Jeanie Fuji: An Exceptional Okami in Yamagata

Set in the hills of Yamagata Prefecture with its gorgeous mountain scenery, Jeanie FUJI of Fujiya Ryokan takes you back to a time where simple comforts and pure relaxation can make you forget the chaos of the city.

A legend in itself, Fujiya Ryokan has a 350 year history as a traditional Japanese inn. Guests have had nothing but praises for this exceptional ryokan, and exceptional it is. Not only do the staff painstakingly make sure that each guest leaves with a rejuvenated sense of well being, but Fujiya also has an American as its much loved okami Jeanie Fuji.

Becoming an okami was not one of Jeanie's reasons for coming to Japan as she exclaims, "Never in a million years did I think I would have a job like this!" After spending six months in Yokohama as an exchange student, Japan's beauty, culture and intricacy made Jeanie decide to return to Japan as an English teacher before studying to become a doctor in the United States. However, fate had set its own plan as Jeannie met her future husband while staying at the Fujiya Ryokan with some friends back in 1989.

Having no idea what an okami's role was, Jeanie gained on the job training by working every day with her mother-in-law and husband at the inn. "Initially, I started out with easy tasks and then progressed to more difficult tasks," she says. Due to her hard work, diligence and desire to succeed, Jeannie is now the extraordinary overall manager of the ryokan who makes sure each of her guests is taken care of.

Managing a ryokan is a tough job, and Jeannie herself has had some experience of having to learn from her mistakes. "There was a time (in the beginning) that I mistakenly placed a reservation on the wrong date. When the travel agent called to reconfirm the reservation a few weeks before, I realized my mistake and since we were fully booked for that day, I had to scramble to find lodging for 40 people!"

Rewards come in heartening moments for Jeannie. A ryokan is a place where people go to relax and be comfortable in, and Jeannie loves the opportunities she has had to make people feel as such. "A few years ago, we had a group of 30 Americans stay for one night. They arrived in Fujiya very tired and disgruntled about the Japanese tour they were in. My staff and I worked very hard to change the mood they were in, and by the next day, everyone was smiling and said how much they enjoyed their stay."

Their family has been blessed with two wonderful children and their arrival has been a big turning point in Jeanie's life. "Having two children, especially while they were still infants, made balancing work and being a mom very stressful. Even now, my work schedule sometimes is in conflict with school events. But my kids are my top priority and in some cases, I excuse myself from work for my children."

There seems to be no complaints from the guests however, as the Fujiya Ryokan continues to be one of the favorites in Yamagata Prefecture. "I'm continuously improving the service in the inn, especially paying individual attention to each guest. It's the most challenging work but also the most rewarding for me." Being a foreigner, Jeanie has incorporated new ideas in inn servicing. "Traditional inns throughout Japan are very similar in their basic service, so I try to introduce new ideas to improve our service." For instance, she provides western dishes, California wine and celebrates American holidays for American guests who are a little bit nostalgic for something familiar.

Staying at traditional Japanese inn is an experience of a lifetime. Nothing can beat having a nice warm futon laid out for you after a wonderful Japanese-style dinner or enjoying breakfast while breathing in the cool mountain breeze of Yamagata. Jeanie, along with other okami, have made it their life to give you the ultimate experience of comfort and well being.

If you'd like to experience it yourself, you can call Jeanie

Back to List Page