Yamazatonoiori Soene
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 159 reviews
Yamazatonoiori Soene is a restored late-Edo farmhouse turned ryokan set on the river in Okuhida’s mountain valley, where exposed beams, an irori (sunken hearth) and doma earthen floors create a tangible sense of regional craft and history. The property keeps a small, varied inventory of rooms—traditional tatami suites with futons and mixed-style rooms that open to mountain or riverside views—each finished in natural materials and arranged to preserve original carpentry and the feel of a century-old Hida home. Public spaces are deliberately low-key, with shared lounges and hearth-side seating designed for quiet, unhurried time indoors.
The inn operates multiple baths fed from deep underground sources: indoor pools, open-air baths beside the river and reservable private baths that guests can book for exclusive use. This combination makes the property a compact ryokan with private onsen in Okuhida, Gifu, suited to visitors seeking both communal bathing rituals and the option of solitude. The spring water is described by the house as a mildly alkaline bicarbonate type that is drawn from deep wells, and the bathing facilities are presented to support alternating hot-and-cool bathing and riverside outdoor soaking when weather permits.
Meals are presented in a seasonal, locally focused manner—multi-course kaiseki dinners and a traditional breakfast served near the hearth, with some rice cooked over a wood-fired kamado and dishes sourced from the mountain region. Staff maintain a quietly attentive service style typical of a family-run inn, and the location functions as a practical base for nearby attractions such as the Shin-Hodaka Ropeway and mountain hiking routes; road access and short local-bus connections make it reachable from Takayama for day excursions. The ryokan’s compact scale and preserved architecture suit travellers prioritizing traditional onsen experiences and regional cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yamazatonoiori Soene
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional atmosphere
Guests repeatedly praised the ryokan’s genuine Japanese character—traditional architecture, yukata/kimonos, kotatsu and a calm, restorative ambiance that creates a memorable cultural experience.
Attentive, helpful staff
Service is described as excellent and very attentive; staff go out of their way to assist guests, explain dishes/rituals, and many speak English/Chinese which helps non-Japanese visitors.
Outstanding onsen facilities
Multiple bathing options (several public baths, outdoor river-side onsen and three private onsens) were highlighted as beautiful, clean and relaxing. Private baths are convenient for tattooed guests and families.
Excellent, generous kaiseki meals
Dinner and breakfast were frequently called exceptional—multi-course kaiseki using local ingredients, well presented and plentiful; many reviewers said the meals were a trip highlight.
Beautiful, serene mountain setting and comfortable rooms
The property’s location in a quiet mountain valley by a river/waterfall and spacious, clean rooms with great views were praised as ideal for relaxation and a standout part of the stay.
Negative Reviews
Very firm futons
Several guests noted that the futon mattresses are quite hard/very firm and may be uncomfortable for some travellers.
Transport and access challenges
The onsen town is somewhat secluded with infrequent buses (roughly hourly); guests warned to plan connections carefully, bring exact change for buses, or consider renting a car to visit nearby sights.
Occasional disruption/noise during onsen hours
At least one guest reported maintenance work (drilling, banging) near the baths during opening hours, which disrupted the otherwise peaceful onsen experience.
Meal repetition for longer stays
A few guests who stayed multiple nights mentioned that dinner could feel repetitive if staying more than one night and suggested limiting length or varying menus.
Limited accessibility and a few small comfort issues
Reviews pointed out limited facilities for guests with reduced mobility (shared baths required for showers), and a handful of minor comfort complaints such as small pillows, no free/strong coffee and long check-in waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 15 rooms in three types: two room types for 2–4 guests and a larger type for 2–6 guests, with layouts in traditional Japanese style.
Yes — the property offers indoor and open-air hot spring baths fed by its own mild alkaline bicarbonate spring.
Private baths are available and can be reserved for your party; please request a reservation in advance on arrival or when booking.
Public baths may restrict visible tattoos; guests with tattoos can use private baths to ensure privacy and compliance.
There is no regular airport shuttle; most guests travel via JR Takayama Station and then take a public bus to Fukuchi Yurimizaka (HO41), a short walk from the ryokan; taxis and rental cars are alternatives.
Check‑in begins at 15:00 and guests should arrive by 17:00 to be served dinner; arrivals after 18:00 must be notified in advance. Check‑out is typically by 11:00.
Traditional meals are served on site; a set breakfast is provided and kaiseki dinner is offered by reservation — guests are asked to request dinner at least a few days before arrival when possible.
Pets are not permitted. Private baths can be reserved for your group, but full-property privatization is not a standard offering.
The primary language is Japanese; the property and booking information are available in English and staff can assist with basic English, so contact the ryokan ahead if you need additional language support.
The ryokan sits in Okuhida Onsengo near Shin‑Hodaka Ropeway (about a short drive) and is a convenient base for Kamikochi and mountain activities. It is a quiet village with limited shops, so basic shopping is easiest in central Takayama; the nearest bus stop is about a 3‑minute walk.