Yatsusankan Over 6 years old
9.7/10 (Based on 529 reviews )
509-4241 Gifu, Hida, Furukawa Mukaimachi 1-8-27, Japan
Yatsusankan is a historic ryokan in Hida Furukawa (Gifu Prefecture), located near the town center and a short walk from Hida-Furukawa Station. Its onsen facilities are a core feature: the large public bath includes a covered garden-style open-air section, with men’s and women’s baths swapping the next morning. The hot spring water is brought in from Nagareha Onsen and is described as a simple alkaline spring. Private bathing is also available by reservation in two small indoor baths (time-limited sessions, with a separate fee). Dining is offered in a kaiseki style, and the ryokan is known for featuring local Hida ingredients, including Hida beef. Free on-site parking is provided.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Incredible, high-quality food (dinner and breakfast) and memorable dining experience
- Very welcoming, kind, attentive staff and exceptional service
- Lovely onsen/hot springs (including indoor/outdoor; some rooms with private onsen)
- Beautiful, traditional/historical ryokan with a charming interior and atmosphere
- Good location (in Hida Furukawa; close to attractions and near/within walking distance of the train station; sometimes offered station transfer)
Negative reviews
- Checkout time considered a bit too early (mentioned as “Checkout a bit too early”)
- Some rooms had issues: bad smell (possibly above the kitchen) and bed not made up
- A bit pricey/expensive (mentioned as “a little pricey” / “price is high”)
- Noise/comfort issues: footsteps on wooden floors; river noise at night; corridors a little chilly
- Service/communication issues in some cases: language barrier or communication not smooth; a nut allergy not respected (served almonds); ignored after-stay request; Wi‑Fi not effective in some rooms; largest hot spring under repair and unavailable
Wanosato
9.7/10 (Based on 303 reviews )
509-3505 Gifu, Takayama, Ichinomiyamachi 1682, Japan
Wanosato is a traditional ryokan in the Hida-Takayama area (Gifu Prefecture), set in a quiet natural environment near the Miyagawa River. The main communal bath uses hot-spring water officially recognized as “Hida Kuraiyama Onsen,” with two distinct bathing spaces: a wild-style rock bath built with large stones, and a full-hinoki (Japanese cypress) bath with wide windows. There is no open-air bath. Guest rooms include private hinoki baths, but these use heated natural groundwater rather than hot-spring water. Meals are served in the dining room, typically in a kaiseki style focused on seasonal, local ingredients. A reserved transfer service is available from Takayama Station with fixed departure times.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Quiet, secluded location in nature by a river; beautiful river views from rooms/villas
- Exceptional, delicious food (kaiseki dinner and breakfast), often beautifully presented
- Very kind, attentive, welcoming staff; high hospitality/service
- Onsen/hot spring baths praised (including private/reserved time); relaxing baths
- Authentic/traditional ryokan atmosphere and historic/rustic buildings; cozy fireplace and sake/magic-trick entertainment
Negative reviews
- Parking instructions could be better
- Some guests noted smoke/smoky smell from the fireplace/irori in reception/corridors; could be difficult for asthmatic people
- No outdoor bath (rotemburo) / desire for outdoor bath with river view; onsen described by some as could be better
- A few room issues mentioned: musty smell, a little jaded/worn furnishings, parts needing refresh, thin mattress/floor mats challenging, air conditioning only in sleeping area, pillow smelled bad, a few dead bugs
- Dining experience/meal expectations: kaiseki dinner described as mediocre by one guest; dining area too bright/not very private; meals served in dining room rather than in-room; portions may not be enough for big eaters; children’s meal adaptation could be hard
Nakaodaira
9.6/10 (Based on 130 reviews )
506-1422 Gifu, Takayama, Okuhida Onsenkyo Nakao 436-25, Japan
Nakaodaira (Yama no Ryosha Nakaodaira) is a small, owner-run ryokan in the Okuhida Onsenkyo area of Takayama, Gifu, set deep in the forested Nakao Kogen near Shin-Hotaka. The key feature is its onsen: the inn offers six reservable private baths for guest use, designed for quiet, unhurried soaking. The hot-spring water is described by the property as clear, steam-sourced, and rich in sodium and chloride, with heat-retaining qualities. Dinner and breakfast are served in the dining room, with a daily-changing menu centered on local ingredients and Hida-region dishes; roast beef made with Hida beef is a noted specialty. Rooms are limited (six total), with a calm, low-key atmosphere focused on rest and nature.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Clean, peaceful lodge with a relaxing ambiance
