Tabist Ryokufuen Kiyoharu
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 162 reviews
Tabist Ryokufuen Kiyoharu is a mid‑size ryokan set on the edge of Takayama’s historic centre, offering traditional Japanese accommodation with contemporary comforts. The property has around 25 guest rooms that combine tatami areas and Western conveniences such as air conditioning, in‑room refrigerators and tea/coffee makers; guests are provided with yukata and slippers for use around the ryokan. Public spaces include a small garden and a relaxed restaurant that serves seasonal Japanese dinners and an Asian style breakfast, making it suitable for visitors who plan to explore the nearby old town and festival exhibition areas.
The onsen facilities form a central part of the experience: the ryokan operates natural hot spring baths with an open‑air option and a sauna, with regular bathing hours in the late afternoon to evening and early morning to accommodate both overnight and early‑rising guests. Water from the spring is described as benefiting skin and muscle recovery, and the layout separates the public bath area from quieter outdoor soaking space for a more private feel. This property functions as a ryokan with onsen in Takayama, Gifu, providing a straightforward, wellness‑focused complement to sightseeing.
Rooms are arranged to suit solo travellers, couples and families, each with a private bathroom equipped with modern fixtures including a bidet and toiletries. Free Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking are available, and a modest programme of recreation—sauna, table games and communal lounge—adds options for downtime. Practical details such as check‑in from mid‑afternoon and a morning check‑out time are observed, and the ryokan presents a balanced choice for travellers seeking a traditional Japanese stay with accessible amenities and direct access to Takayama’s cultural attractions; it is also listed as a ryokan with onsen in Gifu for search visibility.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tabist Ryokufuen Kiyoharu
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple reviewers praised the welcoming, helpful and professional staff who often went out of their way (helping with transport, warm service at check‑in, attentive during meals).
Relaxing onsen (indoor & outdoor)
Guests frequently enjoyed the hot baths — quiet, restorative indoor and outdoor onsen were highlighted as a major plus; some reviewers appreciated that the onsen allowed guests with tattoos.
Authentic traditional atmosphere and cuisine
Many guests liked the ryokan’s traditional Japanese style and atmosphere, including the genuine, varied Japanese breakfasts and memorable evening meals praised by several reviewers.
Clean, comfortable rooms
Rooms and facilities were described as clean and well maintained; some guests found rooms spacious and comfortable with authentic décor and comfortable futons in several stays.
Quiet location and useful amenities
Reviewers appreciated the peaceful setting away from busy tourist areas and noted practical amenities such as parking, occasional shuttle/lifts to town, a small souvenir shop, and complimentary tea/coffee at reception.
Negative Reviews
Far from main tourist areas
Many guests noted the ryokan is a 20–30 minute walk or a bus ride from the centre and train/bus hubs, with limited nearby restaurants or convenience stores, which can be inconvenient without transport.
Dated decor and need for refresh
Several reviewers felt the property shows its age and could benefit from refurbishment; while generally clean, some areas and rooms appeared old or in need of updating.
Thin walls and noise issues
Multiple guests reported poor sound insulation — noise from neighbouring rooms, doors, external air‑conditioning units or nearby construction could be heard in their rooms.
Small rooms and bathrooms / bedding concerns
A number of guests found standard Japanese rooms and en‑suite bathrooms quite small (some calling bathrooms very tiny) and a few mentioned futons felt thin or less comfortable.
Occasional onsen availability or quality issues
A few reviews reported problems such as outdoor baths being closed for long renovations, indoor baths hotter than expected or not matching photos, and isolated complaints about dining value (e.g. meat quality or drink pricing) affecting perceived value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include single, twin and family options; capacity varies by room type, so contact the property with your exact party size to confirm the best room.
Yes — the property has natural hot-spring baths including an open-air bath and a sauna; public bathing hours are typically in the early morning and late afternoon/evening (for example around 06:00–09:00 and 16:00–23:00), but check reception for current times.
A free pick-up from Takayama Station is available on request; you should contact the ryokan in advance (usually the day before) to arrange collection.
The nearest listed airport is Toyama Airport (around 80–85 km); typical travel is by regional bus or train to Takayama Station followed by a short taxi ride or the arranged station pick-up.
Staff can assist in basic English and the property provides English-language information online; for detailed requests or itineraries, contact the ryokan before arrival.
The ryokan provides yukata and slippers, shared indoor and open-air onsen, a Japanese-style breakfast, and communal spaces such as a garden and lounge for an authentic ryokan experience.
Takayama Station is roughly a 15–20 minute walk; Yoshijima Heritage House, the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall and Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine are within about 1–1.5 km, while Hida Folk Village is a short drive away.
The property offers free on-site parking, and local buses and taxis serve the area; many guests arrive on foot from Takayama Station or by taxi if carrying luggage.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00; guests arriving late must inform the ryokan because dinner service may stop for late arrivals and reception will confirm any cut-off time.
Pets are not allowed; private or reserved use of the onsen is not guaranteed and should be requested in advance, and convenience stores and supermarkets are available within a short distance in central Takayama.