Okuhida Garden Hotel Yakedake
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 714 reviews
Set at the foot of Mount Yakedake and framed by the Northern Alps, Okuhida Garden Hotel Yakedake is a mountain ryokan that blends multi‑story hotel facilities with traditional touches. Guest accommodation ranges from Western twin rooms to tatami‑floored Japanese rooms, and a small collection of detached, gassho‑style villas feature their own open‑air baths. Rooms present views of the surrounding forest and river, all non‑smoking and equipped with basic in‑room amenities; the property also provides complimentary Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking. This property functions as a ryokan with onsen in Okuhida, Gifu, offering the scale and services of a larger hotel while retaining onsen‑centred traditions.
The spa program is a defining element: the hotel operates its own source, a deep‑layer spring known on site as Uguisu no Yu, and runs the water 100% from source. Guests can tour nine distinct bathing areas that include open‑air hinoki and rock baths, a cave bath called Bakusendō, standing and reclining baths, and therapeutic waterfall jets. Several baths are segregated by gender while a limited number of pools can be reserved for private use for an additional charge; a handful of detached units also include private open‑air tubs, so the property can function as a ryokan with private onsen in Gifu for those seeking solitude.
Dining emphasises local Hida ingredients presented in multi‑course style and traditional hearth cooking at communal meal venues; a separate riverside restaurant serves lighter fare and international options. On‑site amenities extend to a small sauna, a novelty karaoke carriage, and seasonal events on the grounds, while the location serves as a practical base for regional sightseeing — short drives reach Kamikochi, Shirakawago and nearby ropeway access to alpine trails. The hotel’s layout and facilities make it suitable for couples, families and independent travellers who prioritise varied onsen experiences and access to mountain scenery.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Okuhida Garden Hotel Yakedake
Positive Reviews
Varied and relaxing onsen facilities
Many guests praised the extensive onsen offerings — multiple indoor and outdoor baths, mixed and gendered pools, private onsen options and a tranquil outdoor bath (even enjoyable in rain or snow). The variety and setting were highlighted as a major attraction.
Beautiful mountain setting near Kamikochi
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned the stunning location in the Japanese Alps, river and mountain views and close proximity to Kamikochi National Park, making the ryokan ideal for nature lovers and hikers.
Friendly, professional and attentive staff
Numerous reviews noted welcoming, patient and helpful staff and managers; service at meals and general hospitality were described as warm and attentive, enhancing the overall experience.
Authentic traditional meals (kaiseki)
Many guests enjoyed the traditional multi-course dinners and Japanese breakfasts, praising variety, presentation and the private dining experience; several called the meals a highlight of their stay.
Comfortable Japanese‑style rooms and good value
Guests appreciated spacious tatami rooms, comfortable futons (for many) and clean accommodations. Several reviewers felt the overall quality and onsen experience provided excellent value for the price.
Negative Reviews
Traditional food not to everyone’s taste / mixed quality comments
While many loved the kaiseki meals, several reviewers found the traditional dishes challenging or said the food quality did not meet expectations for the hotel’s standing — tastes were subjective and some were disappointed.
Property feels a bit dated
A number of guests described parts of the building as old or lacking charm, noting that the establishment can feel somewhat dated in places compared with smaller, more traditional ryokan.
Limited accessibility without a car
Multiple reviews mentioned that reaching the hotel can be difficult without private transport — public buses are infrequent and the location is easier to access by car.
Sulfur smell from the onsen
Some visitors reported a noticeable sulfur smell inside the property linked to the hot springs, which bothered a few guests.
Futon comfort and indoor bathing limitations
A few guests commented that futons could be thin or less comfortable for some sleepers, and some noted limited indoor mixed/private onsen options or less comfortable showers during bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers Japanese tatami rooms with futons (family-style rooms can sleep up to five) and Western rooms sized for two guests; extra beds are not available and children aged 3 and over are treated as adults for occupancy purposes.
The hotel has indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths including a distinctive cave bath and a mixed-gender open-air area; women-only hours are scheduled overnight and several baths can be reserved privately at the front desk.
The property does not operate a shuttle; most guests arrive by public bus from JR Takayama Station (Shinhotaka route) or by private car or taxi from nearby transport hubs.
Common routes are via Takayama: take the train or bus from Nagoya or Matsumoto to Takayama, then the Nohi bus (Shinhotaka route) to Okuhida (about 70–75 minutes); from regional airports use transfers through Nagoya or Takayama before the bus leg.
Japanese is the primary language, but the hotel provides English information on its site and staff can assist in basic English; a translation app is useful for detailed requests.
Guests can expect Japanese-style rooms or Western rooms, yukata to wear in the hotel, multi-course local dinners served in the event hall, and breakfast options reflecting regional ingredients.
The Fukuji Onsen morning market is about a 15-minute walk, Kamikochi is roughly a 30-minute drive, and Shirakawago and Matsumoto are reachable by car in about 90 minutes; the Shinhotaka Ropeway and Okuhida hot-spring villages are also nearby.
Free private parking is available on site for guests arriving by car; public buses serve the area from Takayama and taxis are available, but road conditions may require snow tires or chains in winter months.
Standard check-in is 15:00–20:00 and check-out is 07:00–10:00; guests should inform the hotel if arriving late because dinner service requires arrival by the early evening and late arrivals may not be served.
Private/family baths can be reserved at the front desk, pets are not permitted at the property, and while the village has local shops and a morning market within walking distance, larger supermarkets and a wider restaurant selection are in Takayama.