Name: BOYOROU
Address: Mikuni-cho Komegawaki 4-3-38, Fukui, FUKUI, Japan, Fukui, Fukui, Fukui, 913-0057, Japan
Rating: 9

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Komatsu Airport

BOYOROU

Fukui

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sea-front

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not-guaranteed

wired-internet-access

smoking

sauna

duplex

safe

mini-bar

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pets-allowed

wi-fi

kitchen

We visit the Hokuriku region of Japan annually during the Zuwai-gani (Snow Crab) season, and typically (though not always) opt for Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki Onsen. Nishimuraya Honkan is a top-notch choice because of the wonderful Onsen town (lots to see and do), historic property and incredible Matsuba-gani Snow Crab.

Through the years, however, we've heard from some of the top chefs that Echizen-gani, a variety of Snow Crab that's found in Fukui Prefecture, is the best. It also typically fetches the highest prices at auctions, so they might be onto something. The thing that had dissuaded us from staying in Fukui had to do with the dearth of luxury ryokan options... that is, until now.

Bouyourou was always THE ryokan of choice for guests willing to pay the high price, but we were put off by the outdated rooms. However, it was completely rebuilt from the ground-up, and just recently opened (Nov. 2021, to be more precise), meaning it's fresh and new. It's modern but done in an understated and unpretentious way - they let the Ocean view and Echizen Crab deliver the bling.

Before committing to a visit during the Winter Crab season, we decided to stay at Bouyourou to do some advanced reconnaissance on the ryokan and see whether the accommodations would meet our standards. By and large, it definitely did. The modern Japanese aesthetic is muted but very soothing, and now all 7 rooms at the property are Suite style, with the only difference being in its layout (they're all the same price, by the way.) Bouyourou's website has all of the details of each room, so you can pick the one that best serves your needs. We chose room #102, an end unit on the 1st floor, because not only did it have views of the Ocean, we were able to enjoy sweeping views of the coastline as well. Overall, I wouldn't fuss to much about room selections; if you like one of them, you probably won't nitpick the others to death.

Meals are served in private "koshitsu" rooms. And, unlike other ryokans where they require you to confirm an exact meal time, at Bouyourou you can simply choose to show up anytime between 17:00-19:00 - it's definitely nice to have that flexibility. It served us well - the in-room Onsen (natural hot springs) bath was so comfortable that we spent quite a bit of time jumping in and out of the bath in the afternoon, resulting in us going to dinner much later than usual.

Dinner is Japanese Kaiseki fare, and it's very nicely done. We were pleasantly surprised by hearty servings of Crab dishes, even though it wasn't Echizen Crab season. They offered Beni Zuwai-gani, a variety of Snow Crab that are caught off the coast, but in deeper waters, and can be had year-round. No, it's not on the same level as Echizen Crab, which can fetch more than 10x the price, but freshly caught and perfectly prepared Beni Zuwai-gani dishes are delicious nonetheless. The boiled (then chilled) Crab with Caviar on top, along with the Crab Shabu Shabu were fantastic - the dashi and Crab broth in the hot pot was a definite nightlight, and helped bring out the sweetness of the Crab itself. The non-Crab dishes were similarly tasty and wonderfully presented. Given its proximity to an abundance of top-notch seafood, the sashimi platter definitely did not disappoint.

Given our experience at Bouyourou, we're definitely going to return during Echizen Crab season - we're already booked, in fact.  As one of the pre-eminent Snow Crab ryokans, how does it compare to Nishimuraya Honkan?

Bouyouryou advantages:
- Onsen baths in each room
- Newly rebuilt property with spacious rooms, as well as all of the modern tech and creature comforts including heated floors
- Uninterrupted views of the Ocean
- No need to confirm your meal times at check-in

Nishimuraya Honkan advantages:
- Significantly less expense than Bouyourou
- Historic and charming property with traditional Japanese furnishings. This is a plus or minus depending on what you're after
- Gorgeous Japanese garden (Bouyourou is lacking in this department)
- Kinosaki Onsen town is charming, and there's lots to see and do (Bouyourou is not located in the heart of a nice Onsen town)

Since we have yet to try out Bouyourou's Echizen Crab course, the jury is out in terms of the cuisine quality vs. Nishimuraya Honkan. However, if you've never stayed at a ryokan before, I'd say that Nishimuraya is the better choice because it's the more traditional inn that is situated in one of the top Onsen towns in Japan. For Zuwai-gani Crab aficionados, on the other hand... well, we'll find out later this year. Stay tuned.

