Ryokan Kutsuroginoya Yuu
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 140 reviews
Set in the Okuhida Onsengo cluster near Takayama, this ryokan combines timber-framed tatami interiors to create a traditional stay in Gifu. Rooms range from compact tatami-and-futon layouts to maisonette-style suites with separate living spaces; many face a planted garden or the surrounding hills. Some room types include en-suite baths, while communal areas comprise a small lounge and a dining room where evening multi-course meals are served. The property presents itself as a ryokan with onsen, offering a traditional bathing rhythm rather than resort-scale facilities.
Bathing options include a communal indoor bath, an open-air rotenburo that looks toward the garden and a limited number of bookable private baths attached to certain room types. Water is drawn from local hot springs and baths operate on a guest-rotation schedule to preserve quiet and cleanliness. Towels and basic toiletries are provided, and staff will explain customary onsen etiquette for first-time visitors. This ryokan with private onsen availability favors intimate, reservation-based soaking rather than extensive spa programming.
Meals focus on seasonal, regional produce with multi-course dinners presented in a kaiseki-influenced sequence that often highlights Hida beef; breakfast is served in an Asian-style format. Practical details: a shuttle from the nearby Hirayu bus terminal is available on request and free on-site parking is provided for self-driving guests; public buses stop close by — advance notice is requested for shuttle use or late arrivals. House rules are straightforward — quiet hours at night, a non-smoking policy and no pets — and staff commonly assist international visitors with directions and basic English.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Kutsuroginoya Yuu
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive and multilingual staff
Multiple reviewers highlighted the friendly, personalised and welcoming service. Staff were described as attentive, patient with foreign guests, able to explain ryokan customs in English, and offering small thoughtful gestures (e.g. birthday gift).
Exceptional traditional meals (kaiseki)
Many guests praised the dinner and breakfast as exceptional—carefully prepared multi-course kaiseki using local ingredients. Several reviewers called the food a highlight and restaurant-quality.
Excellent onsen experience (private and public)
Guests enjoyed the variety of baths: private in-room onsen, reservable private baths and attractive public rotenburo. Onsens were described as relaxing, very pleasant and a key part of the experience.
Beautiful mountain location and cultural immersion
Reviewers appreciated the ryokan’s setting among the Japanese Alps, proximity to Kamikochi and ropeway, and the authentic ryokan atmosphere (tatami, robes/slippers, traditional rooms). Many said the location added to the cultural experience and tranquility.
Clean, spacious and comfortable rooms with personalised dining spaces
Several comments noted roomy, clean and comfortable accommodations—including some two‑storey rooms and private dining rooms. Reviewers valued the cozy rooms and the option to dine in a private room.
Negative Reviews
Remote location / limited public transport
Multiple guests warned the ryokan is somewhat remote and can be difficult to reach without a car. Bus service is available but infrequent, so travellers need to plan departures/arrivals around timetables.
Bus stop/service timing issues
Although a bus stop is near the property, reviewers noted buses do not stop frequently at that specific stop and sometimes require using an alternate stop or walking along a mountain road—so itinerary planning is needed.
Noise or view issues for some rooms
A few guests reported drawbacks where private baths or rooms faced the road or parking area, producing traffic noise that detracted from relaxation for those specific rooms.
Traditional food may not suit all tastes
While many loved the Japanese-style menu, at least one reviewer said the traditional dishes were not to their personal taste (e.g. steamed eel or eggplant preparations), so diners with specific preferences should be aware.
Some rooms feel sparsely furnished
One review mentioned a Japanese-style room lacked furniture or felt a bit bare, suggesting variation in room fittings that may not meet every guest’s expectation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; children of all ages are accepted but extra cots or rollaway beds are not available, so check the maximum occupancy on the room description when booking.
Yes — the property offers public hot spring baths, open-air (rotenburo) facilities and reservable family/private baths; the spring is a simple (tanjun) onsen and tattoos may restrict access to shared baths.
There is no direct train transfer; guests typically take a bus from JR Takayama to Hirayu Bus Terminal and should call the ryokan on arrival to use the free shuttle service from that terminal.
The nearest regional airport is Matsumoto Airport; reaching the ryokan usually requires a combination of airport transfer or train plus a bus to Hirayu and then the local shuttle or taxi, with total travel time depending on connections.
Japanese is the primary language; English ability may be limited, so it is advisable to book in advance, prepare simple requests in writing or use a translation app.
The ryokan serves local Hida-style cuisine and an Asian-style breakfast; dinner must be requested by the stated cutoff (early evening) and the property cannot prepare vegan or vegetarian meals, though allergies should be reported in advance.
The ryokan sits in Okuhida Hot Spring Villages and is a convenient base for Hirayu Onsen, Kamikochi, Kappa Bridge, Hida Folk Village and nearby mountain scenery and waterfalls, all reachable by car or regional bus.
Free private parking is provided on site (typically first-come); the ryokan is reachable by car and local buses and taxis serve the area for guests without a vehicle.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00; guests expected after 19:00 should notify the property in advance.
Private/family baths are available to reserve, pets are not allowed, and local shopping is limited in the Okuhida area, so bring essentials or plan a short drive to larger towns for supermarkets and convenience stores.