Takimotokan Yuki No Sato
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 70 reviews
Takimotokan Yuki No Sato is a compact, adult-oriented ryokan set beside a celebrated waterfall in the Yoro area of Gifu. The property comprises just eleven rooms, which the inn presents as a private-like retreat where quiet and seasonal scenery are central to the experience. Accommodation types include several suites and guest rooms fitted with private open-air hot spring baths, while other rooms offer access to open-air bathing on the property; the layout and scale prioritise privacy and traditional tatami living over large communal facilities.
The bathing offer is a defining feature: a panoramic open-air hot spring bath looks out over the Nobi Plain and, on clear days, toward regional peaks, and several room categories include their own private open-air onsen fed by a sodium–calcium chloride spring. Public bathing hours are limited to early morning and evening, and the property notes common-sense restrictions such as limitations for guests with visible tattoos; specific room types advertise in-room hot springs for private soaking. These arrangements make it a practical choice if you are searching for a ryokan with private onsen Gifu, or for travellers who value a view-led soaking experience rather than large public spa facilities.
Culinary service emphasises Kyoto-style kaiseki made from locally sourced mountain vegetables, river fish and regional beef, with breakfast selections that highlight local rice varieties and small seasonal dishes. The inn markets itself on close attention to seasonal presentation and quiet hospitality rather than nightlife or large-scale entertainment, and it maintains an adult-focused policy that excludes very young children. Practical details such as reservation contact and small-inn check-in norms are handled directly by the property, reflecting its focus on discreet, attentive service and a concise, place-based ryokan experience in Gifu Prefecture; this balance of private bathing and locally rooted dining defines the stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takimotokan Yuki No Sato
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive hospitality
Many guests praised the staff as very kind, welcoming and highly attentive, with personalized touches at reception and during meals that made the stay feel special.
Excellent, memorable meals
Kaiseki dinners and breakfasts were frequently described as delicious, beautifully presented and abundant, with some guests noting extra treats like nigiri delivered to the room.
Outstanding natural setting and views
The property’s location was highlighted repeatedly: close to Yoro Falls, rivers and parkland, set in lush forest with impressive valley/city vistas from rooms and terraces.
Private outdoor onsen and relaxing atmosphere
Guests appreciated private in-room open-air baths and onsen facilities that offer privacy, quiet and a romantic, restorative experience overlooking the valley.
Clean, comfortable traditional ryokan experience
Reviewers noted immaculate rooms, comfortable bedding, traditional touches (yukata, private dining rooms) and an overall high-end ryokan atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Steep, narrow mountain access road
Several guests warned the final approach is a single-lane, steep and narrow road where passing other cars can be challenging; signage could also be improved and some recommend using the hotel shuttle or lower parking lot.
Limited breakfast options (very traditional Japanese)
Some visitors found the exclusively Japanese-style savory breakfast heavy or unfamiliar and said there was no Western alternative available for those who prefer it.
Small public onsen and limited capacity
A few reviews described the shared onsen as rather small and somewhat cramped, which can feel disappointing at peak times (though quieter times were noted).
Some rooms need refurbishment; small or odorous bathrooms
A minority of guests reported worn decor or equipment compared with other luxury ryokans, citing old or smelly toilets and small bathrooms in certain rooms that could benefit from renovation.
Meal pacing, texture or value concerns
A few guests mentioned issues such as courses arriving quickly (feeling rushed), some dishes having tough textures or not suiting their taste, and overall perceptions that pricing felt high for those experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are sized for two adults; several Japanese-style rooms sleep up to five guests on futons. The ryokan is adult-focused and does not accept children under 12.
Yes — there are public hot-spring baths and an outdoor rotenburo, and several rooms offer private open-air baths. Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas.
A free shuttle from Yoro Railway (Yoro Station) is available but must be reserved in advance when booking. Please provide your arrival time to arrange pickup.
The nearest major airport is Chubu Centrair (Nagoya); travel time is roughly 60 minutes by car. Nagoya Station and other regional hubs are about an hour or longer by road or public transport.
The property provides English information on its website and staff can assist in English to a reasonable degree. Guests should notify the ryokan in advance if they need specific language support.
The ryokan serves Japanese cuisine with seasonal, local ingredients — kaiseki-style dinners and Asian-style breakfasts are offered in the on-site restaurant. Dinner service requires guests to check in by 19:00 if they wish to dine at the property.
The ryokan sits beside Yoro Falls and Yoro Park, ideal for short walks; day trips to Nagoya, Hikone and other regional sights are possible. The area offers rural scenery and local cultural sites.
The ryokan is a short drive from Yoro Station (about 10 minutes by car) and provides free on-site parking for guests. Public-transport access typically involves a local train plus a short taxi or shuttle ride.
Standard check-in begins at 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00. Please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time; check-in by 19:00 is necessary if you plan to have dinner on site.
Some rooms include a private open-air bath, but standalone private-bath bookings are limited to those room types. Pets are not permitted, and convenience stores/supermarkets are a short drive from the ryokan for supplies.