Ryoufuso
6,3/10 Good - Based on 20 reviews
Ryoufuso is a traditional ryokan set in the rural hills of Tsu, Mie, retaining a Showa-era atmosphere since its founding in the early 1960s. Accommodation is offered in Japanese-style tatami rooms arranged across a main building and annexes, with multiple room sizes suited to couples, families and groups; many rooms use futon bedding while some have washbasins and a selection includes private toilets. Standard arrival and departure times are typically mid-afternoon check-in and late-morning check-out, and the house operates as a base for nearby sights including coastal Ise Bay and regional attractions to the east.
The property is centred on its spring water facilities: a public onsen for general guest use and a distinctive rock-and-cave bathing area that can be reserved as a private bathing experience, making it a recognised ryokan with private onsen in Mie. Meals emphasise local produce — grilled seafood and regionally sourced beef feature in cave-style dining rooms and banquet plans — and the ryokan routinely runs themed plans and set-course dinners that make use of seasonal Mie ingredients.
Practical amenities include on-site parking, free Wi‑Fi in guest areas, a restaurant and spaces for gatherings or events; station transfers are possible by prior arrangement and the property accepts reservations for both overnight stays and daytime bathing. The layout and facilities suit groups, families and travelers seeking a hands-on regional inn experience, and guests are advised to reserve the cave bath and dining plans in advance to secure specific time slots for private use. This ryokan with private onsen in Mie Prefecture blends communal hot-spring bathing with the option of exclusive cave bathing for a quieter visit.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryoufuso
Positive Reviews
Unique cave dining and onsen experience
Several guests enjoyed dining and the hot-spring atmosphere in the cave area — noted as interesting and a memorable feature of the stay.
Tasty and plentiful meals
Many reviewers praised the food (BBQ, duck hotpot and other dinner offerings) and generous breakfasts; some said meals were a highlight, especially for families and children.
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple comments highlighted staff hospitality and smiling, helpful service which improved guests’ overall experience.
Comfortable beds and nostalgic charm
Guests mentioned comfortable bedding and an old-fashioned, nostalgic building that provided a pleasant, memorable atmosphere for families and children.
Good value and easy access
Several reviewers said the property is inexpensive or good value (especially when booked online) and noted convenient access from main roads.
Negative Reviews
Cleanliness and food-safety concerns
Some guests reported poor cleanliness (dusty changing rooms, stained tableware, general dampness) and at least one reported spoiled or off meat at dinner, raising food-safety worries.
Shared/insufficient toilets and plumbing problems
Repeated mentions of too few toilets, shared restroom facilities, leaking toilet, clogged sinks and some washbasins without hot water made bathroom access and hygiene inconvenient.
Weak Wi‑Fi and poor mobile signal
Several reviewers experienced unreliable or no Wi‑Fi and weak mobile reception, leaving them without communication or internet access during their stay.
Distance, many steps and exposure to cold
Guests noted long walking distances to the cave, frequent stairs and level changes between buildings, and being exposed to cold when moving between facilities — not ideal for winter stays or for older visitors.
Communication and maintenance issues
Some guests reported poor responsiveness to Booking.com messages and unreturned calls, plus general maintenance problems (shower hose detaching, intermittent lighting), which affected confidence in management and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ryoufuso is a traditional ryokan with an onsen set in Tsu, Mie Prefecture (Handa 2860-1), within driving distance of Ise and Suzuka attractions.
Rooms are Japanese-style with futons; options range from small rooms for couples or singles to family rooms that can accommodate groups of up to eight people.
Yes — there are public hot-spring baths (separate by gender) and a rentable private family bath; guests with visible tattoos may be refused access to public baths.
Shuttle pick-up from nearby Kintetsu stations (Tsu‑shinmachi/Hisai) is available on request — typically in the afternoon/evening — and the nearest major airport (Nagoya/Chubu Centrair) is roughly 90–95 km away, so advance arrangement is recommended.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (you will be asked to provide an expected arrival time) and check-out is by 10:00.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner with regional Mie ingredients; dining includes local seafood and barbecue/cave-style seating options depending on the plan.
Children are welcome and family-style rooms are available; note that traditional rooms use futons and the ryokan does not provide cots or extra beds.
Private family baths can be reserved for a fee upon request, but pets are not permitted on the property.
The ryokan is within reach of Suzuka Circuit (around 20 km), Ise Grand Shrine (about 35–40 km), Oharai‑machi, Sekisui Museum and local shrines and scenic spots in the Tsu area.
Staff primarily speak Japanese with limited English support; free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the property.