Hotel Miki
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 54 reviews
Hotel Miki (operating as Miki no Sato) sits above the Maze River near Gero in Gifu, offering a quietly wooded setting and clear views of the surrounding mountains and night sky. The property presents an extensive hot‑spring complex: its on‑site source supports a range of bathing options including open‑air baths, steam (kama) bathing and multiple indoor pools, totalling a large assortment of facilities for soaking and relaxation. This ryokan with onsen in Gifu emphasises thermal variety and contemplative mountain scenery rather than a city‑centre bustle.
Accommodation choices span several room types designed for couples and families, with traditional tatami rooms and Western‑style options that include modern comforts such as flat screens and Wi‑Fi. Public facilities include a sauna, a restaurant that highlights regional produce such as Hida beef and local river fish, and provisions for day‑use bathing and lunch. Practical amenities on site comprise complimentary private parking, a communal lounge and seasonal programming; the hotel operates a front desk with information about nearby attractions and transport options.
Well suited to nature seekers, families and cyclists, the property positions its bathing complex and riverside outlook as the central appeal: varied pool temperatures, outdoor vistas and steam baths make it straightforward to spend long, unhurried hours at the baths. On occasion the hotel makes shuttle or transfer arrangements to nearby stations and offers bike rental for local exploration, so guests without cars can still access nearby trails and village sights. For travelers prioritising an immersive thermal experience, this ryokan with onsen balances a broad public onsen programme with quiet rural surroundings.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Miki
Positive Reviews
Spacious, comfortable rooms
Many guests praised large, well‑kept rooms with comfortable beds and traditional Japanese style — suitable for families and groups.
Outstanding onsen (variety of baths)
The hot spring complex is large with many indoor and outdoor pools; the outdoor baths offer great views and are repeatedly described as a highlight.
Delicious kaiseki and varied meals
Meals, especially the multi‑course kaiseki dinners and breakfasts, were commended for taste and seasonal variety; guests enjoyed different menus on consecutive nights.
Beautiful, peaceful mountain setting
The hotel’s location amid mountains and by a river provides scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere, particularly in quieter months.
Friendly, helpful staff and transport help
Staff were described as welcoming and accommodating; front‑desk assistance (including arranging station transfers and special requests) made travel easier for guests without cars.
Negative Reviews
Meals must be pre‑booked and few nearby options
Guests noted they had to reserve meals in advance and there are virtually no restaurants nearby; the closest convenience store is a long drive and the hotel shop offers only limited snacks.
Onsen can be crowded and noisy
Although the baths are large, some visitors reported crowds, noisy groups and day‑use guests that reduce the sense of relaxation at busier times.
No elevator / stairs can be difficult
Multiple reviewers reported there is no elevator; carrying heavy luggage up stairs (especially to higher floors) was inconvenient.
Poor Wi‑Fi and limited room facilities
Several guests experienced unreliable Wi‑Fi, a shortage of power outlets for charging, and occasional room faults (eg. malfunctioning washlet or stiff flush lever).
Occasional mismatch in room amenities and language issues
At least one guest paid for a room advertised with a private open‑air bath but found none available; communication difficulties with limited English at the desk made resolving such problems harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel has 26 rooms including Japanese-style tatami rooms and Western twin rooms; family-style rooms with multiple futons are offered and some room types can accommodate large groups (booking shows options up to about 10 futons).
The property offers 15+ hot-spring facilities including indoor baths, open-air baths, multiple saunas and specialty baths; the onsen uses the local Maze River spring and is heated and filtered for guest use.
Guest bathing hours are generally 6:00–9:00 and 10:30–23:00, with a separate day‑use timetable; day‑use hours and last admission are different for non‑staying visitors.
Private onsen rental is not prominently listed on public information; the hotel offers private-room/rest space reservations and asks guests to contact them directly to request private-bath options or availability.
Yes — a courtesy shuttle from the nearest JR station (Hida‑Hagiwara) is available for staying guests by prior arrangement; please request pickup when you book.
The nearest major airport is Nagoya (Chubu/Nagoya area), roughly 90–95 km by road; the hotel is most easily reached by car or by train to Hida‑Hagiwara (or Gero) plus the hotel’s shuttle or a local bus.
The hotel website provides English information, but on-site English proficiency is limited; staff are generally helpful and will assist, so a translation app or brief Japanese phrases can be useful.
You can expect Japanese-style rooms with futons and regional cuisine; the on-site restaurant serves local dishes including Hida beef and river fish, and multi-course local dinners (dinner often requires advance reservation).
The hotel sits above the Maze River with nature views; nearby attractions include the Kaeru Shrine and the Charlie Chaplin statue area, plus the wider Gero and Takayama regions for sightseeing and cycling.
Pets are generally not permitted; there is an on-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while shops are limited locally — the nearest convenience stores or supermarkets are usually at the nearest station or larger nearby towns, so bring essentials if needed.