The inn also inspired many writers, including Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata, and “father of the Japanese short story” Ryonosuke Akutagawa. Another important writer that visited Fubokaku was Shugoro Yamamoto. In 1958, Yamamoto published his historical novel Momi no ki wa nokotta (The Fir Trees Remain), which is set in this area at the time of Masamune Date’s rule.

The atmosphere of Masamune’s time is still observable in many details of the ryokan. Fubokaku is comprised of two buildings: one houses the guest rooms and baths; the other, called Aone Goten, is the historical pavilion. Fubokaku is filled with the spirit of wabi-sabi. Far from being done up in the fancy spa style that is taking over many resorts, here at Fubokaku you can really experience the essence of Japanese onsen ryokan.

Fubokaku has six baths in total, two of which are available for private use. Of the public ones, my favorite is O-Yu. It is the largest and is constructed of a combination of wood and stone. It is also known as Date no Yu (lit. “Date’s Bath”), since it is said that Lord Masamune himself bathed at this source. Kura no Yu, one of the private baths, is perhaps the most unique—it is housed in a historic kura storehouse. The bath inside is made entirely of wood, so besides the pleasure of being immersed in warm water, the senses are also impressed with the fragrance of the wood.

After stepping out of the bath, guests can enjoy the homey lounge area, filled with memorabilia, musical instruments, and tourist information. Guests can relax or mingle here while enjoying free snacks, coffee, and tea. During the late afternoon, complimentary local sake is also served.

The second building of the inn, Aone Goten displays all the historical memorabilia that the Satos possess, from the armor of Masamune’s father to the historical documents attesting that the Sato family has been the sole yumori all these centuries. During tours of Aone Goten, available in the morning before checkout, the staff tells anecdotes about the celebrity guests who have stayed here and explain all there is to know about the memorabilia.