Ichifukuso
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 12 reviews
Ichifukuso is a small, traditional ryokan set on the coastal heights of Tara in Saga Prefecture, offering a straightforward, locally rooted stay with a strong focus on its natural hot spring. The property’s signature feature is a hand-carved cave open-air bath that sits above the harbor and provides framed views toward the port; the ryokan presents that cave rotenburo as its notable thermal facility.
Guest accommodation mixes modest Japanese-style rooms and some Western options, arranged to suit solo travellers, couples and small groups; many rooms can be set with futons for shared sleeping layouts. Meals emphasize local seafood, with multi-course menus built around the area’s seasonal catch and the region’s distinctive Takesaki crab, and the property lists simple Asian-style breakfast options. Reservations and room-type information are available through the property’s booking channels.
The atmosphere is family-run and practical rather than designer: public bathing in the natural onsen is the main draw and, because the inn is relatively compact, guests often experience the baths with few others present. Facilities cited for guests include free Wi‑Fi and on-site parking, and the property notes set check-in hours and an adults-only policy in some room types, so advance planning is recommended. For travellers searching regionally, Ichifukuso appears as a straightforward ryokan with onsen in Kyushu and a convenient option for a ryokan with onsen near Nagasaki for day trips to the city.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ichifukuso
Positive Reviews
Excellent, abundant seafood meals
Many guests praised the meals — large multi-course dinners featuring fresh local seafood (crab, sashimi, fried shrimp, various shellfish) and regional specialties like pork shabu‑shabu. Portions were generous and desserts were even offered to take to the room.
Attentive, welcoming staff
Staff were frequently described as warm, helpful and detail‑oriented — they provided friendly service, personal touches (help with the onsen experience and small extras), and thoughtful reminders to guests.
Private and unique onsen experiences
Visitors enjoyed private bathing options and the distinctive rock‑cave onsen; because the property has relatively few rooms guests often felt they could relax in the baths without meeting many other guests.
Quiet, relaxing atmosphere
Several reviewers noted a peaceful stay with good sleep quality — quiet nights by the fishing port and an overall calming atmosphere that made the ryokan relaxing.
Comfortable dining environment and good location for walks
The dining area was described as spacious with partitions for privacy, creating a calm meal experience. The location is easy to find and close to pleasant places for walking.
Negative Reviews
Small public onsen
The communal onsen on the second floor was called rather small and may feel cramped when shared with other guests (suitable for only a small number of people at once).
Aged building and some dated facilities
Although rooms have been updated, reviewers noticed older features in parts of the property (bathroom mirrors and other areas showing age) that give an overall dated impression despite cleanliness.
Sea‑view rooms not guaranteed
At least one guest was disappointed not to be assigned a sea‑view room; sea views may be limited and not always available.
Seafood portions/expectations can vary by season or course
A few guests expected more crab or specific dishes (such as crab miso soup) and felt seafood portions or offerings varied by season or the selected menu, leading to occasional disappointment.
Limited activities in the surrounding area
One reviewer noted there was little to do nearby, so the immediate surroundings may offer limited activities beyond walking and enjoying the ryokan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin rooms to a family room with up to five futons; capacity depends on the room you book and children are not permitted at this property.
Yes — the ryokan has natural hot‑spring baths including a distinctive hand‑carved cave open‑air bath with sea views and larger communal bathing facilities.
There is no regular airport shuttle; most guests arrive by taxi or car from the nearest station (JR Hizen‑Oura), and the property offers free on‑site parking.
Nagasaki Airport is the nearest major airport (about 47 km); from there a rental car or taxi is the most convenient option, while JR Hizen‑Oura station is a short drive away.
Japanese is the primary language, but staff can assist in basic English when needed.
Expect a traditional ryokan stay with tatami rooms and futons, local seafood kaiseki meals focused on Takezaki crab, and an authentic onsen bathing experience.
The ryokan sits in the Takezaki/Tara coastal area with fishing ports and seafood spots nearby; larger attractions like Nagasaki Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum are roughly 49–50 km away for day trips.
A car or taxi is the most practical way to explore the peninsula and nearby towns; limited local public transport exists and free parking is available for self‑drive guests.
Check‑in is from 16:00 to 18:00 and check‑out is by 10:30; note the property has an access curfew (cannot be accessed between 18:30 and 09:00), so notify the ryokan in advance if your arrival falls outside check‑in hours.
Private/family baths are available at the ryokan; pets are not allowed; small local shops and seafood stalls are within walking distance while larger supermarkets require a short drive.