Yunohirakan
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 225 reviews
Set on a hillside in Hirayu Onsen within Okuhida’s mountain valley, Yunohirakan is a family-run ryokan that pairs traditional tatami accommodation with a variety of hot spring experiences. Two different source waters feed gender-separated indoor baths and a rock-lined open-air bath, while three bookable open-air rotenburo of varying sizes are offered for private use. As a ryokan with private onsen in Gifu, the property highlights relaxed bathing rhythms and scenic views of conifer slopes rather than contemporary minimalism.
Guest rooms are Japanese-style with tatami flooring, futon bedding and simple seating; many room types include a private toilet and wash area while several lower-category rooms use shared bathing facilities. Meals are served in-house around an irori hearth or in private dining spaces and focus on local mountain ingredients, with Hida beef and seasonal river fish commonly featured. Dinner is normally served at 18:00 or 18:30 and breakfast at 07:30 or 08:00, reflecting the ryokan’s routine pace and small-scale service rhythm.
Practical details include check-in from 15:00 with latest arrivals advised by 18:00 and check-out by 10:00. The property manages three complimentary private outdoor baths that guests may use when not occupied, typically available in early morning (around 06:00–09:00) and late afternoon/evening (around 15:00–23:00). The ryokan provides on-site parking and sits a short walk above the Hirayu bus stop, making it a convenient base for nearby attractions such as the Shinhodaka ropeway, alpine trails and local waterfalls. Its mix of communal and private bathing options suits couples and families seeking an authentic ryokan with onsen in Hirayu.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yunohirakan
Positive Reviews
Outstanding meals (dinner and breakfast)
Many guests praised the food as exceptional—large, beautifully prepared meals highlighting local specialties (notably Hida beef). Reviewers also appreciated vegetarian options that offered real alternatives.
Warm, attentive hospitality
Numerous reviews mention very friendly, helpful and attentive staff whose service made stays comfortable and welcoming.
Excellent onsen facilities (public and private)
Guests enjoyed multiple hot spring options—large public baths and several private outdoor baths with relaxing nature views. Private onsen availability and quiet access were frequently cited as highlights.
Charming traditional, comfortable rooms
The ryokan’s Japanese-style rooms were described as clean, spacious and atmospheric, often with private toilets or basins and a peaceful setting that helped guests relax.
Convenient location for Kamikochi and transport
Many reviewers appreciated the property’s location near the Hirayu Onsen bus terminal, making it a convenient base for visiting Kamikochi and surrounding sights.
Negative Reviews
Bedding comfort
Several guests noted uncomfortable sleep items—pillows were described as too firm and futons slightly thin, which affected overall sleeping comfort for some.
Limited English/signage and guest information
A number of reviewers said there was little English information or signage (for example about onsen etiquette or yukata use), making orientation harder for non‑Japanese speakers.
Private bath logistics and water characteristics
Some guests pointed out that private baths lack showers (requiring a short walk to the public shower area) and that the onsen water can have an iron‑like smell compared with other hot springs.
Occasional intrusive or inconsistent front‑of‑house practices
A few reviews mentioned staff behaviour as overbearing at times (for example calling rooms at checkout) or a lack of professionalism in some interactions.
Access/timing and occasional maintenance concerns
Guests warned that the ryokan is somewhat remote relative to Takayama and buses run infrequently, so careful planning is needed. A small number of reviews also mentioned onsen cleaning/maintenance could be improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional 10‑tatami Japanese-style rooms that accommodate 2–5 guests using futon bedding.
The ryokan has gender-separated indoor baths, an outdoor rock bath, and three guest-only open-air (private) baths.
Three private open-air baths are available to guests; use is usually arranged at check-in or on a first-come basis, so ask staff on arrival for current availability.
Pets are not permitted; the property offers private dining rooms (limited to four groups per day) and private baths suitable for small groups or families.
The ryokan does not operate an airport shuttle; Hirayu Bus Terminal is about a five-minute walk and is served by highway and local buses from Takayama, Nagoya and Tokyo.
The nearest regional airport is Matsumoto (roughly 50 km); reaching the ryokan from major airports typically requires transfers to Takayama by train or highway bus and then a local bus to Hirayu, usually 2–3 hours door-to-door.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; some assistance for international guests is available but you should notify the ryokan in advance if you need English support or special arrangements.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00; guests are asked to inform the ryokan of their expected arrival time in advance.
Meals are traditional regional dishes served around an irori (hearth) with local ingredients such as Hida beef; dinner is typically served about 18:00–18:30 and breakfast about 07:30–08:00, with limited private dining rooms available by request.
There is no large supermarket nearby—only a small local shop in town open daytime, so plan to buy major supplies en route; nearby attractions include Kamikochi, Mount Norikura, the Shin‑Hotaka Ropeway and Okuhida Bear Park, all reachable by local bus or car.