Ryokan Murayama
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 680 reviews
Ryokan Murayama is a compact, traditionally styled inn on the outskirts of Takayama that presents classic Hida-region architecture and paper sliding doors, with rooms laid out on tatami and fitted with futon bedding; some room types include private bathrooms while others use shared facilities. The property offers complimentary Wi‑Fi, a free shuttle service from the station (on request) and on‑site parking, and it is operated with a focus on personal hospitality that guests frequently note in reviews. This ryokan with onsen in Gifu combines a quiet setting near local attractions with straightforward modern conveniences.
The ryokan’s bathing facilities centre on a large communal hot‑spring bath fed by Hida‑Takayama onsen waters and separate, non‑mixed gender baths; private hot‑spring rooms are also provided without extra charge by reservation, allowing couples or families to book a private soak. Meals emphasise seasonal, local ingredients served in a kaiseki style around an irori (charcoal hearth) or at communal tatami dining, with grilled river fish and Hida beef often featured. The property’s location places it within easy reach of the folk village and local museums, and the morning market is a short distance for visitors wishing to explore Takayama’s food scene.
Practical details reflect the ryokan’s modest scale: about twenty Japanese‑style rooms, check‑in in the mid‑afternoon and check‑out by mid‑morning, on‑site massage options for an additional fee, and staff who communicate in English and Japanese to assist international guests. The atmosphere suits travelers seeking an authentic, unostentatious stay with direct access to thermal bathing and regional cuisine; advance reservation is recommended for dinner and for booking the private onsen slot during peak travel times.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Murayama
Positive Reviews
Very friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviewers praised the hosts for being kind, attentive and helpful, providing excellent service, clear explanations about meals and useful local information.
Outstanding meals (dinner and breakfast)
Many guests highlighted the high-quality, carefully prepared dinners (including Hida beef options) and enjoyable Japanese breakfasts; several said the meals were a major reason to book and described them as a memorable culinary experience.
Traditional, spacious and clean rooms
Rooms were repeatedly described as large, traditionally styled (tatami/futon) and very clean, offering an authentic Japanese atmosphere that guests enjoyed.
Enjoyable onsen facilities (including private option)
Guests appreciated the onsen: there are separate baths and a reservable/private onsen, which many found excellent and relaxing; some notes mention the onsen accepts tattooed guests in certain baths.
Peaceful setting with useful shuttle/parking
Reviewers liked the calm, nature-facing location and views, and valued the free shuttle service to/from the station (and parking for those with cars), plus good organization for events or festivals.
Negative Reviews
Property and some facilities feel dated
Several guests noted that parts of the ryokan (common areas, baths, some interior elements) are aging and would benefit from renovation or refreshing.
Futons/mattresses can be firm or uncomfortable
Multiple reviewers reported that sleeping on tatami/futons felt a bit hard or that mattresses were not very comfortable; some suggested softer pillows or plusher bedding for Western guests.
Morning light / lack of curtains
A number of guests mentioned there are no adequate curtains, causing early morning light and early wake-ups in some rooms.
Remote location and limited nearby dining options
The ryokan is a little off-center and uphill from the station; while a shuttle runs a few times daily, arriving outside those times can be inconvenient. Several reviewers also noted few nearby restaurants or shops.
Some facilities (onsen) described as slightly old
Although the onsen is appreciated, a few reviews described baths as somewhat old‑fashioned or in need of maintenance, echoing the general comment about ageing facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional tatami-style with futons; options include twin (2 guests), triple (3 guests) and family rooms that sleep up to 5 guests. Some room types have private bathrooms while others use shared baths.
Yes — the property has a large public hot spring bath and private hot-spring baths are also available free of charge; the onsen areas are separated by gender and private-use options exist on request.
The ryokan offers a free shuttle service from the bus station on request (service runs until about 17:30 daily); the property is about 2 km from JR Takayama Station, and visitors arriving by air should travel to Takayama Station by train or bus and use that connection.
Staff speak Japanese and English to assist international guests.
There is an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner; a traditional kaiseki dinner and grilled local seafood around an irori hearth can be reserved, and dietary requests (for example vegetarian options) can be accommodated if notified in advance.
You will stay in tatami rooms and sleep on futons, enjoy meals served in traditional style (kaiseki/irori), use onsen baths, and the ryokan can arrange local cultural activities or classes and massage treatments.
The Hida Folk Village (Hida Minzoku Mura) and the Hida–Takayama Art Museum are within roughly an 8-minute walk; the Miyakawa morning market is about a 30-minute walk or a short ride into the town centre (the ryokan is about 1.3 km from Takayama centre).
Check-in starts from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; guests are asked to indicate their expected arrival time in advance so the ryokan can arrange the shuttle or prepare for your arrival.
Pets are not permitted on the premises; private use of the onsen is offered, and group bookings (more than three rooms) may be subject to special conditions—please contact the ryokan to discuss group arrangements.
Yes — Takayama town has convenience stores and supermarkets within easy reach; the front desk can point you to the nearest options and give directions.