Matsunoi
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 7 reviews
Matsunoi is a traditional Japanese inn set in the Okuhida Onsengo area of Takayama, Gifu, offering a calm, wood‑accented interior and tatami rooms with futon bedding. The property blends renovated folk architecture and practical modern comforts, with a small restaurant serving regional mountain cuisine and a modest lobby and lounge area for guests to relax. Rooms are arranged in classic Japanese style and many overlook the surrounding forested slopes; staff can arrange local directions and a timed shuttle from the nearby bus stop on request.
Bathing facilities are a defining feature: the ryokan maintains both gendered public baths with open‑air sections and two reservable private baths—one with timber fittings and one with a brick motif—available on a first‑come basis for guests who prefer privacy. The public onsen is accessible in the late afternoon through the following morning, and private baths are scheduled at check‑in; tattoo policies and limited public space mean guests should check access rules in advance. This makes the property a practical choice as a ryokan with private onsen in Gifu while also functioning as a ryokan with onsen in Okuhida for visitors seeking thermal bathing near alpine trails.
Dining follows a set menu focused on local produce and mountain flavors, offered either as room service or in the dining hall depending on the chosen plan and prior reservation requirements. Arrival and departure are organised around standard check‑in and check‑out times, and the inn provides on‑site parking and modest accessibility options. Its location places it within easy reach of seasonal outdoor activities such as hiking, hot‑spring hopping and the nearby ropeway, making it suitable for travellers planning a nature‑centred stay in the Hida region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Matsunoi
Positive Reviews
Clean, cozy rooms
Guests repeatedly described the rooms as cozy, very clean and of a good size, providing a comfortable stay.
Beautiful, peaceful location
Reviewers praised the ryokan’s scenic, serene setting near nature and Takayama, with pleasant views and easy access to autumn foliage.
Friendly, attentive hosts
Multiple guests highlighted the warm, family‑style hospitality from the elderly owners — polite, caring service, helpful meal explanations and memorable send‑offs.
Relaxing onsen and facilities
Visitors appreciated the outdoor onsen experience and found the bathing area comfortable and enjoyable.
Generous breakfast and pleasant dining service
Several reviews noted varied, tasty breakfasts served each morning and generally enjoyable meal service and explanations.
Negative Reviews
Remote location requires a car
The property is isolated; guests advised booking dinner in advance or having a car, as nearby dining and ATMs are limited and transfers to town are required.
Dinner quality and value concerns
Some guests felt the dinner was only average for the price charged and not always good value.
Cleanliness and dated facilities issues
A few reviewers reported signs of aging in the building and facilities, with specific cleanliness concerns such as spider webs, a not‑perfect onsen and stained bedding.
Payment policy not clearly communicated
At least one guest said they were told at checkout that only cash was accepted (despite no nearby ATMs), and a last‑minute card machine was produced, creating an awkward payment experience.
Limited English spoken by staff
The owners mainly speak Japanese and do not know English well; while they make an effort to communicate, language can be a minor obstacle for non‑Japanese speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most guest rooms are traditional Japanese-style (about 10 tatami) and are typically sized for up to four people, with family and quad arrangements available.
Yes — the ryokan has large communal indoor and open-air baths; public bathing is available from mid‑afternoon (around 15:00) into the next morning (around 09:30–10:00).
Yes — the property offers two family/private baths which can be reserved on arrival; bookings are subject to availability and are usually taken on a first‑come basis.
A free pick‑up service is provided for guests arriving at the local bus stop (Fukuchiguchi Onsen) or by prior arrangement; you must inform the ryokan of your arrival time in advance to request the shuttle.
The nearest regional airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 50–60 km); most visitors travel by train or bus to Takayama and then take a local bus to the Okuhida/Fukuchiguchi area before using the ryokan’s shuttle or a short taxi ride.
Staff are primarily Japanese but offer basic English assistance for common guest needs; for detailed arrangements or English support, notify the ryokan in advance so they can prepare.
Meals are traditional Japanese, highlighting local Hida ingredients such as Hida beef and seasonal mountain produce; dinner and breakfast are served on set plans and you should reserve meals at least one day in advance if required by your booking.
There are very few shops or convenience stores in the immediate vicinity, so guests should plan accordingly; the ryokan has a small souvenir/shop for basic items and local specialties.
The ryokan sits in Okuhida Onsen‑go with local hot‑spring villages, alpine scenery and hiking routes nearby; Takayama’s historic district, waterfalls and Kamikochi are popular day‑trip destinations — ask the front desk for bus timetables and recommendations.
Pets are not permitted at the property; private family baths are available for guests, while full privatization of the ryokan for groups is not standard and would require direct contact with the hotel to discuss options.