ひらゆの森別邸湯う香三蔵庵
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ひらゆの森別邸湯う香三蔵庵 is a compact, six-room annex set in the Okuhida hot-spring valley near Takayama, offering an intimate pace and traditional Japanese architecture. Four of the guest rooms include private hinoki (Japanese cypress) baths filled directly from the local “Yunohira no Yu” spring; the property uses a continuous-flow system so the water is replenished from the source and shows the characteristic reddish-brown yunohana mineral deposits. The ryokan does not maintain a large gender-separated public bath on-site, but guests receive a complimentary admission ticket to the nearby larger bathing complex a short walk away, allowing both private-suite bathing and access to a broader onsen experience.
Accommodations are presented as two-room Japanese suites with tatami living spaces, separate washbasin and Western-style toilets, and room service for both dinner and breakfast. Meals are served in-room and focus on regional flavours—seasonal vegetables, local preparations and Hida beef presented in a kaiseki-style sequence, with traditional breakfast elements such as hoba miso and onsen eggs. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout the property, on-site parking, a non-smoking policy, and an adults-only guest policy; the house maintains mid-afternoon check-in and mid-morning check-out times to preserve a calm, restorative atmosphere.
Positioned within easy walking distance of the local bus terminal, the property is convenient for visitors planning excursions to Kamikochi, Norikura and the old town of Takayama, making it a useful base for both seasonal hiking and winter ski access. The small scale, in-room bathing and in-room dining make this an appealing option for couples or small groups seeking a discreet, service-focused stay; it functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Gifu while also representing a quietly traditional ryokan with onsen in Okuhida. Service is tailored and personal, emphasising solitude, local cuisine and direct access to the region’s thermal waters.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: ひらゆの森別邸湯う香三蔵庵
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff were described as very kind and helpful, contributing strongly to a positive, welcoming stay.
Excellent local cuisine
Meals were praised as incredible and local, with one guest calling the food the best they had during their entire trip.
Hot onsen and free public bath access
Guests enjoyed very hot baths and appreciated complimentary access to a nearby public bath, which they found to be a pleasant surprise and very nice.
Convenient location near bus station
The property was noted as relaxing and conveniently located for access to a major bus station, making travel easy.
Well-designed rooms
Guests liked the room layout and construction, commenting positively on the room design.
Negative Reviews
Bath area needs renovation
Multiple comments indicated that parts of the bathing area require renovation or updating to improve condition.
Insect sightings in rooms
A guest reported large ants entering their room, suggesting a possible pest issue that should be addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has six rooms and is designed for small parties; most rooms accommodate 2–3 guests.
Four of the rooms feature in‑room hinoki (cypress) hot spring baths fed from the local source; other guests receive a free admission ticket to the nearby Hirayu no Mori public baths.
The property does not provide a shuttle; the nearest public transport point is Hirayu Bus Terminal, a one‑minute walk from the ryokan, and private transfers must be arranged independently.
The nearest airport listed is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 50–60 km); common routes are by car or by bus/train to Takayama and then an express or local bus to Hirayu Bus Terminal, followed by the short walk.
Japanese is the primary language, but staff are known to be helpful and can assist with basic English; contact the ryokan ahead of arrival for specific language needs or requests.
Dinner and breakfast are served in your room, featuring local Hida ingredients and seasonal dishes prepared in a traditional style.
Nearby highlights include the Shin‑Hotaka Ropeway (≈20 minutes), Kamikochi via the Hirayu shuttle, Mount Norikura, Takayama Old Town (≈40 minutes by car) and Shirakawa‑go (about 1.5 hours by car).
Take an express or local bus to Hirayu Bus Terminal (serviced from Takayama and Matsumoto); the ryokan is an approximately one‑minute walk from that terminal—there is no direct train to Hirayu.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (the property requests you notify them of your expected arrival time) and check‑out is by 10:00; please inform the ryokan in advance if you will arrive late.
Full‑property privatization is not offered; the ryokan does not allow pets, but you can reserve rooms or a private day‑use room for 2–3 people; Hirayu village has small shops and convenience stores, while larger supermarkets are available in Takayama.