Yokohama's Hidden Gem: Fujiyoshi Izuten Ito — Japan's Best-Kept Secret?
Yokohama's Hidden Gem: Fujiyoshi Izuten Ito — Japan's Best-Kept Secret? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe Not That Secret Anymore!) - A Rambling Review
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Okay, so the hype. The insane hype surrounding Fujiyoshi Izuten Ito. "Japan's Best-Kept Secret," they said. "A secluded paradise." Well, let me tell you, after a recent stay, I'm here to unpack this… experience. Prepare for a rollercoaster, folks. This isn’t your polished TripAdvisor review. This is me, raw, unfiltered, and still slightly smelling of the amazing, yet sometimes overbearing, Japanese hospitality.
First Impressions (…and That Awkward Airport Transfer):
Getting there. Ugh. Airport transfer, right? They boast airport transfer. Sounded grand. In reality, it was a… compact car. Not exactly luxurious, more like functional. Still, the driver was impeccably polite, the air conditioning merciful, and the scenery… well, let's just say it's Japan, and it's endlessly fascinating even if you're just staring out the window. (So, yes, Airport Transfer is available, but manage your expectations on the chariot).
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag… with Good Intentions:
Alright, let's get serious. I'm always hyper-aware of accessibility. Fujiyoshi tries. The lobby, restaurant, and some of the common areas are definitely wheelchair accessible, which is a huge plus. There's an elevator (thank god!), and they have facilities for disabled guests. But… and this is a big "but"… the overall layout of the hotel, especially the paths to the swimming pool (outdoor) and some of the spa areas, are a bit… hilly. Not ideal if you're relying solely on a wheelchair. They want to be accessible; you can feel it. They just haven't quite nailed the execution everywhere. It's a work in progress, I’d say.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Tick! I saw a few, but the details are foggy after so much sake.
The Room: Sanctuary… with a Slight Disconnect:
My room (thankfully, non-smoking) was… well, it was Japanese luxury. Spotless. The air conditioning was a life-saver. I slept like a baby, the blackout curtains creating a perfect cocoon. There were bathrobes, slippers (essential), a coffee/tea maker (bliss!), and even a mini-bar (tempting, but I'm trying to save money, dammit!). My room was high up. High floor indeed! The view was pretty spectacular. I especially appreciated the additional toilet. Because, you know, sometimes you need an additional toilet. The internet access – wireless was great, and I did actually make use of the laptop workspace which was important given the nature of my trip
The slight disconnect? The TV. The endless, indecipherable Japanese shows. Like, I'm in Japan, I want to embrace the culture, but sometimes, you just crave a familiar Netflix binge. (On-demand movies? Yes! But limited English options). Still, all in all, absolutely a solid win!
Cleaning and Safety: Pristine Perfection with a Side of Overkill:
Okay, the cleanliness. You could eat off the floors. Seriously. Like, surgically-clean. The whole place felt like it was under constant, vigilant supervision. They've clearly taken every COVID precaution imaginable. Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Hand sanitizer everywhere. Anti-viral cleaning products. Rooms sanitized between stays. The staff also seemed genuinely dedicated to hygiene certification. It was reassuring, no doubt.
But…did it feel a little… sterile? Maybe. Like they were trying to anticipate your every germ-based fear. I appreciate it, I genuinely do. But maybe tone it down a tad? Perhaps, the room sanitization opt-out available is the solution here.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly):
Right, the food. This is where Fujiyoshi really shines. Forget your boring hotel buffet. This is an experience. The Asian breakfast, which I devoured every morning, was seriously delicious, but heavy after so much sake the night before. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was just as good - especially the sushi! (I may have eaten sushi for almost every meal while I was there). The variety of restaurants itself was great and the bar was well-stocked, though I spent more time in the Coffee/tea in restaurant sipping on green tea (trying to be healthy!). I didn't use the poolside bar, as I was too busy eating, but I saw people enjoying it.
The Room service [24-hour] was also a godsend. (That Japanese convenience!). I’m not a huge fan of buffet in restaurant, so I largely avoided it.
My biggest gripe? The coffee shop. Adequate, but nothing to write home about. A missed opportunity for a truly amazing caffeinated experience.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Heaven… and a Touch of Overwhelm:
Okay, the spa. This is where Fujiyoshi earned its "hidden gem" reputation for sure. The Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. They're all amazing. I spent hours melting into pure bliss in their pool with view. The swimming pool, the gym/fitness - they had it all. I’m not a fitness enthusiast, but the view from the gym was almost enough to make me want to work out!