Newly rebuilt

My wife and I enjoyed a magical three nights in Bouyourou.  Our room, perched above the sea, not only offered great views and privacy, but lulled us to sleep with the susurations of the waves all night long -- we slept with the windows open to enjoy the sea air and movement of the sea against the shore.  All of the rooms but one have private hot spring baths -- judging by our private bath, a couple would never be disappointed.

All of the meals were served in the room -- we had requested a regular western table as the Japanese style of sitting on the tatami is too uncomfortable for our western bodies.  The meals were nicely paced -- nothing rushed or too slow.  The fresh fish and seafood -- sashimi as well as cooked -- were excellently prepared and presented.  

The inn itself is beautiful and and spotlessly clean.  The views are spectacular, the baths are wonderful, the service is excellent, and the food delicious.  The ryokan did not offer an omiyage shop -- fine with us! -- but had some beautiful Watari glassware for sale, and I indulged myself!

Minor suggestions: 
1. The yukatas, especially for the ladies, are very conservative/boring.  A selection would be nice.
2.  When there are few guests, Bouyourou should consider Using one public baths as a family bath.The public baths are amazing, but are used very lightly.
3.  Bouyourou should consider allowing guests to drink their own nihonshu without corkage -- in common with other similar ryokan resorts.


Best Romantic Spot in Fukui

The Bouyourou is a luxurious traditional ryokan, and overall probably the best we have visited thus far: clean, professional, beautifully furnished, with delicious food, genuinely polite staff, and a breathtaking view of the Sea of Japan.  Overall, we feel grateful to have had the opportunity to stay here – a truly unforgettable experience.

Located on a cliff overlooking the sea, it is no surprise that the ryokan is decorated in a nautical theme.  The interiors strike an interesting balance; enough of a traditional look to remind you of the ryokan’s history, but clean, simple, and sufficiently modern to give you the comfort of a relaxing stay. 

Some rooms have a private terrace onsen overlooking the sea, which provides for a relaxing experience in the comfort of a private setting: a cool sea breeze around you, while you sit in 40C water watching the sun set over the sea… it’s difficult not to smile.

Dinner and breakfast, as expected, are extensive, beautifully presented, and of the highest quality.

The most endearing aspect, however, was the genuine politeness, warmth, and helpfulness of the staff (even by Japanese standards).  Through small interactions over the course of our short stay we almost felt that they had become our good friends, who we were very sad to have to leave behind.

In all aspects – the Bouyourou left us with nothing but compliments and pleasant memories. It’s certainly a pricey stay, but well worth it for such an experience.

PS: Our party included fluent Japanese speakers, so we cannot comment on potential language issues, but being able to communicate in Japanese (concerning menus, options, arrangements, etc.) will certainly help in getting the most out of the experience.

An Unforgettable Experience

Our first visit was 6 years ago in late November. This time was the second stay and again in late November. The reason is seasonal crab called Echizen-Gani. 
The food they serve is really great. The room is clean, you can select the room with private outer bath or without. We stayed a room without bath and used their shared hot spa. Since this Japanese inn has only 8 rooms, we were the first ones arrived at the inn that day. No one was in the hot spa, we enjoyed our "Private" hot spa by the ocean. The inn offers a set of PJ addition to traditional Japanese robe. The PJ was very soft and so comfortable, I asked if I can purchase the set. 
The room was really nice and ocean was right under the room. The server for the room was well trained and service was excellent.

Never forget KANI (crab) at Bouyourou

Okay, so in fairness this was the first Ryokan we visited in Japan four years ago. This was our second visit to Bouyourou. This time we got a very nice room with a private bath. Now remember that "bathing" in Japan is not washing to clean, "bathing" is for relaxation. And we relaxed. Boy did we relax!

The food was incredible. Both dinner and breakfast. The staff could not have been kinder.  Not great English, and our Japanese is even worse. But lots of smiling, patience, and pointing and everything went beautifully. 

Do not be confused however. This is NOT a chain hotel!  And that's not meant to disparage either Bouyourou or chain hotels. This is just a great relaxing experience on the ocean with wonderful food and beautiful baths. 



BOYOROU

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