Okada Ryokan Warakutei
8/10 Excellent - Based on 502 reviews
Okada Ryokan Warakutei occupies a small, traditional annex of a long‑established Hirayu ryokan, presented as a compact cluster of restored folk houses that emphasise tatami floors, futon bedding and wooden joinery. Guest accommodation is arranged to preserve a sense of privacy and quiet: rooms are typically two‑room layouts with views of the garden or surrounding mountains and deliberate use of antique furnishings and an irori hearth to convey old‑style Hida atmosphere. Located within easy walking distance of the Hirayu onsen bus hub, the property functions well as a base for local mountain excursions and winter sports, making it an accessible ryokan with private onsen in Okuhida for travellers seeking a traditional stay with direct access to nature.
Thermal offerings are distinctive: the annex’s baths draw from the ryokan’s on‑site sources and the property advertises all‑natural, continuously flowing hot spring water across private and communal facilities. Every room at the annex is fitted with both an inner bath and an open‑air onsen, and there are also two signature rentable outdoor baths carved from stone and ironware for exclusive use; a private sauna can be reserved in conjunction with these rental baths. Guests staying here therefore experience the practical benefits of a ryokan with private onsen in Gifu while also having access to the larger garden outdoor baths and communal bathing areas of the main building.
Service and food are oriented around seasonal, regional ingredients: evening offerings are served as set multi‑course meals that commonly feature local produce and Hida beef when available, while breakfasts are presented to complement the ryokan’s homely style. Onsite amenities include a small souvenir shop, massage options and a lounge where guests can relax after bathing; staff facilitate practical arrangements such as transfers and local sightseeing. The overall impression is of a compact, carefully curated retreat that highlights private hot‑spring bathing, traditional interiors and straightforward access to Okuhida’s mountain attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Okada Ryokan Warakutei
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (public, outdoor and private)
Many guests praise the thermal baths — clean, varied pools with pleasant indoor and outdoor options. Several reviews highlight the outdoor onsen as a standout experience and note availability of private onsen for couples.
High-quality traditional meals (kaiseki) and good sake
Dinner and breakfast were repeatedly described as delicious and authentic, offering local specialties. Multiple guests called the food a highlight of their stay and enjoyed the accompanying sake.
Attentive, friendly staff and service
Numerous reviews mention warm, helpful and attentive staff who enhance the traditional ryokan experience; dining staff in particular are noted as friendly.
Great location and mountain scenery
The ryokan’s location near bus stops and at the gateway to Kamikochi is appreciated. Guests value the mountain views, snowy scenery in winter and easy access to local attractions.
Traditional atmosphere and good value
Reviewers like the authentic Japanese decor and traditional rooms; several also mention spacious rooms, extra features (balcony, private onsen), and a fair price-quality ratio.
Negative Reviews
Dated facilities and decor
Many guests observed that the building, corridors and rooms feel old or worn and could benefit from renovation, repainting or updated decor.
Uncomfortable bedding or mattresses
Several reviews report thin futons or uncomfortable mattresses that affected sleep quality; at least one guest specifically described the futon and mattress as unsatisfactory.
Early dinner time and limited restaurant privacy/ambience
Some guests found the set dinner time too early (e.g., 17:30). Others noted the dining room lighting and layout (neon lights, lack of partitions) reduce privacy and atmosphere.
Slow Wi‑Fi and occasional cleanliness/odour issues
A few reviews mention slow or poor Wi‑Fi. Isolated cleanliness concerns were reported, such as cigarette smells, moldy shower curtains and general signs of wear in some rooms.
Service inconsistencies: reception, luggage and lost items
While many staff are praised, some guests experienced unfriendly or unhelpful reception, problems with luggage storage, or unresolved lost-item incidents, which left a negative impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are typically arranged for 2–4 guests with traditional futon bedding; extra rollaway beds and cribs are not available so any additional guest must be accommodated in a separate room within published room capacities.
The ryokan offers multiple public indoor and outdoor hot‑spring baths plus reservable private baths and a sauna; standard onsen etiquette applies and guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas.
Yes — private baths (including a sauna) are available for a fee and can be reserved in advance, typically for 50‑minute slots starting on the hour between 07:00–09:50 and 15:00–20:50.
There is no regular hotel shuttle; common access is by train to Takayama or Nagoya and then the Nohi Bus to Hirayu Bus Terminal, which is a short 3–5 minute walk from the ryokan.
Staff communicate in Japanese and the ryokan accepts emails in English; some staff speak basic English (and other Asian languages at times), so it’s best to email special requests in advance.
The ryokan serves multi‑course kaiseki meals using seasonal local ingredients (including Hida beef when in season); meals are served in dining rooms or private dining on request and dinner usually requires advance reservation.
The ryokan is a base for Hirayu Onsen activities and easy day trips to Kamikochi, Shinhodaka Ropeway, Mt. Norikura and historic Takayama or Shirakawago.
Take the Nohi Bus from JR Takayama Station (or long‑distance buses from Shinjuku) to Hirayu Bus Terminal and walk about 3–5 minutes to the ryokan; the bus service may stop in late afternoon, so plan connections accordingly.
Check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; guests should inform the property in advance if arriving after 18:00, and note that arrivals after 18:00 may affect dinner service.
Pets are not allowed. There are small shops and souvenir stalls near Hirayu Bus Terminal for basic items, while a full supermarket is more likely to be found in Takayama.