Patronising staff at welcome. Because I said the tea wasn't hot enough, and wanted more than amoutful, this was called "omoshiroi" by the (Filipino) waitress, speaking to my Japanese wife. I don't like being spoken of in this way, in the hope I won't understand. "Omoshiroi" means "strange", or "funny". Why not courteously explain why the tea was lukewarm, or... More

Our stay at Hida Gasshoen was definitely the highlight of our trip to Japan! We stayed there two nights at the end of May 2009 and were very fortunate to receive a free upgrade to a room with a private bathroom (we had booked a room with a shared bathroom via Rakuten for 16,000 yen a night, including breakfast and... More

Wow, I saw the previous review was pretty harsh. I guess difference experience for different folks. We got to Takayama around 1pm and called the place to arrange pickup at 6pm. At first we wanted pick up at 7pm but they said it was too late so we compromised at 6pm. We went to Hida no Sato village and then... More

Of all the ryokans we stayed in this trip, this inn received the highest rating, yet is clearly the lowest quality one in every way. I think the main reason is that this is one of those inns that cater to the foreigners. They can get away with a lot of things that they would not be able to do... More

Like finding a fabulous b&b, only more fun and less comfortable. This beautiful place includes a real gassho-zukuri house where you are first welcomed with tea by the working irori (hearth) in the dining room. Then you're led to your Japanese-style tatami mat room with shoji doors, a sink, and balcony. If you choose to eat breakfast and dinner onsite... More

This was the fifth hotel out of ten we stayed at during our trip to Japan. Our budget was 10000 Yen per night. Things did not start well when our host forgot to pick us up from the station. Being a 30 minute walk from the train station, we weren't keen to lug our bags to the ryokan. Luckily the... More

This is one the best hotel experiences I have had in Japan! I have stayed @ top-notch $500/night ryokans and this inn definitely is equivalent in quality! They will pick you up @ Takayama JR station and make you feel very welcome. I mean, how many people can say they have stayed at an Edo period Grass Hut in Japan?... More