But… it was almost too much. So many treatments, so many options. You could easily spend your entire vacation just… relaxing. Which is great. But also, slightly overwhelming. You need a schedule, a dedicated itinerary just for your relaxation. Maybe have a pre-set package where you get to use all the facilities at once?
Services and Conveniences: Efficient, Polite, and… Predictable:
The service at Fujiyoshi is impeccable. Daily housekeeping, a friendly concierge, efficient dry cleaning and laundry service… Everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Cash withdrawal, currency exchange. They even had a gift/souvenir shop. But, and this is a small but… it’s all a little too smooth, a little… devoid of personality. The staff are polite to a fault, but I never really felt like I connected with anyone on a personal level. It's efficient, but a little bit lacking in warmth. That said, they had a shrine, so that's a nice touch!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly… but Probably for Older Kids
I saw a lot of families there. They have a babysitting service, kids' meals etc. I don't have kids. It seemed like the hotel’s facilities were more well-suited for slightly older kids and teens. Having a family on site is great!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly):
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service… Getting around was pretty simple. Though, I'd advise against trying to navigate the local train system hungover. (Take it from experience.)
Overall Verdict: Worth the Hype?… with a Few Caveats.
So, is Fujiyoshi Izuten Ito "Japan's Best-Kept Secret"? Maybe not anymore. But is it a fantastic hotel? Absolutely. The pristine cleanliness, the stunning spa, the delicious food, and the overall level of service make it a genuinely luxurious experience.
However, it's not perfect. The accessibility could be improved. The service, though efficient, lacks a personal touch. And, if you crave true spontaneity, the sheer volume of options can be a little overwhelming.
My advice? Go. But go prepared. Go with an open mind, a healthy appetite, and a good sense of humor. Go ready to relax, to be pampered, and to embrace the sometimes-overbearing Japanese hospitality. You might just find your own version of paradise.
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Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because we’re about to embark on… gestures vaguely at a map of Japan and starts sweating a little …Yokohama, Fujiyoshi, Izuten, and Ito! My brain’s already doing the cha-cha of overwhelm, but hey, adventure awaits, right? (Please let there be good ramen. I need good ramen.)
Day 1: Yokohama – City of Shiny Things (And Hopefully, Delicious Noodles)
- Morning (or "The Great Train Mishap"): Okay, so, first hurdle: getting from Narita Airport to Yokohama. I'd envisioned myself gliding onto the sleek, futuristic train, gazing serenely at Mount Fuji. Instead? I missed the express. Found myself on a local train, crammed next to a snoring salaryman who smelled faintly of…well, let’s just say it wasn't perfume. My luggage, bless its weary soul, seemed to be plotting its escape. We finally arrived in Yokohama, slightly disheveled, but hey, we made it! Victory! (Mostly.)
- Afternoon: Yokohama Chinatown. Oh. My. God. Seriously. The colours! The smells! The sheer buzz of the place! I wandered around, gaping at the ornate gates, the red lanterns swaying like happy, little fireflies. I ate baozi until my belly was practically singing. The vendors were super friendly, even though my Japanese is… let's call it "enthusiastic." I think I accidentally ordered a bowl of something that included a whole chicken foot. Don't judge. It was… textural.
- Evening: Yamashita Park. The waterfront was lovely, the sea breeze whispering secrets. I watched the sunset over the harbor, feeling a little bit dreamy. Then, I saw an old couple holding hands, and I got ridiculously misty-eyed. The sheer beauty of the moment! The simple grace of it! Okay, maybe I'm being a drama queen, but it was touching, alright? Dinner at a tiny, hidden ramen shop (I swear, the best kind are always hidden). The noodles were springy, the broth was a glorious, salty hug in a bowl. Life was good. I forgot all about the chicken foot. For a while.
Day 2: Yokohama – More Shiny Things, More Ramen Dreams (And Maybe Some Regrets)
- Morning: The Red Brick Warehouse. Trendy! Instagrammable! My inner millennial rejoiced! I browsed the shops, bought a ridiculously expensive scarf (don’t ask), and treated myself to a matcha latte. I even managed to take a semi-decent photo, though I’m pretty sure the selfie stick was judging me.
- Afternoon: The Cup Noodles Museum. Yes, you read that right. A museum dedicated to instant noodles. And it was… surprisingly fascinating. I created (and devoured) my own cup noodles, a masterpiece of questionable flavor pairings. (Seriously, I’m pretty sure I put in too much chili oil.) Also, I got carried away on the observation floor and watched a documentary about instant noodles for an hour. I really should have been outside enjoying the weather.
