Fulsato
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 53 reviews
Fulsato (Shikisai no Yado Fulsato) is a riverside ryokan set within a quiet mountain valley of the Yukawa Onsen area, offering a low‑key, single‑inn atmosphere framed by streamside views and seasonal foliage. The property emphasizes its natural spring: the hot water is supplied as a gensen kakenagashi, and guests can choose between communal bathing areas and outdoor rotenburo that sit beside the stream. The setting and thermal offering position it as a ryokan with onsen in Iwate for travelers seeking a nature‑led hot‑spring retreat rather than an urban spa complex.
Rooms follow a “wa‑modern” concept with attention to traditional materials and contemporary comfort; several room types include private semi open‑air baths or en suite open‑air tubs, while other guest rooms are free of in‑room bathing and rely on the public facilities. Meals are served in private dining rooms and focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients prepared à la carte by the kitchen; the inn highlights quiet, individualized service and the availability of reserved private bathing slots for guests. These features make it straightforward to find a ryokan with private onsen Iwate when privacy and seasonal cuisine are priorities.
Practical amenities include complimentary on‑site parking and property‑wide Wi‑Fi, and the staff provide local advice on nearby outdoor activities such as hiking, river walks and winter sports in the surrounding highlands. The bathing areas are operated to allow regular guest access while observing cleaning windows, and the inn offers a mix of communal and reservable private options so visitors can plan either shared onsen experiences or secluded soaks. The overall character is one of quiet relaxation, with easy access by regional road and local stations for visitors traveling through northern Iwate.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Fulsato
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience (private and public)
Multiple guests praised the hot-spring baths — private in-room onsen and public outdoor baths — noting lovely settings (river/stream, snow views) and that the baths matched or exceeded expectations.
Outstanding meals and presentation
Food was repeatedly described as exceptional kaiseki-style cuisine: well prepared, beautifully presented and delicious. Several reviewers highlighted the chef and memorable dining experiences.
Warm, attentive staff and service
Staff hospitality was frequently mentioned as outstanding: welcoming, helpful, and accommodating (assisting with transfers, luggage, snow clearing, storing equipment). Staff used translators or English when needed to overcome language barriers.
Clean, well-appointed rooms and amenities
Rooms were noted as spacious, immaculately clean and thoughtfully arranged, often with private balconies/baths. Complimentary toiletries and good-quality amenities were appreciated.
Peaceful natural setting ideal for relaxing
Guests valued the calm, scenic location for rest and recharge — river and cliffside views, quiet atmosphere and a sense of traditional Japanese ambience made it a recommended place to unwind.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited local dining options
Several guests noted the ryokan is quite remote; arriving by car is preferable. Those who booked only breakfast found there were no convenient dinner options nearby.
Onsen availability limited during daytime
At least one reviewer reported the hot baths were unavailable between about 10:00–15:00, which reduced options for bathing during the day.
Taxi/transfer comfort issues
One guest found the taxi organized for transfers to/from the hotel very cramped, suggesting transfer vehicles can be small or tight for luggage/families.
Rural environment can mean insects in rooms
A visitor mentioned encountering insects in the room, attributed to the very countryside location—an occasional downside of the natural setting.
Very quiet evenings may feel isolating to some
A few guests commented that nights were extremely quiet — for some this was relaxing, but one guest described the stillness as slightly unsettling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single to family-style; capacity varies by room so please contact the ryokan with your party size to confirm bedding and room allocation.
Yes — the ryokan uses a natural source (gensen kakenagashi) and offers indoor and riverside open-air bathing sourced from the local spring.
Guest bathing is available around the clock with scheduled cleaning in the late morning/early afternoon; a reservable private (kashikiri) bath is offered for staying guests by prior arrangement.
Yes — Hottoyuda (Hotto-yuda) is served by a shared ‘Yukemuri Taxi’ (about 5 minutes to the ryokan); you must reserve it in advance through the ryokan.
The nearest airport is Iwate Hanamaki (around 50–55 km); typical travel is Shinkansen to Kitakami, JR Kitakami Line to Hottoyuda station, then the short Yukemuri Taxi to the ryokan.
The ryokan can assist in basic English and has multilingual staff support for common guest needs; please notify them in advance for specific language assistance.
Meals focus on seasonal, local ingredients; dinner and breakfast are served in private dining rooms to preserve privacy and an authentic regional dining experience.
Nearby highlights include river-side scenery and hiking in the Yunokawa onsen area, Akita Furusato Village, a local muvalley attraction, and regional ski areas roughly 15–20 km away depending on season.
On-site parking is available and the property is car-friendly; public transport access is by train to Hottoyuda station followed by the local taxi transfer — many guests combine train and taxi.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 11:00; if you expect a late arrival or need special assistance, contact the ryokan in advance by phone.