Wwuzhi0603Takayama: A very quiet city, and the only place that surprised me beyond my expectations. This hotel offers incredible value for money; it's clean, tidy, and pays attention to all the little details. There's an onsen (hot spring bath) on the rooftop, and the room was restocked with toiletries every day. Every staff member was proactive and enthusiastic, making other hotels feel a bit cold in comparison. Although the room was small, it was perfectly functional, and the breakfast was quite substantial, with items continuously replenished right up until closing. 👍
SShiori SCThe hotel is very close to JR Takayama Station. After exiting the station, you don't need to cross the road; just turn right towards Tokyu Stay, and you'll find it after passing Ajikura Tengoku. The hotel's decor is very unique. We booked a corner triple room, so the space was incredibly spacious and comfortable. Besides drip coffee and tea bags, the room also provided bottled mineral water. There's an open-air bath on the 9th floor – simply flawless. Before my trip, I read many reviews recommending Hida beef, but to my dismay, I discovered Ajikura Tengoku was closed when I arrived (ugh!). Luckily, I quickly found Maruaki, a famous Hida beef restaurant open year-round. The beef was incredibly rich and fatty – you'll definitely fall in love with Hida beef! I'm already planning to come back next year! 😋
GGuest UserMay 15-16, 2024
From the moment we saw photos of this special place on the internet, we knew we had to stay here!
The natural rock onsen baths caught our imagination - and our stay was wonderful beyond expectations!
The resort is located in a forested valley is stunning, next to a rushing river. Natural mountain hot spring water is channeled into 7 lovely outdoor onsen baths, as well as ensuite baths.
The facility is beautifully designed with gardens and multi-level suites, with each of the levels looking out to the river, with plenty of seating to enjoy the relaxing and lovely views.
We were treated with limitless thoughtful hospitality from the moment we arrived, to the moment we left - in fact, one of our group kept commenting ”the y[the staff] must think we're really special!”.
The suite was beautifully appointed with tatami mats, traditional Japanese decor, comfortable beds, yukata and slippers are provided along with tabi socks and plenty of clean linens. Our suite had its own private onsen bath encircled by natural stones, and constantly running hot spring water. Such a contrast to water-parched California and even Hawaii where we're from! The outdoor onsens are open all night, for viewing of the starry night sky.
The kaiseki dinner was exceptional, with many many delicious small plates, each exquisitely prepared and presented - a petite, freshly caught local fish was skewered as if swimming and roasted in a salt shell. Utterly delicious! In the morning, after a similarly wonderful breakfast, we experienced a mochi-pounding session with the hotel staff and guests joining in - lots of fun - photos were provided!
Transportation - It was a challenge figuring out how to get to this place - finally, we had a Japanese-speaking hotel clerk call the resort, and got instructions for the 1-hour bus ride from Takayama bus station to Shinhotaka Onsen / Nakao Kou-gen-guchi. There are buses running every hour! We walked to the resort from the bus stop when we arrived, and a shuttle van to the bus stop was thoughtfully provided by the resort when we left.
PS) I was unable to upload photos. Please provide an email, because you won't want to miss seeing this beautiful place!
AAnonymous UserLocation near the station and bus stop. Walkable to old city and morning market. They have private onsen and public onsen. Free ramen at night and drinks at lobby. No shoes allowed inside property. Clean room and comfortable bed.
AAnonymous UserGreat location!! Next to train station and close to the bus terminal..there are washing machine and microwave in the room. Excellent breakfast but try to come earlier to avoid long queue. Love outdoor onsen!! Staff were helpful and friendly. Will definitely stay here again.
PPolina StrizhevskaiaI absolutely loved this hotel! It's located on a mountain, and the old building evokes the atmosphere of old Japan. The rooms in the old part have a stunning view of the city—you just want to sit and relax. The service is beyond praise, the food is delicious, and the hot springs are lovely. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
LLee JohnnieOne of the most unforgettable stays we’ve ever had. From the moment my family stepped through the door, we were wrapped in a warm, cosy ambience that instantly made us feel at ease. The room was impeccably clean and wonderfully comfortable, offering the perfect space to relax and unwind. Both dinner and breakfast were nothing short of exceptional—each meal thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delightful. The onsen, overlooking a serene river view, was the true highlight, creating a tranquil and almost dreamlike experience. Every moment spent there felt precious and completely worthwhile.
MM60550****Environment and Service: The hotel is quite large and relatively new, with a big courtyard perfect for a stroll. There's also a shuttle service to and from the station. The only minor drawback is that rooms on one side face the train tracks, which can be a bit noisy, and the soundproofing isn't great.
MMike IgOur stay at Ryokan Gizan was a truly memorable experience. This is a traditionally built and decorated Japanese ryokan, with tatami floors, sliding doors, and an authentic atmosphere that makes you feel fully immersed in Japanese culture. It’s definitely a “must-visit” if you’re looking to experience traditional Japanese accommodation — even a short stay of 2–3 nights is enough to make it special.
The ryokan is quite old, which actually adds to its authentic charm, though it might feel a bit less comfortable for more demanding guests. That said, it’s very well maintained and everything is clean and thoughtfully arranged.
The onsen facilities were excellent — one public bath and four private ones that you can use freely. After long days of exploring, it was a real treat.
We highly recommend booking with the traditional dinner included. The meals were a highlight: we had Yakiniku the first night and Shabu-shabu the second, both featuring fresh, generous portions of delicious food. Breakfast was a traditional Japanese set — beautifully presented and made with care, though not quite to our personal taste.
The location is stunning — surrounded by mountains, rivers, and blossoming trees. It feels peaceful and remote. Just note that amenities like ATMs or grocery stores are limited nearby. However, it’s well connected by bus (just a 3-minute walk from the ryokan), which can take you to Kamikochi or the terminals at Takayama and Hirayu Onsen. Buses run about once an hour, so it’s quite manageable.
Overall, a fantastic stay — relaxing, unique, and highly recommended for anyone looking to experience a more traditional and scenic side of Japan.
DDigua(xuzhigang)No need for a car from H. Just exit the station, turn left, and walk through a pedestrian tunnel, and you're right at the hotel entrance. The water garden inside the hotel is beautiful, and both breakfast and dinner are good. Definitely recommend!