- Evening: The Minato Mirai 21 district. Ferris wheel! Skyscrapers! Lights! A sensory overload in the best possible way! I even braved a karaoke bar (and, yes, I butchered a Queen song). Now, I’m convinced nobody will ever speak to me again. Anyway, great views.
- Ramblings: Okay, time for a confession. Around this time, I got a bit lost in the maze of malls. This is where I got overwhelmed and wanted to go home. I was exhausted, jet lagged, and suddenly I had to walk a little further to find the hotel. I felt like I’d eaten my weight in MSG. And who decided to make everything so… stylish? Like, I am very not stylish.
- Regret: During my wanderings, I noticed a few things that made me wonder if I'm really the right person to be travelling.
Day 3: Fujiyoshi – The Mountain (AKA, “Why Did I Sign Up For This?”)
- Morning: Train to the mountains! The air got crisper, the scenery greener. I felt… well, I felt a little bit terrified. I'm not exactly mountaineering material.
- Afternoon: Hiking, Ugh. Okay, so, I imagined a gentle stroll through fields of wildflowers. The reality was a steep, uphill climb, dodging roots and feeling my thighs scream in protest. The views, when I eventually reached the top, were spectacular. But the sheer effort! I was out of breath and a mess.
- Evening: Fujiyoshi Ryokan (Traditional Inn). Ahhhhh. Finally. I soaked in a hot spring (bliss!), ate a delicious multi-course meal (some dishes were a mystery to me, but I ate them anyway!), and slept in a futon. The only problem? The futon was on the floor. I felt like I was going to die trying to get up.
Day 4: Izuten – The Coast (And My Ongoing Search for Tranquility)
- Morning: Bus Ride along the coast! Beautiful coastline views. I tried to channel my inner Zen master, but the bus driver's music was…loud.
- Afternoon: Coastal walk! I found a secluded beach and just sat there, breathing in the fresh air, listening to the waves. For a solid hour, I just gazed at the clouds and calmed down.
- Anecdote: I almost fell into the ocean when I was admiring the sea! Honestly, I am not sure what would have happened.
- Evening: A seafood feast. Fresh. Delicious. I think I ate an entire octopus. No, wait, it was just the legs, but still! I might have accidentally ordered the "mystery seafood platter", but hey, I’m adventurous, right? (Even if I spent half the meal pretending not to be staring intently at the dishes.)
Day 5: Ito – Art and Relaxation (And Maybe a Bit More Ramen)
- Morning: Art museum! I’m not an art expert, but the pieces were stunning. I'm sure I didn't understand most of it, but I got carried away in the moment.
- Quirky Observation: There were a lot of well-dressed people. I showed up wearing my hiking shoes. Oops.
- Afternoon: I decided to find a hot spring and relax from the day's events. I swear, I could live in those things.
- Evening: Ito is supposedly known for its onsen, the hot springs. I found this ramen shop. I felt reborn.
Day 6: Departure – Until Next Time, Japan! (Or Maybe We'll Take a Break)
- Morning: Saying goodbye to Japan. I was tired, confused, and sometimes overwhelmed. I miss it. The people, the food, the sheer difference of it all. It wasn’t perfect, by any means. There were train mishaps, language barriers, and moments of "Why did I think this was a good idea?" But I wouldn't trade it for anything.
- Afternoon: Back to reality. Back to the chaos of life. Back to planning my next adventure. (I’m already thinking about ramen.)
Final Thoughts: Japan, you're a beautiful, bewildering, sometimes baffling, and utterly unforgettable place. I can't wait to come back – hopefully with better Japanese, a stronger tolerance for chicken feet, and a more reliable sense of direction. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally find that perfect bowl of ramen. Wish me luck!
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Fujiyoshi Izuten Ito: Yokohama's (Maybe) Best-Kept Secret - An FAQ (with a LOT of opinions)
Alright, so "Fujiyoshi Izuten Ito." Whisper it. Sounds fancy, right? And in the bustling, dazzling chaos that is Yokohama? It's supposed to be a hidden gem, a secret whispered amongst… well, maybe just me and my goldfish at this point. Let’s dive in. I’ll try to be helpful, but warning: I get *very* opinionated about food.
What *is* Fujiyoshi Izuten Ito, exactly? And is it really a secret?
