天然温泉白川郷の湯
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 203 reviews
Set within the UNESCO‑listed Shirakawa‑gō village, 天然温泉白川郷の湯 is a compact, traditionally styled ryokan that pairs timber interiors and river views with immediate access to the village core. Guest rooms are predominantly Japanese in style with tatami and futon bedding, several positioned to overlook the river, and communal dining presents multi‑course Japanese meals prepared on site. As a ryokan with onsen in Gifu the building exterior is kept deliberately low‑profile to harmonize with the historic gassho‑zukuri surroundings while interior spaces make prominent use of cypress wood and modest, clean lines.
The bathing facilities centre on a natural sodium‑chloride hot spring offering indoor and open‑air baths plus a sauna; the rotenburo frames the Shokawa River and is intended for contemplation of the landscape at any season. Baths are available to staying guests and day visitors, with basic toiletries provided and towel rental on request; the water is treated to contemporary hygiene standards yet retains a mineral feel commonly described as smooth to the skin. Public bathing is organised by gender with staggered hours so mornings and evenings tend to offer different levels of privacy.
Room types range from shared‑bath Japanese rooms to a small number of units with en‑suite facilities, and the property asks guests to observe a no‑slippers policy in corridors to protect the fabric of the house. Reception arranges local transport and the ryokan is a short, walkable distance from the village bus terminal, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby walking trails and the living heritage village. This modest, service‑oriented ryokan with onsen in Hida provides a straightforward, restorative option for travellers seeking an intimate onsen experience and close access to the gassho‑zukuri cluster.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 天然温泉白川郷の湯
Positive Reviews
Excellent location by the river and bus terminal
Many guests praised the ryokan's central position: right by the river, steps from the bus terminal and within easy walking distance of the Shirakawago village and main attractions, making sightseeing very convenient.
Outstanding food (dinner and breakfast)
Numerous reviews highlighted the high quality, generous portions and beautiful presentation of both dinner and breakfast, with some guests describing meals as amazing or exceptional.
Relaxing onsen and bath facilities with great views
Guests frequently enjoyed the hot springs—especially the outdoor rotenburo overlooking the river and mountains—and described the onsen and bath area (including sauna) as very relaxing and spacious.
Warm, attentive and helpful staff
Many reviewers noted very friendly, polite and helpful staff, praising the service and attention to detail which contributed to an overall memorable stay.
Traditional Japanese rooms and attractive river/mountain views
Visitors appreciated the authentic Japanese-style rooms (futons), clean accommodations and river- or mountain-facing views from rooms and the restaurant.
Negative Reviews
No en-suite bathrooms / shared toilets
A recurring issue is that many rooms do not have private bathrooms; guests must use shared toilets/bath facilities, which some found inconvenient—especially at night or if not permitted to use the onsen.
Small rooms
Several reviewers said the rooms are quite small, which some found acceptable but others mentioned as a downside given expectations or price.
Bedding and room value concerns
A few guests mentioned older or worn bedding and felt the room value could be improved relative to the price paid.
Limited facility hours and minor operational inconveniences
Some guests noted the sauna has limited opening hours and the hotel door may close early at night, which can be inconvenient for arrivals or late movements.
Occasional crowding and restrictions around bathing
A few reviews mentioned the onsen can be busy (walk-in guests) in the evening, and that if guests cannot use the onsen for any reason there are few alternative shower options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include a standard twin for 2, a quadruple with 4 futons, and Japanese-style rooms with 3 or 6 futons; cribs and extra beds are not available.
Yes — the ryokan is the only natural hot spring in Shirakawago and offers indoor public baths, an open‑air bath and a sauna; day‑use bathing is available during the facility hours.
The property lists public and open‑air hot spring facilities but does not advertise private in‑room onsen options; contact the ryokan directly to request any private‑use arrangements.
No regular hotel shuttle is listed; the property is a one‑minute walk from Shirakawago Bus Terminal, which is served by regional buses from nearby cities.
Regional express buses run from Toyama, Kanazawa, Takayama and Nagoya to Shirakawago Bus Terminal, and the ryokan is about a one‑minute walk from that terminal; driving directions are also provided on the property website.
The property provides English information on its website and staff are reported as helpful; if you need language assistance, note your request in advance so the team can prepare.
There is an on‑site Japanese restaurant serving seasonal, multi‑dish meals for dinner and breakfast, with many guests describing a traditional ryokan dining experience.
The ryokan sits inside Shirakawago village near the gassho‑style houses and riverside viewpoints, allowing easy walking access to the World Heritage sights and village shops.
The ryokan is a short walk from the village bus terminal and offers free on‑site parking for guests arriving by car; most village sights are explored on foot.
Pets are not allowed at the property; the village has small shops, cafes and local stores within walking distance rather than large supermarkets.