FELIZ ARIFUKU ONSEN
7,5/10 Very good - Based on 25 reviews
FELIZ ARIFUKU ONSEN is a compact, recently opened ryokan-style hotel in the Arifuku Onsen neighborhood of Gotsu, Shimane, presenting contemporary Japanese design and an emphasis on private bathing. Launched in May 2023, the property arranges clean-lined guest rooms and common areas finished with light wood and neutral tones that complement the natural surroundings. The hotel centers on its in-room hot spring facilities, offering a calm, small-scale alternative to larger resort inns—a practical choice when seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Shimane.
Guest accommodation is configured to prioritize privacy: every room provides an in-room hinoki (cypress) bath supplied by the local spring, allowing guests to soak privately without using shared baths. Rooms include modern conveniences such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi and private bathrooms, and the property operates a non-smoking policy and limited on-site parking. Reception hours and policies follow standard regional practice, with check-in normally between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out by 10:00, and staff can advise on local transport and seasonal activities.
The onsen water is part of the long-established Arifuku hot-spring tradition, prized locally for its skin-softening minerals and gentle texture; guests can enjoy repeated private soaks in their room’s wooden tub. The ryokan sits within the town’s compact onsen streets, close to small restaurants and a handful of cultural sites and gardens reachable by a short drive, making it suitable for day trips around the western Shimane coast. For travelers specifically searching for a ryokan with onsen in Shimane, this property balances private bathing with straightforward, service-focused accommodation.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: FELIZ ARIFUKU ONSEN
Positive Reviews
Comfortable hot springs (onsen) and hinoki baths
Multiple guests praised the quality of the hot springs, including private/in-room onsen and the pleasant hinoki (cypress) baths that made their stay relaxing.
Clean, spacious and well‑maintained rooms
Reviewers frequently noted that rooms felt roomy, clean and relatively new, which contributed to a comfortable stay.
Friendly and responsive staff
Several guests highlighted quick, helpful responses from staff (including prompt replies via LINE) and generally pleasant service when assistance was needed.
Family‑friendly facilities and adequate amenities
Many reviewers found the property suitable for families, mentioning sufficient amenities (toiletries, in-room TVs, curtains) and features that fit family stays.
Modern conveniences and flexible check‑in options
Some guests appreciated modern touches such as unmanned/tech‑based check‑in and the freedom/flexibility that came with the setup.
Negative Reviews
Thin walls, noise and light leakage
Multiple guests reported thin interior partitions and doors; noise from adjacent rooms and light leaking from hallways disturbed sleep for some visitors.
Humidity and cleanliness concerns in wet areas
Several reviews mentioned dampness problems—mould or mildew on bath floors, wet hinoki tubs that hadn’t dried, and bedding affected by humidity—raising hygiene concerns.
Inconvenient layout and lack of in‑room utilities
Guests noted the refrigerator located in the bathroom or shared area (not inside the main room), no sink/water point in some rooms for tea or handwashing, and requests for in‑room microwave were common.
Poor pre‑arrival communication and hospitality issues
A few guests experienced confusing or cumbersome pre‑stay communication (email exchanges, unanswered phone, unclear instructions) and wished staff had proactively explained services like paid breakfast options.
Minor facility and comfort shortcomings
Other recurring negatives included non‑blackout curtains and sensor lights causing brightness at night, presence of small insects due to the rural location, and occasional lack of certain amenities (e.g., mugs instead of paper cups, missing toiletries).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include double, quadruple and family rooms; doubles typically sleep 2, quadruple rooms up to 4–5 guests and family rooms up to 6. No extra beds or baby cots are listed, so check availability for children when booking.
Yes — the property offers an on-site hot spring bath for guests. Information about private/reserved baths is not listed, so contact the property if you need a private booking.
There is no regular airport or hotel shuttle advertised. Guests normally arrive by car, taxi or local bus from nearby stations; arrange transfers with the property or take a taxi from the nearest station or airport.
Iwami (Hagi) Airport is the closest airport at roughly 60 km, and Gotsu is the nearest city rail hub; local buses or taxis connect Gotsu Station to Arifuku Onsen.
Staff support in English is available according to property information. Expect basic English for arrival, onsen guidance and guest services.
Expect a modest, locally focused 3‑star ryokan with Western-style beds in many rooms, private en‑suite bathrooms, on-site hot spring bathing and a relaxed onsen-town atmosphere. Amenities include free Wi‑Fi and private parking.
Local highlights include Arifuku Onsen itself, Ogawa Kesseshutei Garden (~10 km), Gotsu city center (~8 km), Nima Sand Museum (~41 km) and the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage area (~40–47 km). The area suits short walks in the onsen town and day trips by car.
By car is the easiest option — free private parking is available on site. By public transport, take a train to Gotsu Station then a local bus or taxi to the Arifuku Onsen area; taxis are the most direct option from stations or the airport.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 with most arrivals requested by early evening, and check-out is by 10:00. If you need a different time, contact the property in advance to confirm.
Pets are not allowed at the property. Private-bath (kashikiri) options are not advertised, so contact the ryokan to ask about private-use arrangements. There are small restaurants within walking distance — including a nearby Italian restaurant — and supermarkets and larger shops are in Gotsu city a short drive away.