Arifuku Onsen Yoshidaya
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 9 reviews
Arifuku Onsen Yoshidaya sits in the Arifuku Onsen district of Gōtsu in Shimane and traces its recorded origins to the Edo period, operating as a traditional inn that preserves local bathing customs and historical artefacts. The property centres on its own natural spring and presents the water unaltered to guests—no circulation, no additives—so visitors experience the spring in its original form. Accommodation ranges from compact Japanese‑style rooms to a larger suite option, offering a measured blend of heritage and recent refurbishment that retains wooden and bamboo finishes while modernising comfort.
Public and guest areas emphasise relaxed, local hospitality: a lounge stocked with regional sake and small plates, a modest banqueting room and karaoke space, free on‑site parking and basic Wi‑Fi access. The ryokan provides day‑use bathing and reservable private baths for those seeking seclusion, and some guest rooms are designed for multi‑person family stays or extended‑stay comfort; the management highlights a large suite for special occasions and a general focus on simple, locally sourced meals. Recent updates have been applied selectively to guest spaces while preserving the inn’s historic character.
Bathing at Yoshidaya is presented as a kake‑nagashi experience: the spring is catalogued locally as a weak alkaline simple thermal water with source temperatures typically in the mid‑40°C range and a mineral profile that is traditionally associated with smooth skin after soaking. The ryokan lies within walking distance of three village public baths, making it easy to combine in‑house soaking with an outer‑bath circuit along the historic hot‑spring street. For travellers seeking an authentic, self‑sourced soak in the region, this ryokan with private onsen Shimane prefecture provides both communal and private options framed by long continuity of local practice.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Arifuku Onsen Yoshidaya
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen waters
Multiple guests praised the hot spring’s water quality, reporting noticeably smoother, silkier skin after bathing and a deeply restorative bathing experience.
Warm, hospitable staff
Staff were repeatedly described as highly welcoming and attentive, creating a homely, friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service.
Authentic, calming Japanese atmosphere
The ryokan’s traditional features—wooden board corridors, bamboo and wood interiors after a renovation—made guests feel relaxed and provided an authentic Japanese inn experience.
Delicious meals and rice
Guests enjoyed the food, especially the rice and specific dishes like takikomi-gohan (seasoned mixed rice), with several mentioning they finished all servings.
Comfortable overall stay
Several reviewers noted that the overall stay was pleasant and comfortable, citing the combination of service, decor and bathing as very satisfying.
Negative Reviews
No private toilet/washbasin in rooms
At least one guest noted that rooms do not include a toilet or washbasin, which was inconvenient for them.
No card payment option
A guest requested the facility enable card payments, indicating current payment options may be limited (cash-only).
Bedding and blanket not pre-provided
A reviewer asked for bedding or extra blankets to be prepared in advance, suggesting these were not readily available or required additional request.
Limited washroom amenities
Guests would like basic washroom items such as a hairdryer and spare towels to be available at the washbasin area.
Bath temperature can be too hot
Some guests found the onsen a bit too hot in the evening, causing excessive sweating; morning baths at cooler outdoor temperatures were more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small Japanese-style rooms for 1–3 guests to family rooms and suites that sleep up to six using a mix of beds and futons; no rollaway or baby cots are available.
Yes — the property has its own hot-spring bath, and Arifuku Onsen’s public baths are also within a short walk of the ryokan.
Private/reservable baths are available at the property; please request a reservation in advance.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the nearest airport (Hagi‑Iwami) is about 60 km away, so guests normally arrange private transfer, taxi or drive.
Staff communication is primarily in Japanese and English may be limited; contact the ryokan ahead of arrival if you need English assistance or special arrangements.
Expect a traditional Japanese stay with tatami floors, futons, wooden interiors and an emphasis on local hospitality; many guests mention authentic ryokan meals and a calm, traditional atmosphere.
Nearby highlights include the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage area (around 45–50 km), the Nima Sand Museum and local coastal and natural sites, plus the town’s public baths and shops within walking distance.
The ryokan is easiest to reach by car and offers free private parking; public transport is possible but usually requires transfers, so plan connections in advance.
Standard check‑in is from 16:00 to 19:00 and check‑out from 08:00 to 10:00; the property enforces a quiet/closure period overnight (access is restricted between 22:00 and 06:30).
Pets are not permitted on the premises; the onsen town has small restaurants, izakaya and shops within a short walk, and the ryokan can advise about meal options and nearby stores.