- Private onsen baths (multiple indoor and outdoor options), including great outdoor views (mountains/snow)
- Traditional Japanese meals frequently described as delicious/fantastic/exquisite; recommended to book both meals
- Very kind, welcoming, helpful owners/staff (some speak good English); offers help with transport and planning
- Serene mountain setting in the Japanese Alps; good base for hiking/ropeway/cable car
Negative reviews
- Futon can be a bit hard to sleep on
- Location/remoteness can make getting there tricky (e.g., wrong bus stop, steep walk from bus stop); transit is limited but hosts help with pickup/drives
- Not much nearby shopping (basically no supermarket around); advised to buy snacks beforehand
- Some guests felt the meals, while tasty, didn’t feel filling enough for very active days (though more rice was available)
- Accessibility: rooms/upper floor not accessible (all rooms on upper floor); one guest felt it was expensive for what it is / meals not included and pricey
Takimotokan Yuki No Sato
9.4/10 (Based on 74 reviews )
503-1254 Gifu, Yoro, Yorocho Yorokoen 1290-167, Japan
Takimotokan Yuki No Sato (Takimotokan Yukinosato) is a small ryokan in Yoro Park, Gifu Prefecture, close to Yoro Falls and surrounded by a quiet, wooded landscape. The key feature is its Yoro Onsen bathing facilities, including an open-air bath and a panoramic bath designed for wide views over the Nobi Plain; some guest rooms also feature a private open-air bath. The hot spring water is described by the property as a sodium-calcium chloride spring, with set bathing hours from check-in to 23:30 and from 06:00 to 10:00. Dining focuses on Japanese cuisine with seasonal kaiseki-style courses, with breakfast served on site. Practical amenities include on-site parking and Wi‑Fi.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Very friendly, kind, welcoming and attentive staff; helpful service (including shuttle/pickups and quick response when a guest was unwell)
- Beautiful/breathtaking mountain location with magnificent views; quiet, private atmosphere; nearby waterfall/park/nature walks
- Excellent food: top-notch meals/kaiseki; dinner and breakfast described as fantastic/copious
- Clean, comfortable rooms; comfy bedding; nice terraces/balconies
- Onsen experience praised: outdoor/private in-room open-air baths with great views; spring water; relaxing
Negative reviews
- Access road is narrow/steep/single-lane and can be challenging; suggestion to park in lower lot and use shuttle
- Signage to the property could be improved
- Some rooms need refurbishment: old/smelly toilets, worn-down walls/items; equipment/decor feels dated
- Onsen is very small (despite nice views)
- Meals felt rushed at night (next course arriving before finishing); one review said food looked beautiful but wasn’t tasty and had tough textures; price considered very high
Yunoshimakan
9.2/10 (Based on 916 reviews )
509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 645, Japan
Yunoshimakan is a traditional ryokan in Gero Onsen (Gifu), set on a wooded hillside slightly above the hot-spring town. Founded in 1931, it is known for its early Showa-era architecture and calm, nature-led atmosphere. The onsen experience is central: the property offers scenic large public baths and open-air baths with views over the Hida mountains and Gero, with a nightly bath rotation so guests can try different atmospheres. Hot spring water is supplied throughout the inn, including to some in-room baths and even showers, and selected rooms feature private open-air baths. Dining typically focuses on Japanese kaiseki-style courses for dinner and a Japanese breakfast, served in-room or in designated dining areas. Free parking and Wi‑Fi are available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Extremely authentic historic ryokan/architecture; feels like going back in time
- Onsens/baths (especially open-air/outdoor at night) are beautiful, relaxing, with great views
- Staff frequently praised as excellent/professional/friendly; some speak English and are helpful
- Food quality highlighted (kaiseki dinner, breakfast, Hida beef; in-room dining experience)
- Spacious/comfortable rooms and futons; great views from rooms/private in-room onsen
Negative reviews
- Limited options for couples: desire for a reservable coed/private outdoor bath
- Wayfinding/signage issues: building can feel like a maze; requests for more English signs and clearer directions
