Hotel Kusakabe Armeria
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 232 reviews
Set on the slopes above a well-known hot-spring town in central Gifu, Hotel Kusakabe Armeria presents a large, family-oriented ryokan that blends traditional Japanese rooms with modern hotel services. Guests can choose between the main non-smoking wing and a newer annex, many rooms offering tatami areas, futon bedding, private balconies and mountain views. Practical comforts include free Wi‑Fi throughout, complimentary on-site parking, and a scheduled shuttle service from JR Gero Station by request, making it an accessible option for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen Gero.
The property’s bathing facilities center on the local springs: two sizeable indoor soaking pools plus two open-air baths fashioned in cypress, available through the evening into the next morning, alongside locker facilities and supplementary spa services such as massage and sauna. A seasonal outdoor pool and public hot-spring areas are part of the wellness mix, and the layout and operating hours are arranged to accommodate both communal bathing and quieter soak times. These features position the hotel as a straightforward ryokan with onsen Gifu for travelers who prioritise varied bathing options within a single property.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Kusakabe Armeria
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen (hot spring) experience
Multiple guests praised the onsen: scenic outdoor views (especially in the morning), mineral-rich water that feels restorative, two separate hot-spring centres available, and flexible bathing hours that allowed use late at night and early morning.
Attentive, friendly staff and good hospitality
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned helpful, courteous staff — from front desk to shuttle drivers — and thoughtful touches such as welcome snacks, clear communication in English, and overall warm service.
Generous buffet dinner and breakfast
Many guests found the buffet impressive with a wide variety of dishes and all-you-can-drink options during dinner; several described the dinner/breakfast as a highlight and excellent value.
Convenient shuttle service and parking
Although the hotel is remote, guests appreciated the free shuttle between the station/city centre and the hotel, as well as ample parking, which made access much easier for non-walking guests.
Clean, comfortable rooms and varied facilities
Guests noted generally clean rooms, comfortable accommodation (some described a luxury feel), plus on-site amenities such as a small arcade, gift shop and free drinks/ice-cream options that added to the stay.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited walkability
Several reviewers warned the hotel sits up the mountain and is far from Gero station/city; walking is difficult and guests often need the shuttle or a car to get around.
Older buildings and maintenance needs
Multiple comments described parts of the property as tired or dated — chipped paint, worn fittings and areas in need of repair — with some facilities appearing decrepit or under renovation.
Inconsistent or disappointing buffet items for some
While many praised the buffet overall, a number of guests found certain items mediocre (e.g., sushi left out too long, dry skewers), noted repetition across days, and mentioned extra charges for premium options like Hida beef.
Slow elevator and large-scale feel
A few reviewers reported the elevator was slow and small (limited capacity), and that the hotel’s size could feel overwhelming or impersonal for guests seeking a smaller, more intimate ryokan experience.
Occasional cleanliness/preparation and minor facility issues
Some stays had problems such as rooms not fully prepared at check-in, spider webs on balconies, closed amenities during renovations, and firm futons — issues noted by only a portion of guests but worth consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese style with futons; room types on booking list capacities from about 3 to 6 futons, so maximum occupancy varies by room—check the specific room details when booking.
The hotel operates large indoor and open-air onsen areas (including an 8th-floor view bath and a 2nd-floor kur-style spa) and they are generally open from 15:00 until 10:00 the next morning.
The official site does not state a clear tattoo policy; some guest reports say tattoos were permitted, so please confirm with the hotel before arrival if you have tattoos.
A free shuttle between JR Gero Station and the hotel is available if you call the hotel to request it; there is no regular airport shuttle listed, so airport transfers are usually handled via public train connections to Gero followed by the station shuttle.
Staff are primarily Japanese, and the hotel has a strong reputation for helpful service; many staff can assist in basic English, but contact the hotel in advance if you need specific language support.
Guests are provided yukata and can choose buffet dining or traditional kaiseki meals; the hotel also runs entertainment options and has restaurants and bars on site.
Within walking or short driving distance are Gero’s hot-spring fountainhead and public footbaths, the Gero Onsen Gassho-mura folk village, and by car you can reach Hida Takayama (about 60 minutes) and Shirakawago (about 90 minutes).
The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from JR Gero Station with a call-up shuttle available; on-site parking is free (around 100 spaces) and there is an EV plug-in station.
Standard check-in is 15:00 and check-out is 10:00; latest check-in times may vary by meal plan, so notify the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive late.
The official facilities list public onsen areas but does not advertise private (kashikiri) baths; pets are not allowed; there is a small on-site shop and staff can point you to nearby convenience stores for essentials.