Yamagataya
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 434 reviews
Yamagataya is a traditional hot-spring ryokan set on the Hida River in Gero Onsen, operating since the early 1800s and presenting a measured blend of historic character and practical modern comforts. The property markets itself around Gero’s long-standing reputation as one of Japan’s well-known hot-spring destinations, and the layout emphasises communal bathing areas and views toward the river and surrounding trees. If you're searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen Gero, Yamagataya offers the familiar sequence of indoor and open-air baths arranged to suit quiet, restorative stays.
Accommodation ranges from tatami-floored Japanese rooms with futons to mixed Japanese–Western rooms with beds, and several room types include in-room hot spring bathtubs or semi open-air tubs for greater privacy; private outdoor baths can also be arranged or rented in some room categories. Rooms come with standard amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, yukata robes provided for guests, and complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas. For travellers wanting a more secluded bathing experience, the property’s room options support the search term ryokan with private onsen Gifu while retaining communal onsen facilities for general use.
Meals follow seasonal Hida-region produce with multi-course kaiseki dinners and a set Japanese breakfast served in the dining room, and the ryokan offers ancillary services including massages, a souvenir shop, table tennis and reserved parking. Practical visitor details include a free shuttle service between the ryokan and JR Gero station (advance reservation recommended), standard check-in and check-out times, and easy walking access to local highlights such as the Gero Museum and the Gero Onsen Gassho village for cultural excursions. Staff assist with local recommendations and arrangements to make onward exploration straightforward.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yamagataya
Positive Reviews
Very good onsen facilities
Multiple reviewers praised the onsen — including pleasant outdoor baths and private in-room onsen — calling them a highlight of the stay and noting nice outdoor settings and amenities (ice lollies, semi open-air baths).
High-quality traditional meals
Many guests enjoyed the ryokan-style kaiseki dinner and breakfast: well presented, varied dishes (including local specialties such as Hida beef and salmon) and described the dining experience as excellent or phenomenal.
Attentive and helpful staff
Staff were repeatedly described as very courteous, helpful and attentive; English-speaking staff were noted and service (including valeting and shuttle availability) received positive comments.
Comfortable rooms and great views
Several reviews mention spacious, comfortable rooms with good beds and lovely views of the river or mountains; some rooms also featured in-room tea/coffee amenities and private baths.
Good location and quiet atmosphere
Guests appreciated the hotel's location by the river, quiet atmosphere and convenient access to town amenities; some noted a short transfer/shuttle or reasonable walk from the train station.
Negative Reviews
Perceived high price
A number of guests felt the hotel was expensive for what they received; some said the cost felt high despite acknowledging food and room comfort, and one noted missing inclusions (e.g. drinks) at the meal price.
Inconsistent room condition and size
Reviews reported variability — some rooms described as tired, old-fashioned or showing wear, while others were modern and cozy. Several guests found their room smaller than expected.
Hotel layout can be confusing
The property spans multiple buildings and corridors, and some guests found it difficult to orient themselves or navigate the internal layout on first arrival.
Towel, amenity and cleanliness issues
Complaints included thin or limited towels (shortage of available towels), and a few mentions of dust, spiderwebs and requests for more regular cleaning/scrubbing of onsen tubs.
Food temperature and personal taste issues
While many praised the food, some guests reported several dishes served cold or not to their taste (beef too fatty, breakfast only so-so), indicating occasional inconsistency in meal temperature or preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are offered as Japanese tatami rooms with futons or Western-style rooms with beds; options suit singles, couples and families, but extra beds and baby cots are not available.
The ryokan has indoor and open-air hot-spring baths as well as large public bathing areas; there are also bookable private baths subject to availability, and yukata are provided for guests.
Guests with tattoos may be restricted from using the shared bathing areas; please contact the property in advance to discuss alternatives.
A complimentary shuttle runs between JR Gero Station and the ryokan (about a 5-minute drive); you must request or reserve the shuttle when booking or notify the property of your arrival time.
Most international visitors travel via Nagoya (Chubu Centrair); take a local link to Nagoya Station then the JR Wide View Hida limited‑express to Gero (about 1.5 hours), then use the hotel shuttle or a short taxi ride to the ryokan.
Staff can assist in Japanese and there is basic English and Chinese support available; inform the ryokan of any special language needs before arrival.
The ryokan serves multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinners and set Japanese breakfasts in the dining room, and provides traditional yukata; rooms with tatami and futon offer an authentic stay.
The Gero Onsen Museum is about a five-minute walk and the Gero Onsen Gassho Village is roughly fifteen minutes on foot; the Hida River promenade and town shopping area are also nearby.
Check-in is from 15:00 until 19:30 and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00; the ryokan asks guests to notify their expected arrival time, and the property’s entrance is closed between 02:00 and 05:00.
Private baths can be reserved subject to availability, pets are not permitted, and the ryokan has a souvenir shop while Gero town shops and convenience stores are within a short walk for basic supplies.