It is an awesome place. when we arrived, it was almost 6pm and the sky was completely dark. When we saw the room, we were completely impressed by the snowy landscape outside. The service was impeccable and the attention to details was amazing. The food experience was also out of this world with many local customary dishes made from local produce. The place was very well maintained despite being 160 years-old.

For the price we paid, I thought the quantity of food was on the small side. For small eaters, it may be ok. For bigger eaters, it may be a challenge.

We stayed in the Deluxe Japanese Style House, or Garyu Villa. The entire experience was amazing. The staff were all incredibly friendly and patient, and every moment seemed carefully choreographed to make our stay peaceful and relaxing. The food at both dinner and breakfast were delicious and presented so beautifully, and the private time in the onsen after dinner was lovely (you sign up for dinner time and private onsen time during check-in). Our villa was beautiful, as were the rest of the grounds. Every little space in the villa was delicately designed and comfortable, either with lovely art or a gorgeous view of the river. The lighting in every space was either beautifully dramatic or gentle and tranquil. The beds were more like western mattresses than futon, and very comfortable. Even the bathtowels were notably glorious! The gentleman serving hot sake and magic tricks around the fire in the lobby after dinner should be designated as a national treasure!

Literally the only downside was that there wasn't simple green tea in the villa itself... black tea bags and fancy matcha, with instructions for making matcha in a traditional way that we failed at. :-) We had to enjoy the provided sake instead!

Both the kaiseki dinner and the breakfast were exceptional. Onsen rooms for men and women were switched as usual between one day and the next, so we were able to enjoy both room styles: a large, simple hinoki bath and a rock garden style bath. The reception area's large traditional iro seating area was comfortable, and the complimentary warmed sake and impromptu magic show provide some evening amusement. It's not close to anything, which is great, but also something to be aware of. The cluster of relocated traditional buildings including two thatched roof gassho zukuri kominka, were very impressive.

It would be great to also provide a rotemburo (outside bath) with visibility to the river. The kaiseki meals were served in a screened dining room instead of in our rooms, which was fine, but not expected. I understand that it's logistically more practical, but serving in our room at the table overlooking the river would have been just a bit better, especially in such an otherwise traditional place.

Beautiful traditional ryokan set in the forest next to a river. Staff took great effort to provide excellent service.

Smell of the smoke from the fire place (irori ?) in the reception area was very strong and permeated the corridors and lobby. I think it would be very difficult for asthmatic people to stay here if the fire is going. It was beautiful to see, but we could not stay any longer than five minutes in this area of the building. We also thought that the dining area was too bright and not very private. For a property of this caliber, we would expect to have more privacy and better ambience. Compared to several other luxury ryokans we have stayed at, the kaiseki dinner was mediocre and the individual courses did not have the level of presentation that we were used to. Breakfast, though, was good and well presented, and helped us to leave on a bit more of a positive note.

The meals were sublime and the onsen was great. The river view cannot be beat, it's truly a great way to feel immersed in nature and at peace. I loved that they provided tea for you to make in your room. Yukata is provided which was fun to wear. The shuttle pickup service to/from the station was very convenient as we did not have a car.

There is a bit of a smoky smell to the property but that is because of the traditional hearth "irori". The hallways are colder in winter as there is no "central heating" but it didn't bother me at all. The rooms have heaters and are very warm. I am not sure if the high price of the booking is worth it, but I don't regret my stay there.

Stayed for 2 nights in November. Traditional ryokan, with an excellent Onsen. The whole place radiates quality and style. service level and both dinner and Breakfast are top notch. Rooms are spacious and location/ view from the room - Especially in autumn time - is to die for. We choose for 2 nights to be able to fully absorb the atmosphere. Although still steep in price, quality, atmosphere and service level is much higher than a top ranked - nearly twice as expensive - ryokan we stayed at in 2018

Nothing. Reading the reviews people have to realize this is a traditional ryokan in an over 100 years old building with all its quirks. In our opinion that’s a part of its charms

Felt like we were living in a movie set in ancient Japan. Service was impossibly perfect. The food was incredible and carefully prepared. The setting next to a babbling brook with the rooms all decorated from pre-modern japan era, was surreal. The Onsen was completely unique with a beautiful view of the river. Our family of 6 had many stops in our inaugural trip to Japan, Wanosato was by far the top highlight. I can’t recommend highly enough!

We loved everything!

Beautiful. I wish we could go back soon. The place is dreamlike, next to a lovely river that calms you down with its sounds. Staff was super attentive. They picked us up from the train station and dropped us on the next day. The place was amazing, traditional, unique, everything we were hoping for. The room was incredible, huge! beautifully decorated, tea, coffee, cold water available. I LOVED the yukatas and the traditional beds. Both onsen were amazing. We had a lovely time. The food both dinner and breakfast was INCREDIBLE. everything was spectacular, flavours, presentation, etc.

Slightly mouldy smell on the hallways and entrance of the room, but definitely didn't ruin the experience. The outside part could be a bit more taken care off so you can also enjoy a short walk or relaxing next to the river.

Every aspect of our stay was absolutely delightful. From the kindness of the staff to the excellent quality of services and cuisine. Very kind welcome and wonderful room by the river with stunning views. Dinner was absolutely delicious and we even had the chance to have the Onsen just for us. Our waitress was so kind and fun ! We loved the after dinner impromptu magic show for a very kind gentleman from the staff.

Most amazing luxury ryokan with Michelin rated food. Keizeki meals were absolutely extraordinary. Beautiful setting and very comfortable rooms. Very stylish traditional clothing. Great onsen bathing facilities.

It’s a bit outside of Takayama, but the property provides a free shuttle service from the train station. It’s worth coming for two nights, as one night is really quick: check in is at 3pm and check out at 11am.