- Facilities/rooms described as worn, old, in need of updates (bath areas, toilets/bathrooms, hallways; sometimes smell)
- Location/access challenges: uphill walk; shuttle info/times not always clear; mobility concerns; steep stairs to one outdoor bath
- Dining/food limitations: limited restaurant choices; special diets need more flexibility; breakfast sometimes too small/limited; late dinner start mentioned; unclear dining area info
Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan
9.2/10 (Based on 455 reviews )
506-0011 Gifu, Takayama, Motomachi 1-34, Japan
Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan is a traditional ryokan in central Takayama (Gifu), set in the historic old-town area near key sights and morning markets. The main focus is its Hida-Takayama Onsen bathing options: indoor baths, a men’s open-air bath with views, and a women-only annex bath facility in a renovated storehouse-style building, with a dedicated relaxation area. The water is described as a simple, mildly alkaline hot spring. Dining centers on seasonal kaiseki served in private settings, with local Hida ingredients, and there is also an on-site sushi counter. Practical services include free Wi‑Fi, free parking, and station transfers.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Excellent service: staff described as kind, friendly, polite, attentive, professional, and often going the extra mile (including owner welcoming guests)
- Great location: convenient and central, close to Takayama Old Town/attractions; some mention shuttle/pickup service from station
- Meals highly praised by many: outstanding breakfast (Japanese and/or Western options) and kaiseki dinner; restaurant/sushi also mentioned as excellent
- Clean, well-maintained property; rooms described as spotless/clean, spacious, beautiful, with traditional Japanese style and modern touches
- Onsen experience appreciated: multiple onsens available, including access to sister properties (notably a rooftop outdoor onsen)
Negative reviews
- High/overpriced for some guests (especially standard rooms); some felt not worth the premium price
- Dated/outdated feel in rooms/furnishings; some said property is time to renovate
- Food quality didn’t meet expectations for a few guests (e.g., kaiseki/breakfast; limited breakfast choice/no buffet; main course substitution request)
- Some room comfort issues reported: air conditioner not strong enough in hot summer; one review disliked the pillow
- Onsen constraints/issues: tattoos forbidden; some wanted a private/family onsen option; one guest found onsen water disappointing; one was upset by a late-night call about a public bath locker
Onyado Yuinosho, Shirakawago
9.1/10 (Based on 1884 reviews )
501-5625 Gifu, Shirakawa, Ijima 908-2, Japan
Onyado Yuinosho (Shirakawago) is a Japanese-style ryokan in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, in a rural area near the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go. The property’s bathing facilities are a key part of the stay: it offers natural hot-spring baths with separate men’s and women’s large baths, including indoor bathing, an open-air bath, and a sauna. In addition, there are two private hot-spring baths that can be used without a reservation when available. On site, there is a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine, and breakfast is available. Practical amenities include free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi‑Fi. Rooms combine tatami elements with modern comforts such as air-conditioning and an electric kettle.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Very close to the village; great food on site; lovely friendly staff
- Breakfast and evening meals were excellent; staff and food were exceptional; private spa was great
- Rooms described as large/spacious, clean and comfortable; some with great river/mountain views
- Onsen/bathhouse experience highly praised (public baths, private options); relaxing and luxurious
- Good amenities/extras mentioned: free ramen late night, free drinks/snacks/popsicles/after-spa refreshments; yukata/kimono; shuttle service helpful
Negative reviews
- Far from the bus station/village (reported as ~20–30 min walk / over 2 km)
- Shuttle bus issues: limited times, often full/not running, not frequent, timetable/availability complaints
- Menu/communication in English limited (menus not fully translated; some staff poor English/wording)
- Some facilities/issues: bathroom/toilet area very cold; Wi‑Fi not working; room temperature/AC controls not in English
