Suimeikan
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 1584 reviews
Suimeikan sits on the Hida River at Gero Onsen, within easy walking distance of the JR station, and presents a mix of traditional Japanese wings and modern annexes that cater to both leisure and longer stays. Rooms range from tatami-style guest rooms to Western and Japanese‑Western combinations, some with expansive views over the river and surrounding hills. With an emphasis on regional craft and seasonal presentation throughout the property, it functions as a well-equipped ryokan with onsen in Gifu suitable for travelers who want convenient access to the town’s footbaths and local attractions.
The bathing facilities form a core part of the experience: the property operates multiple public baths including open-air and timber-scented indoor pools fed by Gero’s hot spring source, alongside reservable private baths for guests seeking solitude. Several room types offer ensuite outdoor tubs or larger indoor onsen, and the hotel provides amenities such as a stone sauna, treatment rooms and an indoor pool to complement the thermal bathing. Because public onsen can have restrictions, the availability of bookable private baths makes the property a practical option for visitors requiring exclusive bathing time, positioning Suimeikan as a ryokan with private onsen Gifu.
Dining highlights local Hida ingredients with multi-course kaiseki and a selection of international menus across on-site restaurants; in-room service is also offered for more private meals. The grounds include an art gallery, traditional garden and performance space, while guest services cover shuttle connections to the station, salon and fitness facilities, and multilingual reception support. Together these elements create a measured blend of resort-scale amenities and traditional ryokan hospitality aimed at guests seeking both cultural immersion and comfortable, service-oriented stays.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Suimeikan
Positive Reviews
Excellent and varied onsen facilities
Multiple reviewers praised the high-quality hot spring facilities: three different onsens (including outdoor, cypress-wood and panoramic baths), plus private-bath options. Guests highlighted the restorative effects on skin and the range of bathing experiences available.
Friendly, attentive staff and helpful services
Staff were repeatedly described as very welcoming, attentive and helpful, with English support noted by several guests. The hotel provides convenient services such as a free shuttle pickup from the station and yukata lending for onsen use.
Spacious, comfortable rooms with traditional charm
Many guests appreciated the roomy accommodations (notably larger than typical Japanese rooms), comfortable beds in some rooms, tatami areas and attractive traditional touches (garden/koi pond views, Japanese lounge). Suites with private onsen and scenic views were also singled out positively.
Wide range of facilities and leisure options
The property offers extensive facilities beyond the onsens—pool, arcade, bar with good cocktails, massage salon, large lounges and occasional live events. Reviewers enjoyed the variety of activities and amenities available on site.
Convenient location for exploring Gero Onsen
Guests liked the hotel’s location close to the station, making it an easy base to visit Gero Onsen town and local ashiyu (foot baths). Several reviews noted the hotel’s position by the river and its suitability for sightseeing.
Negative Reviews
Very large complex can feel crowded and impersonal
Multiple reviewers commented that the property is an immense, multi-building complex which can be busy and noisy (crowded lobbies, packed breakfast times), so it may not suit travellers seeking an intimate, quiet ryokan experience.
Extra charges and unclear fees for some facilities
Some guests were disappointed to find that certain amenities (notably the swimming pool and some private-bath options) require additional payment; a few reviews said these fees and other charges/taxes were not clearly explained at booking.
Noise and limited sound insulation in rooms
A number of guests reported poor window insulation and disturbance from passing trains, causing sleep disruption for light sleepers in some rooms.
Inconsistent breakfast experience and early service times
Opinions about breakfast varied: while many praised a large, varied buffet, several guests found the breakfast quality disappointing and noted that breakfast service times can require early rising (some felt breakfast finished early).
Aging rooms and occasional comfort/plumbing issues
A few reviewers mentioned dated room decor or wear and tear (old-style furnishings), uncomfortable thin futons for some guests, and isolated reports of plumbing problems (strong shower pressure, leaks, small bathtubs). These issues appeared to affect only some stays but were noted in reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single/twin to Japanese-style rooms with futons; some rooms and suites can accommodate families of 4–6 people—check the specific room capacity when booking.
The property operates multiple public hot-spring baths across three pavilions, including open-air baths, a 24-hour bath and an indoor hot-spring pool; private onsen options are also offered.
Yes, private baths are available and should be reserved with the hotel in advance to ensure availability.
Yes, Suimeikan runs a free shuttle that meets arriving trains and operates regular departures to Gero Station on a published schedule; pickup is timed to train arrivals.
From Chubu Centrair follow Meitetsu connections then the WideView Hida limited‑express to Gero or use the direct Nagoya–Gero bus; from Tokyo airports take shinkansen toward Nagoya and transfer to the WideView Hida to Gero.
Yes; the hotel lists English and Japanese among the languages spoken by staff.
Standard check‑in is from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and check‑out is from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM; guests on half‑board plans should check in by 7:00 PM to be served dinner.
Suimeikan has multiple on‑site restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese and French cuisine, with meals featuring local ingredients such as Hida beef; dinner may require advance reservation depending on your plan.
Pets are not allowed; families are welcome but cribs and extra beds are not provided, so choose a room type that accommodates your party size.
The ryokan is about a 3‑minute walk from JR Gero Station, roughly 10 minutes on foot to Onsen‑ji Temple and a short taxi ride to Gero Onsen Gassho Village; convenience stores and local shops are available near the station for basics.