Ryokan Nushiya
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Ryokan Nushiya occupies a wooded hill at Arifuku Onsen in the Iwami area of Japan and traces its origins to the early 19th century. Built around historic hot-spring wells, the property comprises a small number of individually styled rooms, including a relocated detached Japanese house and annex suites furnished with antiques and screens. Public spaces open onto a garden and pond, while timbered corridors and joinery create an intimate scale. This intimate ryokan with private onsen in the Iwami region emphasizes quiet stays and seasonal kaiseki dining.
Bathing facilities are a central part of the experience: a large public bath housed in a repurposed sake-brewing structure, an outdoor rotenburo set beside woodland, and smaller private baths available for spontaneous use. Several guest rooms include their own open-air tubs fed by the local spring, offering a private soak with views over the garden. The waters are described locally as gentle on skin and are kept at a moderate temperature to encourage longer baths; staff explain onsen customs and provide towels and basic amenities.
Meals reflect the coast and mountains, offered as multi-course kaiseki featuring seasonal seafood from nearby ports and regional beef, with attention to local vegetables. Practical details reflect a rural ryokan’s pace: on-site parking, a traditional dining room, limited room inventory that favors privacy, and modern touches such as Wi‑Fi and air conditioning. The inn suits couples or groups seeking a restorative ryokan with private onsen in Shimane and a base for exploring the Iwami coast and cultural sites.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Nushiya
Positive Reviews
Peaceful, private setting
Guests frequently mention a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with few other visitors, allowing for a peaceful stay and minimal crowding in baths and common areas.
Private in-room/on-site hot springs
Many reviewers praised the room-attached open-air onsen and the quality of the hot spring water, highlighting private baths and easy access to communal baths without long waits.
Attentive, helpful service
Staff were repeatedly described as very considerate and accommodating — from thoughtful gestures (e.g. celebratory sparkling wine) to adjusting meals for dietary requests and even preparing dinner after guests arrived very late.
High-quality meals
Multiple guests praised the dinner and breakfast presentations, noting locally sourced ingredients, beautifully served multi-course dinners, and overall delicious meals.
Comfortable rooms and family-friendly facilities
Reviews note spacious, well-appointed rooms and wooden, attractive facilities; options such as choosing bed or futon at check-in and family baths made the ryokan suitable for families and elderly visitors.
Negative Reviews
Language limitations for some guests
A few guests noted that staff explanations were primarily in Japanese (with only written English materials), which could make communication and meal explanations harder for visitors who do not speak Japanese.
Maintenance and cleanliness concerns
Some reviewers reported that parts of the property needed upkeep (for example, a dirty pond and general maintenance issues), describing this as a let-down given the price.
Perceived poor value/pricey for some
Several guests felt the stay was expensive and that certain aspects (notably some meals) did not meet their expectations for the price paid.
Seasonal insect presence
A number of reviewers mentioned many insects during certain times of year, which could be uncomfortable for insect-sensitive guests.
Minor room/service shortcomings
Isolated comments mentioned missing in-room amenities (such as no table in a room) and small service details (for example, the complimentary ice cream quality) that could be improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin rooms, suites and Japanese-style family rooms with up to six futons; capacity varies by room so please check the chosen room’s maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property features a large public bathhouse, outdoor (open-air) baths and private bath options; some guest rooms also include their own open-air baths.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; the nearest airport (Hagi‑Iwami) is about 60 km away and Hiroshima is another regional option, so arriving by car or taxi is the easiest; the ryokan offers free private parking.
Staff are primarily Japanese; some English is typically available but proficiency can be limited, so brief Japanese or advance requests are helpful.
There is one on-site restaurant serving traditional Japanese kaiseki-style meals for dinner and breakfast; please inform the ryokan in advance about allergies or special diets.
The ryokan is in Arifuku Onsen (Gotsu), within driving distance of Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Site (around 47 km) and regional sights such as Izumo Taisha and local coastal towns; Gotsu town centre is roughly 8 km away.
Check-in is from 14:00 to 18:00 and check-out is until 10:00; the ryokan requests that you inform them of your expected arrival time in advance.
Private/family baths are available at the property and some guests report easy access without advance reservation, but availability can vary so confirm or request a private bath when you book.
Children are not permitted and pets are not allowed on the premises.
Basic shops and convenience stores are available in Gotsu town (about 8 km away), and the ryokan provides free private parking on site.