- Value/operations concerns: expensive/pricey; private onsen can’t be reserved and may involve waiting; dinner/breakfast time slots fully booked/early; spa/outdated maintenance noted; cleaning before check-in took too long; mattress too hard/small mugs; lack of luggage help/only one big towel; not enough activities for children; dinner atmosphere crowded/cafeteria-like
Juhachiro
9.1/10 (Based on 460 reviews )
500-8009 Gifu, Gifu, Minatomachi 10, Japan
Juhachiro is a traditional ryokan in Gifu City, set on the banks of the Nagara River in the Nagaragawa Onsen area. Its hot-spring baths are a key feature, with large shared facilities including open-air bathing and river-view soaking; the property also highlights Kura-no-Yu, a bath created in a renovated Meiji-era storehouse. The onsen uses mineral-rich water known for its distinctive reddish-brown tone. Beyond bathing, the ryokan offers Japanese-style dining focused on seasonal ingredients, often featuring local specialties such as Hida beef in hot pot. Interiors blend classic ryokan atmosphere with updated comfort, and practical services include on-site parking and Wi‑Fi.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Older-style Japanese vibe / old-world charm and historic atmosphere
- Onsen/hot spring baths praised (large, multiple pools; indoor/outdoor; garden setting; some rooms with private/open-air bath)
- Great river view (Nagara River) from rooms/balconies; good location near attractions like cormorant fishing and Gifu Castle
- Staff described as fantastic, attentive, kind and helpful
- Breakfast appreciated for variety/quality (buffet; wide choice)
Negative reviews
- Tattoos not allowed in the onsen / concern about using the onsen with tattoos
- Breakfast issues mentioned (could be better; cold breakfast; weak coffee; coffee not hot)
- Some rooms/bathrooms felt small or lacked space for personal items
- Limited dinner/shuttle options mentioned (no room for dinner; shuttle to station only at 09:30am)
- Location a bit far from the station / few nearby dining options at night
Miyama Ouan Kyoritsu Resort
9/10 (Based on 1139 reviews )
506-1433 Gifu, Takayama, Okuhida Onsengo Hirayu 229 , Japan
Miyama Ouan Kyoritsu Resort (Takumi no Yado Miyama Ouan) is a Japanese ryokan-style resort in Hirayu Onsen, within the Okuhida hot spring area of Takayama, Gifu, surrounded by the Northern Alps. The main attraction is its natural hot springs: separate indoor and open-air public baths with mountain views, plus a dry sauna. For more privacy, the property also offers four free private baths (indoor and open-air), used when available; these are for soaking only. Rooms feature a wood-focused Japanese atmosphere, with in-room amenities such as tea facilities. Meals are served in the on-site dining venue, and the ryokan provides free parking and a shuttle pick-up from the Hirayu Onsen bus stop.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional onsen views; great rooms and facilities
- Kaiseki dinner (including Hida beef) described as an outstanding experience
- Staff frequently described as friendly, helpful and attentive
- Beautiful, quiet mountain location with stunning scenery/snowy views; convenient walk to Hirayu Onsen bus stop/terminal
- Many amenities/extras mentioned (private/public onsens, free drinks/snacks, ramen, ice cream/milk, yukata/pyjamas)
Negative reviews
- Communication/language barriers with staff; difficulties explaining needs
- Dinner service can be inconsistent (items forgotten, plates not explained)
- Heating system described as fiddly/difficult to operate
- Food/breakfast concerns: limited variety, very Japanese-only (fish/rice), or limited options/quality for some guests
- Hotel can feel very large/crowded and confusing to navigate; some rooms far from foyer/restaurant (inconvenient)
Honjin Hiranoya Annex
9/10 (Based on 528 reviews )
506-0011 Gifu, Takayama, Motomachi 1-5, Japan
Honjin Hiranoya Annex (also known as Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan) is a traditional ryokan in central Takayama, Gifu, near the old town streets and the Miyagawa River area. The main focus is its Hida Takayama Onsen bathing facilities: top-floor indoor baths for men and women with wide views, plus a men-only rooftop open-air bath with a wood deck and an on-site sauna (limited hours). Women also have access to a separate, women-only bathhouse set in a renovated traditional storehouse; entry is not permitted for elementary-school children and younger. Rooms are Japanese-style with tatami and futon. Meals are offered on site, with Japanese multi-course dinner options and breakfast service, and the property provides free parking and a station shuttle.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Very attentive, kind and helpful staff; excellent hospitality and service (including station/bus pickup & drop-off, orientations).
