Juhachiro
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 443 reviews
Juhachiro is a traditional ryokan on the banks of the Nagara River in Gifu, founded in 1860. The property occupies a mix of renovated historic buildings and modern facilities, showcasing Meiji-era architecture alongside contemporary touches. Public spaces include a small library and riverside terraces; rooms range from standard tatami rooms to larger suites with river views. The ryokan’s history and riverfront setting frame relaxed evenings and easy access to Kawaramachi walking routes and local sights such as Gifu Castle.
Thermal facilities center on the Nagaragawa onsen complex, where reddish-brown mineral waters feed multiple indoor and outdoor baths, including a renovated storehouse bath called Kura-no-Yu and two named spa areas. Guests can use communal hot springs and select suites or Japanese-style rooms that attach an open-air bath; some of these room baths provide private bathing in a secluded setting. For travelers searching 'ryokan with onsen Gifu' or 'ryokan with private onsen Gifu', the property combines public onsen facilities with rooms that offer attached open-air baths overlooking the river.
Dining follows a seasonal kaiseki approach, with locally sourced ingredients and recommendations to try Hida beef in the house menu; breakfast and multi-course dinners are served in dining rooms or as part of stay plans. Seasonal activities include summer cormorant-fishing viewing and guided Kawaramachi walks; the ryokan provides bilingual service, a souvenir shop, and on-site parking, and is reachable by a short bus or taxi ride from the main station in Gifu, making it convenient for day excursions around the prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Juhachiro
Positive Reviews
Exceptional onsen experience
Multiple reviews highlight outstanding hot spring facilities — both public and private baths, indoor and outdoor pools set in the garden, and in-room open-air baths. Guests described the onsens as spectacular, varied, quiet and a major reason to stay.
Attentive, helpful staff
Staff consistently praised for warm, welcoming and attentive service: carrying luggage, explaining room features, helping with travel plans, offering yukata and towels, and providing genuine hospitality throughout the stay.
Excellent breakfast and dining
Many guests enjoyed a large, high‑quality breakfast buffet with wide variety. Several also praised the evening meals and the local Ukai (cormorant fishing) related dining experiences and the careful presentation of gastronomy.
Outstanding location and river views
The ryokan’s location on the Nagara River is repeatedly mentioned as a highlight — lovely river views from rooms and balconies, easy access to cormorant fishing shows, Gifu Castle and local attractions, and nice promenades nearby.
Traditional, spacious rooms and amenities
Reviewers appreciated the classic ryokan atmosphere, large tatami rooms with fresh-smelling tatami, comfortable futon beds (noted by many), tea and drinks available, free parking and occasional shuttle to JR Gifu, plus thoughtful touches like yukata and room orientation toward the river.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent futon comfort
A few guests reported the futons were not as thick or comfortable as expected; while many found the beds comfortable, some noted firmness or thinness that affected sleep comfort.
Restaurant hours close early
Some visitors found local restaurants closed relatively early in the evening, which can be inconvenient if arriving late or wanting more nightlife dining options nearby.
Breakfast and beverage issues for some
Although many praised the breakfast buffet, a few reviews mentioned problems such as cold dishes or that the breakfast could have been better; another guest found the coffee weak.
Small bathroom and limited storage in some rooms
One review noted a rather small bathroom with limited space to place personal items, which may be an issue in certain room types.
Onsen access limits for tattooed guests
At least one guest was unable to use the onsen due to a tattoo policy; while staff may offer tattoo-covering options in some cases, tattoos can restrict access for some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin rooms for two and Japanese-style rooms with futon bedding that can accommodate families up to four or five guests, depending on the room selected. Junior-high and older guests are treated as adults for accommodation classification.
The ryokan offers public indoor and outdoor natural hot spring baths along the Nagara River and renovated Meiji-era bathhouses; some room types also include a private open-air bath. The property does not offer separate private rental baths.
There is no regular pick-up service, but the hotel runs a free morning bus to Meitetsu Gifu/JR Gifu Station for drop-offs at around 9:30; otherwise guests should use local buses or taxis. Chubu Centrair Airport connects to Meitetsu Gifu Station by limited express (about 65 minutes), and Nagoya Station to Gifu Station takes about 20 minutes by train.
The website and guest information are available in multiple languages and staff can assist in English; additional language support is provided as available. For specific language needs please indicate them when you book or call ahead.
The ryokan arranges traditional kaiseki meals and seasonal specialties such as Hida beef hotpot, and offers access to Nagara River cormorant fishing (ukai) viewing and related tours in season. Special experience plans can be requested in advance.
Kawaramachi historic street, Gifu Park, Mt. Kinka Ropeway and Gifu Castle are all within a short walk or short taxi ride, with the Nagaragawa Ukai Museum and riverside walks nearby. The ryokan is centrally located for exploring Gifu city.
Juhachiro is reachable by a local bus or taxi from Gifu Station in roughly 20 minutes. The property is also about a 15-minute taxi ride from JR Gifu depending on traffic.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Late check-out may be available by prior arrangement but is subject to availability and an additional fee.
Private rental baths are not available, though some rooms have their own open-air baths; public baths are shared and gender-separated. Pets are not permitted except for guide dogs and service animals; the ryokan can recommend nearby pet hotel options.
The ryokan serves traditional kaiseki dinners and has a late-night menu subject to current operating status; a souvenir shop and vending machines are on-site. A convenience store is located within about a five-minute walk for basic supplies.