Yukimurasaki
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 590 reviews
Yukimurasaki sits in the Okuhida/Shinhotaka hot‑spring district outside Takayama, occupying a quiet mountainside position with views over forested slopes and peaks. The property is a short walk from the Shinhotaka Onsenguchi bus stop and about a ten‑minute bus ride from the Shinhotaka Ropeway, which makes it a convenient base for alpine sightseeing and access to nearby outdoor attractions. The atmosphere is intentionally low‑key and non‑smoking, focused on relaxation rather than nightlife; public spaces and room balconies are arranged to take advantage of the surrounding natural scenery. As a ryokan with onsen in Takayama, it emphasises a traditional, intimate pace of stay rather than hotel‑style bustle.
Accommodation mixes Japanese and Western styles: rooms offer heated tatami, choices of futon or Western beds, and wood‑trimmed balconies that open toward the mountains. Many guest rooms include their own hot‑spring tubs—small wooden or stone baths set inside or immediately outside the sleeping area—so visitors can enjoy private soaks without leaving the room. Standard in‑room amenities typically include a tea set, minibar, and Japanese sleepwear; staff presentation follows the ryokan tradition of attentive, understated service. For travellers specifically seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Gifu, these in‑room baths and the option to reserve larger baths for exclusive use are a defining feature.
On the property there are two larger hot‑spring baths that can be booked for private use, allowing couples or small groups a more secluded onsen experience without extra facilities nearby. Meals are served in a dining room and focus on multi‑course Japanese cuisine prepared from regional ingredients; breakfast and dinner are both arranged to complement the ryokan rhythm. Practical conveniences include on‑site parking and multilingual front‑desk support in peak seasons, making the property suitable for visitors who want a compact, traditional Japanese onsen stay with easy access to the mountain attractions of the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yukimurasaki
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen experience
Private in‑room hot baths plus access to a rooftop onsen with mountain and star views; guests mention being able to enjoy baths at sunrise, sunset or after hiking and appreciating temperature control and privacy.
Excellent traditional meals
Kaiseki‑style dinners and hearty breakfasts receive frequent praise for quality, variety and presentation. Staff also accommodated dietary requests (eg. vegetarian options or meat substitutions) when notified.
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviews highlight warm, attentive hosts and reception staff who assist with planning, guidance around the area and small thoughtful touches during the stay.
Scenic, peaceful location
Guests value the ryokan’s setting in the Japanese Alps—quiet, beautiful mountain views and easy access for hikes. Several also note the bus stop is right in front, useful for trips to Kamikochi or nearby sights.
Authentic, comfortable rooms and service details
Traditional Japanese rooms are described as spacious, clean and authentic with comfortable futons (often prepared during dinner). Reviewers appreciated attention to detail and general cleanliness and comfort.
Negative Reviews
Location can be difficult to reach without a car
Some guests found the ryokan remote and a bit hard to access by transport; while buses from Takayama/Hirayu are available, visitors recommend planning connections in advance.
Insects around outdoor areas
Occasional presence of horseflies and wasps was reported near outdoor bathtubs and the parking area — an issue attributed to the natural surroundings.
Minor maintenance and cleanliness concerns
A few guests noted aged room elements (eg. small leaks under sinks) or spots that could use extra cleaning or upkeep, though most still found rooms generally clean and comfortable.
Isolated incidents of unfriendly or inflexible service
While service is mostly praised, some guests experienced a colder reception at check‑out or felt ignored in the lobby when waiting after checkout; late‑checkout flexibility was limited in at least one report.
Traditional breakfast and facilities may not suit all travellers
The fully traditional morning meals (eg. fish, rice, tofu and little/no coffee) and some outdoor shower setups can be challenging for certain guests; a lingering smoky cooking smell on clothing was also mentioned by one visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary by type: traditional Japanese rooms sleep 2–3 on futons, tatami rooms and suites can sleep up to 4–6 using combinations of beds and futons; check the specific room details when booking.
Yes — many rooms feature private hot‑spring bathtubs and the property has two larger onsen baths that can be reserved for private use at no extra charge.
The ryokan does not advertise a regular airport shuttle; it is served directly by the Shinhotaka Onsenguchi bus stop in front of the property, so most guests arrive by train/bus transfers or private car.
The property is best reached via Takayama area public transport — JR Takayama Station and local bus services connect to Shinhotaka Onsenguchi (about 90 minutes by bus from Takayama); the Shinhotaka Ropeway is roughly 10 minutes away by bus.
Staff speak Japanese and there is English assistance available at reception and in guest reviews, though levels may vary; simple English communication is generally possible.
Specific check‑in and check‑out times are provided on your booking confirmation; if you need an earlier arrival or late departure, contact the property in advance to request arrangements.
Pets are not admitted at the property; private use of the onsen baths is offered by reservation, while full‑property privatization is not standard and must be discussed directly with the ryokan.
Okuhida Onsen is a small mountain village with limited shopping; for a wider selection of convenience stores or supermarkets you may need to travel to nearby towns such as Takayama, or ask reception to help source essentials.
Dinner and breakfast are served in the dining room as traditional Japanese set meals using local seasonal ingredients; notify the ryokan in advance about dietary restrictions or allergies.
The ryokan is ideal for mountain and sightseeing access — the Shinhotaka Ropeway is about 10 minutes by bus, Kamikochi about one hour by bus, and Mount Norikura and other Okuhida sights are within easy day‑trip distance via local buses.