We booked the Juraku room for the in-room onsen and the room was huge. Many heaters all around to make sure the room was well heated. I was surprised that the only shower in the room was in the semi-open air onsen area, which is freezing cold in the winter, but it was fine after getting into the onsen. The tea in the room was a nice touch that we appreciated. Breakfast was amazing and the rice and grilled miso was some of the best we've had Japan.

The Juraku room we booked features a sunken hearth, which we thought would be converted to a kotatsu, but we were disappointed to find out that the hearth didn't serve any purpose. We separately added on the luxury meal dinner upgrade of pufferfish and Hida beef, but the portion of both was smaller than we expected for the price we paid.

By far the highlight of our trip to Japan. The service was exceptional, far above anything we have experienced before. The staff could not do enough - even running to meet us in the rain with an umbrella when we came back from a day out. The food was truly exceptional, multiple courses, multiple dishes of traditional food. The inn itself was so historic, beautiful. The location was quiet - we hardly saw any other tourists, very different to other aspects of our trip.

Nothing

Wonderful staff, offering perfect service, warm hospitality, the manager even took our photo during the 90 minute traditional evening meal, and gave us the print at breakfast. Superb food, in a beautiful Ryokan, with comfortable Tatami area for beds, set in the most picturesque garden on a river bank. If you do only.1 Ryokan on your trip to Japan, choose this one. You can even reserve a private Onsen for an hour for $12 which gives an amazing couples experience.

The ryokan is filled with magnificent art works, tastefully arranged throughout. Our very large suite was on the top floor and had its own onsen bath that looked out towards the river and temple. It was quite sublime. The bed was comfortable even if the pillows were not but those ‘pellet filled’ pillows are pretty standard throughout Japan. The kaiseiki menu in the evening was excellent and the choice of western/japanese breakfast was nice to rotate through. The staff were very pleasant and thoughtful.

Although a small issue, having to pay for a coffee with breakfast was rather mean when the cost of the accomodation was $1000 a night. The upselling of menu choices and high prices for sake also threw shade on what was otherwise an excellent experience.

Our stay at Yatsuankan was one of the highlights of our trips to Japan. The people who run the ryokan were very friendly and helpful. The location of the ryokan with views that look over the river across a scenic view was amazing. The meal service was a definite highlight, with each 4-course meal served in a different room by a staff that was very kind and courteous, as well as the very relaxing hot bath onsen that was available at the ryokan. The ryokan itself is very beautiful to walk around and explore, and they have a gift store with many tempting reasonable priced items available for purchase. We were there during cherry blossom time, and the views of the blossoms from our window and from the riverside near the inn were exceptional. One evening, the inn offered a bus ride to see cherry blossoms illuminated at night. The hotel was a short walk from the train station, and when we notified the ryokan of our arrival time, they brought a van to the station to pick up our luggage. What service! A truly memorable experience. This is our second time staying at Yatsusankan, and we look forward to the time when we can return.

We liked everything about the place.

Absolutely beautiful historic building with incredible views out onto the river and architecture of Hida. Our private bath and room were gorgeous and luxurious. Beds were very comfortable. The dinner and breakfast were phenomenal traditional experiences. The staff gifted us both with beautiful chopsticks for our honeymoon. Wonderful location- just steps to the historic streets of Hida and only a short walk from the station. If you are looking for a wonderful blend of the traditional ryokan experience with some modern luxuries thrown in, this is the place.

This hotel was one of the few Ryokans that truly keep the history alive. From the front desk to the structure of the hotel, I felt like I was taken back in time to the Edo Period. The hospitality of the hotel was like entering into a 5 star hotel. They truly explain the details and try to meet all your needs. The hotel and onsen was absolutely beautiful. The food was the best I've had at a Ryokan so far. This hidden gem is truly a hotel I'd recommend to anyone. The Hida village is an absolute beauty as well, with not too many tourists at the time I went. Everywhere I look was just so mesmerizing. I truly felt spoiled and rested at this Ryokan. This place made my entire Japan trip a memorable one.

The property was exactly as explained so much character and tradition. The onsen was amazing and such a treat, the food was delightful (although some tricky for a western palate). It was lovely to walk across the bridge to see some sites and the carp in the rivers. The staff literally couldn’t have done more to help us and be attentive. The room size was generous too.

The only thing was that some of the hotel was a bit worn but I don’t think it mattered as it added to the flavour.

Customer Service The customer service from the staff is exceptional. I believe the hotel/staff uses Booking.com as the main communication, after I completed the booking, they sent me a message a few days before the check-in to let me know some basic info. I overlooked it. Otherwise, when you arrived the hotel, there was a staff that showed you around the hotel, introducing you the facilities, the procedures and regulations, what time is dinner/breakfast, what to eat, bathhouse regulations, etc... They will help you with your luggage and as I drove to the hotel, you just need to drive to the front door and they'll help you park the car. Room The room is spacious and clean with separate toilet and shower/bath. If you choose the tatami bed rooms, not to worry about it. Whilst you have your dinner, they will set it up for you so when you return to your room, its well set up. Bathhouse / Onsen They are clean and very comfortable. Obviously there are separate male and female ones with indoor and outdoor available. Two very different settings. We only managed to explore the outdoor ones. For the outdoor ones, they usually change it overnight to give both male and females a different environment and views. I would suggest you to visit it at check-in and go for a quick visit in the morning before you check out. As I only stayed for 1 night, I didn't manage to have time to visit the indoor one. Food I chose the dinner and breakfast option, it was very delicious and well enough to eat. Most of the dishes were small portions but after a few dishes it should be enough. Inside the room there is a biscuit and tea available. Environment There are plenty of resting and lounge areas for you to sit down to read, watch your on tablet or chat with friends/family/partner or simply just zone. There is one big lounge or resting area that has 2 massage chairs, 2 sofas with some basic small massage equipments to massage yourself.

Honestly, I couldn't think of much that I didn't like about it. Perhaps if I really have to be nip picking: Check-in / Check-out Time From 3pm (check-in) to 10am (check-out time) its really hard to enjoy and make the best out of the facilities. Perhaps they can consider during off season or when the occupancy is low can extend the check-out time subject to discretion. However I understand thats the standard check-out time for most Japan hotels. Also with shortening the cleaning time, the rooms and facilities may not be that clean as it is. I really cannot think of much I can complain or dislike about it. If there are, I am really just criticising for the sake of it.

I came here for my birthday. Unfortunately we didn't get there until late around 8pm, due to trains and train problems: they leave Nagoya every 2 hours and ours was delayed (so give yourself time to get there at a reasonable time) {I phoned them to let them know we would be late},you will also need to take a local train from Takayama. It was raining and we were cold and tired. Since we were late I wasn't sure if we would get supper even though I had paid for it. But thankfully we did and the food was excellent! Very fancy! We ate in a private dinning room looking out on to a garden. Our room was excellent! It was quite big for Japan. There was tatami mats, interesting monkey scroll in the alcove, interesting classy furnishings even the bathroom sink was beautiful. The hot springs/ baths were very good , I enjoyed the outdoor ones which had beautiful gardens. I loved wandering the halls of this ryokan lots of traditional architecture and art work (a beautiful folding screen). You really can feel the history of this hotel.

The futon was a little hard for me and I didn't sleep too well, But I think they would have given extra bedding if I asked. The indoor 24 hour bath is not as nice as the main baths.