Okay, so it's a traditional Japanese restaurant. And when I say traditional, I mean *really* traditional. Think tatami mats, sliding paper doors, the whole shebang. They specialize in seasonal seafood, prepared with a level of precision that would make a surgeon jealous. And the "secret" part? Well, that’s debatable. It's not plastered all over Instagram, and it definitely doesn't have a neon sign screaming "TOURISTS WELCOME!" But is it a *total* secret? Nah. Good food travels. However, it's still more off the radar than, say, a ramen shop with a line wrapping around the block. More like a… really lovely, delicious whisper.
I remember my first time. I'd stumbled (literally, I’d had a long day) upon it. I was expecting dodgy tourist fare, but BAM! Freshly caught fish, beautifully arranged, and a level of service that made me feel like royalty (even though I was wearing questionable yoga pants). It was genuinely stunning. And yes, I feel a bit possessive of it.
What kind of food can I expect? And will I understand the menu?
Seafood. Lots and lots of seafood. Think sushi, sashimi, grilled things, things simmered in exquisite sauces… They use what's in season, which, honestly, is the best way to eat. Prepare for some *wow* moments. There are usually set courses (kaiseki), which are the best way to go unless you are fluent. I tried ordering a la carte once. Disaster. I ended up with something… fishy. Very, very fishy. And I'm not talking in a good way.
The menu *can* be a bit of a language barrier, yes. Some English is available, but a lot of it is… poetically vague. Bring a translation app, or, even better, learn a few basic Japanese phrases. "Oishii desu!" (delicious!) is a good one to start with. They *love* hearing it. Trust me. And be prepared to maybe, possibly, order something you don't *entirely* understand. Part of the adventure, right? (I once ordered a dish I thought was pickled radishes. Turns out, it included sea cucumber. Let's just say it was an... experience.)
Okay, the food sounds intimidating. Is it suitable for… non-fish people?
Um… probably not. Honestly. This is a restaurant that celebrates the ocean. If you're not a seafood lover, you're going to have a tough time. They *might* have a few side dishes, but the primary focus is, and should be, on the incredible fresh catches. Save yourself the disappointment (and possibly the judgment from the staff), and go somewhere else. There are plenty of excellent ramen shops in Yokohama.
What's the atmosphere like? Is it stuffy?
Not stuffy, but definitely refined. Think quiet elegance. Lots of wood, soft lighting, and the gentle murmur of conversation. It's not a place for rowdy celebrations or bellowing laughter. It’s a place to savor each bite, to appreciate the artistry of the food, to… maybe contemplate your life choices (in a good way!).
I remember the time I brought a friend there. He's a… let's say, *enthusiastic* eater. He’s also got a loud laugh. We’d barely sat down when, with a deep intake of breath, he shrieked "THIS IS AMAZING!" in a voice that could probably be heard in Tokyo. The entire restaurant went silent. I wanted to crawl under the table. He, bless him, didn’t notice. I’m pretty sure the chef glared at him for a solid five minutes after that. Apologies to Fujiyoshi Izuten Ito, once again.
How much does it cost? Is it going to break the bank?
It's not cheap. Let's be honest. This isn't a budget lunch spot. Expect to pay a decent amount for a memorable meal. Kaiseki courses will start in the mid-range and go up from there, depending on ingredients and complexity . It's an investment, yes, but one that I personally believe is worth it. You are paying for quality, for the expertise, for the experience. Think of it as a special treat, a celebration of your taste buds. Try to justify the expense by telling yourself you deserve it. You do.
Do I need reservations? And how do I make them?
YES. Absolutely, positively, unequivocally YES. Reservations are essential. They have limited seating, and this is not the kind of place where you can just waltz in. Call, or have your hotel call for you (language barrier again!). If you’re booking, try and be flexible about which date to go (If possible, be early in the week, avoid weekends). And be polite! Remember, you’re stepping into their space, and while they're friendly, they do take pride in their work.
I once tried to wing it. I thought, "Oh, it's a Tuesday. Surely it won't be *that* busy.” Wrong. Completely wrong. I was turned away, heartbroken, and had to settle for… *gasp*… a generic sushi restaurant. It was a dark day in my life.
Okay, so YOU seem to love it. Why? What's so special?
Where do I even begin? It's the *combination* of things. The quality of the seafood, of course. The artistry of the presentation. The incredibly attentive service (once the chef has stopped glaring at you). But it's more than that. It’s the feeling you get when you're there. It's a sense of calm, a break from the chaos of the city. It's a reminder that simple things, done perfectly,Hotels With Balconys
