Sasara
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 94 reviews
Sasara is an artful onsen ryokan set on a gentle rise above Gero’s hot-spring district, composed of a main wing, a connected Moriyama wing and a secluded annex that emphasize traditional materials and handcrafted details. The property presents a mix of Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futons and larger suites that pair Western beds with private bathing terraces; many guest rooms include open-air baths. Meals follow the kaiseki tradition, with multi-course dinners and breakfasts that highlight local ingredients such as Hida beef, and dining can be arranged in private tatami rooms or delivered to your room.
The bathing facilities are a focal point: a large top-floor public bath offers extensive views over the town, while indoor hinoki and fragrant cypress open-air tubs provide varied atmospheres. There are also reservable private outdoor baths, including carved-stump tubs and stone-lined options, plus a bedrock (ganbanyoku) spa, sauna and an esthetic salon offering massages and aromatherapy—features that underline its positioning as a ryokan with onsen in Chubu. Hot-spring water is drawn directly from local sources and onsen areas are maintained for regular cleaning and guest comfort.
Practical amenities include multilingual staff, a small bar and library, free on-site parking with EV charging, and facilities adapted for guests with mobility needs. Private baths and spa treatments are typically bookable at check-in, and the property’s layout suits couples and families who prioritise bathing privacy and refined local cuisine. For visitors planning a Gero stay, Sasara represents a ryokan with private onsen Gifu that combines traditional bathing culture with attentive in-house services.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sasara
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience
Many guests praised both the private in-room onsen and the public/rooftop baths for being relaxing, effective for the skin, and offering beautiful mountain or room views.
Delicious, well-presented meals
Breakfast and dinner were frequently described as tasty, varied and beautifully presented, with some guests noting different menus each night and high-quality ingredients.
Friendly, attentive staff and helpful services
Staff were repeatedly called polite, attentive and helpful; examples include clear explanations of meals/onsen use, multilingual assistance, and arranging a complimentary taxi to/from the train station.
Comfortable traditional rooms
Rooms were reported as clean, spacious and nicely decorated with traditional features (tatami, yukata, Japanese-style tables). Many guests found beds/futons comfortable and enjoyed the private balconies with soaking tubs.
Convenient extras and good value
Guests appreciated extras such as private dining options, paid private family onsen reservations, free parking and the hotel’s proximity to shops/main street; several noted overall good value for having a private onsen.
Negative Reviews
Outdoor-only shower in some rooms
Rooms with a soaking tub on the balcony often have no indoor shower; guests found it difficult or very cold to bathe outside in low temperatures.
Uncomfortable pillows and thin futons for some
Several reviews mentioned rice-hull pillows being hard or uncomfortable and a few guests felt the futons were too thin — staff assistance or alternative pillows may be needed.
Aged facilities and awkward layout
Some guests described parts of the property as old or dated. The layout can require multiple indoor/outdoor transfers and many stairs, making it inconvenient when carrying luggage.
Limited room amenities and fridge charges
Complaints included limited or low-quality complimentary amenities (e.g., razors), paid minibar items occupying fridge space, and insufficient space to store guests’ own food/drinks.
Booking and small service issues
A few practical problems occurred: not entering children’s ages led to missing bedding/meals, limited smoking/vending areas, occasional lukewarm coffee or closed café, and minor inconsistencies in service between younger and older staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary from small Japanese-style rooms for two up to larger family-style rooms; some room types list capacity up to seven futons. Check the specific room description when booking to confirm exact maximum occupancy.
Sasara has large public baths with panoramic views, multiple outdoor baths and private open-air baths; several room types also include a private in-room onsen. Guests can use public onsen facilities (subject to cleaning times) and reserve private baths when available.
Yes, guests with visible tattoos may be refused access to public baths and other areas where tattoos are visible. Please contact the property in advance if this applies to you.
The ryokan is about an eight-minute walk from JR Gero Station; there is no prominently listed regular airport shuttle. Some guests report arranging complimentary station pick-up or taxi service — contact Sasara directly to request or confirm any transfer options.
The most practical public option is to travel by train to JR Gero Station and walk roughly eight minutes to the ryokan. For routes from nearby airports or regional train connections, ask the property for detailed directions and recommended transfers.
The primary working language is Japanese, and staff can assist in English; guests have also reported assistance in other languages on occasion. Notify the ryokan in advance if you need specific language support.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00 and check-out is until 10:30. If you plan to arrive after 20:00, inform the ryokan in advance because dinner cannot be served for late arrivals.
Yes—some rooms include private in-room baths, and the property offers private open-air baths that can be reserved subject to availability. Request private-bath options when you book to secure your preference.
Pets are not allowed at Sasara. A convenience store and local shops are within a short walk from the ryokan, and the main onsen shopping street is nearby.
The ryokan sits above Gero’s onsen area, with the main onsen street, Onsen-ji temple and nearby cultural sites such as traditional village spots within easy walking distance. The property also offers in-house spa treatments, sauna and traditional kaiseki meals for an authentic local experience.