-rich water leaves skin smooth and to its characteristic sulphur scent. Bathing options include a historic open-air bath beneath a reed-thatched roof, multiple riverside rock baths set in the garden, a women-only outdoor bath and a simple footbath trail; day-use bathing and small private rest rooms are offered to day visitors.
Meals emphasise seasonal mountain produce prepared in traditional multi-course style, with locally sourced vegetables, river fish and simple preserved foods presented in the ryokan's dining rooms or, for some plans, delivered to private tables. Public spaces include a small lounge, a museum area and a modest shop selling regional snacks and toiletries. Practical details important to planners: the property operates a shuttle from JR Fukushima station by reservation, provides basic in-room amenities and Wi‑Fi, and suits travellers seeking an authentic, rustic onsen-focused stay rather than modern luxury.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Tamagoyu
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and variety of baths
Many guests praised the hot springs — sulfur-rich waters and multiple bathing options (outdoor rotenburo, thatched-roof open-air bath, footbaths and indoor baths). Several reviews noted the onsen quality as a main highlight.
Delicious traditional meals
Reviewers frequently complimented the food as tasty and authentic. Some guests said the chef prepared thoughtful meals (especially for repeat stays) and that dinner portions/variety were satisfying for many visitors.
Attentive, courteous staff
Staff were repeatedly described as polite and considerate, with specific mentions of attentive service and special gestures (for example, attention to a family birthday). Reception and dining staff received positive comments.
Authentic ryokan atmosphere
Guests enjoyed the traditional ryokan experience and the property’s atmosphere — features like the thatched open-air bath contributed to a memorable, atmospheric stay.
Comfortable, relaxing stays and repeat visits
Several guests reported feeling comfortable and relaxed, with repeat visitors saying they return for the quality of the baths and overall experience.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and inconsistent sense of cleanliness
Some reviewers felt parts of the property are old; while areas are cleaned, a few guests noted a lack of freshness or modern upkeep in certain spaces.
Dated in-room toilets
A few guests pointed out that the toilets in rooms were old and could benefit from renovation or updating.
Housekeeping oversights
There were isolated reports of cleaning oversights (for example, a guest found a hairpin in the bathing area shortly after cleaning), indicating occasional lapses in attention to detail.
Outdoor slipper area odor and shared footwear
One review mentioned unpleasant smells around the outdoor slipper area and concerns about slippers being shared; a guest suggested providing individual sandals in rooms for guests.
Food-related issues for some guests
While many praised the food, some guests reported issues such as small rice servings at dinner and missing breakfast items (one guest specifically wished natto had been available).
Frequently Asked Questions
All rooms are traditional Japanese tatami rooms; the ryokan has about 50 rooms and some larger rooms can accommodate up to five people.
The ryokan uses a 100% natural sulfur spring (Takayu/Tamagoyu) with multiple bath areas, including a historic thatched bathhouse, open-air rock baths, a women-only outdoor bath and a public footbath.
Yes — a private open-air bath (a booked/kashikiri rotenburo) is available; ask the front desk to reserve one during your stay.
The ryokan’s policy restricts use of the public baths by guests with tattoos; contact the ryokan in advance to discuss private-bath options if needed.
There is a shuttle service between JR Fukushima Station and the ryokan; you should confirm or reserve the shuttle with the ryokan before arrival and verify exact pickup times.
Travel to JR Fukushima Station (the ryokan is about 16 km from the station) then use the ryokan shuttle or a taxi; from regional airports take a train or bus to Fukushima Station before transferring.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; limited English is available but guests with specific needs should notify the ryokan in advance.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki-style dinners and locally sourced breakfasts in-house; please inform the ryokan ahead of time for dietary requests.
Pets are generally not accepted; please confirm with the ryokan if you have a special request. Shops are limited in the mountain onsen area, with the nearest convenience stores and supermarkets located in Fukushima city roughly 15–20 km away.
Standard check-in is 15:00 and check-out is 10:00; the ryokan can usually hold luggage for early arrivals or late departures — arrange this with the front desk.