- Excellent location near the old town/historic district, river/red bridge; easy walking to sights/markets.
- Rooms described as clean/spotless, spacious and comfortable; some with great river views/balconies/private decks.
- Onsens/spa highlighted as a major plus (rooftop/open-air for men; women’s-only onsen/relaxkura; relaxing experience).
- Meals often praised (dinner and breakfast described as delicious/varied/luxurious; kaiseki experience; private dining rooms).
Negative reviews
- Some guests found meals disappointing or poor value (small portions, mediocre/awful breakfast, dinner not worth the price).
- Property/areas feel dated or in need of updates/renovation (e.g., decor, area outside communal onsen).
- Service sometimes felt rushed or regimented (rushed check-in/dinner; early dinner timing; being hurried by staff).
- Wi‑Fi could be stronger.
- Room issues mentioned by some: better seating needed; bathrooms small; futon/bed firmness or uncomfortable bed/pillow; strong smell in room; limited storage; room door lock felt insecure and staff entered without knocking.
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yatsusankan Over 6 years old | 9.7▲ | 529 | 5 | 9.9▲ | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.7▲ | 9.2 | 9.8▲ |
| 2 | Wanosato | 9.7▲ | 303 | 5 | 9.9▲ | 9.8▲ | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.1 | 9.7 |
| 3 | Nakaodaira | 9.6 | 130 | 5 | 9.9▲ | 9.8▲ | 9.8▲ | 9.2 | 9.5▲ | 9.7 |
| 4 | Takimotokan Yuki No Sato | 9.4 | 74▼ | 5 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 9.4 |
| 5 | Yunoshimakan | 9.2 | 916 | 5 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.1 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| 6 | Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan | 9.2 | 455 | 5 | 9.7 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 8.5 | 9.3 |
| 7 | Onyado Yuinosho, Shirakawago | 9.1 | 1884▲ | 5 | 9.1▼ | 9.6 | 9.6 | 8.5▼ | 8.5 | 9.4 |
| 8 | Juhachiro | 9.1 | 460 | 5 | 9.6 | 9.3▼ | 9.3▼ | 9.1 | 8.7 | 9.1▼ |
| 9 | Miyama Ouan Kyoritsu Resort | 9▼ | 1139 | 5 | 9.1▼ | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.4▼ | 9.3 |
| 10 | Honjin Hiranoya Annex | 9▼ | 528 | 5 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.7▲ | 8.5 | 9.1▼ |
FAQ
Yatsusankan is a strong pick if you want a historic ryokan that’s walkable from Hida-Furukawa Station and close to the town center. Its public onsen includes a garden-style open-air section, and the men’s and women’s baths swap the next morning for variety. You can also reserve private indoor baths for a more intimate soak.
Wanosato suits travelers looking for a quiet, riverside setting near Takayama with an officially recognized hot-spring public bath. The communal bathing area features a rock bath and a hinoki cypress bath with wide windows. Note that there is no open-air bath, and in-room hinoki baths use heated groundwater rather than hot-spring water.
Nakaodaira is ideal if your priority is privacy, since the onsen experience centers on reservable baths designed for unhurried soaking. It sits in a forested area of Okuhida near Shin-Hotaka, making it a serene base for mountain scenery. Meals focus on local Hida-region dishes, with Hida beef featured as a specialty.
Yunoshimakan is a top choice in Gero Onsen for travelers who want classic architecture and a hillside setting overlooking the hot-spring town. It offers large public baths and open-air baths with views, plus a nightly rotation so you can experience different atmospheres. Some rooms also include private open-air onsen baths, and hot-spring water is supplied widely across the inn.
Takimotokan Yuki No Sato stands out for a nature-rich stay inside Yoro Park, close to Yoro Falls. Its Yoro Onsen facilities include an open-air bath and a panoramic bath designed for wide views over the Nobi Plain. Seasonal kaiseki-style dining rounds out the experience for a relaxing, scenery-focused retreat.