Hirayukan
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Hirayukan sits in the Hirayu area of Okuhida Onsenkyo, framed by the northern Japanese Alps and long associated with mountain travel and hot-spring culture. Founded in the early 20th century, the property combines traditional ryokan architecture and communal spaces with an emphasis on timber and stone finishes that reflect local building styles. Rooms range from tatami-style guest rooms to more modern configurations, and the inn operates at a scale that accommodates groups as well as couples seeking a calm mountain base for hiking, skiing or day trips to nearby sightseeing points.
The onsen facilities are a defining feature: multiple baths draw from several natural sources, delivering continuously flowing hot spring water to a waterscape that includes a large rock open-air bath and a hinoki (cypress) indoor bath built in a gassho-like style. Public male and female baths alternate screens at late hours as part of operational practice, and the property also offers at least one reservable private bath option for secluded soaking. These facilities make Hirayukan a ryokan with private onsen in Okuhida while still preserving expansive communal bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hirayukan
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Many reviewers praised the hotel’s onsen(s) — multiple indoor and outdoor baths, very relaxing and well maintained; some guests highlighted outdoor mountain baths and access to an additional nearby onsen.
Generous, high-quality buffet meals
Dinner and breakfast buffets were frequently praised as varied and tasty; several guests recommended half‑board, noted special touches (ramen at night) and overall good food quality.
Friendly, attentive staff
Numerous reviews mentioned helpful, courteous staff and small thoughtful amenities provided by the hotel, contributing to a pleasant stay.
Convenient location for excursions
Guests appreciated the hotel’s location near the Hirayu bus station, making it convenient for day trips (e.g. Kamikochi) and offering easy access to local attractions; free parking was also noted.
Comfortable rooms and abundant amenities
Many rooms (especially tatami/family rooms) were described as spacious and well equipped; guests enjoyed extras like yukata/kimonos, free drinks/ice, relaxation chairs and recreational facilities.
Negative Reviews
Noise and thin sound insulation
Several guests reported disturbance from corridor noise after 21:00, noisy rooms (waterfall/garden or mechanical noise) and generally thin soundproofing that affected sleep.
Small bathrooms and some cramped Western rooms
Multiple reviewers mentioned very small bathrooms and that some Western‑style rooms felt too small or lacked windows, which disappointed expectations for space.
Variable room condition and mixed authenticity
Some traditional rooms and corridors showed wear or paint deterioration; a few guests felt the hotel is a modern tourist interpretation of tradition rather than an authentic, fully traditional ryokan experience.
Dining area can feel impersonal and busy
The restaurant was described by some as a large, canteen‑style space that can feel impersonal; presence of tourist buses and crowds at meal times was noted.
Comfort and service inconsistencies (pillows, heating, connectivity)
Occasional issues reported included uncomfortable/flat pillows, cold corridors or insufficient heating in parts of the hotel, at least one report of unfriendly staff, and a mention of mediocre Wi‑Fi during a stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hirayukan is in the Hirayu Onsen area of Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama (Gifu Prefecture), a short walk from the Hirayu bus terminal and local onsen village.
The ryokan offers Japanese-style and Western rooms including family rooms suitable for couples, families and small groups; check the room details when booking for exact maximum occupancy.
Hirayukan has multiple hot spring baths including indoor and outdoor (rotenburo) pools, with gender-separated bathing that alternates at set times; guests can often use a nearby partner hotel’s public bath via a ticket from reception.
Private or reservable baths are not guaranteed in all room types; availability and booking policies vary, so contact the property directly to request a private onsen.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; the closest public transport is Hirayu Bus Terminal within a few minutes’ walk, with bus services to Kamikochi, Takayama and Matsumoto—ask the ryokan about possible pick-up arrangements.
Matsumoto Airport is roughly 50–55 km away and Takayama Station is about 30–35 km away; bus connections from Hirayu Bus Terminal provide convenient regional access to those destinations.
Japanese is the primary language, and the ryokan typically has staff who speak basic English to assist international guests; for complex requests it’s best to contact them in advance.
The property serves a buffet breakfast and offers an optional dinner buffet with Japanese and Western choices; dinner often requires reservation or sign-up on arrival, so check availability when you arrive.
Pet policies vary by property and room type, so confirm with the ryokan before arrival; there are several small restaurants and shops within walking distance, while larger supermarkets are found in nearby Takayama—staff can advise on local shopping.
The ryokan is a good base for visiting Kamikochi and the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, as well as local sights like Hirayu Waterfall and nearby onsen facilities; regional buses from the Hirayu terminal serve major sightseeing routes.