The staff were so helpful and friendly, it was lovely to be welcomed with tea and sweets. The food/banquet was absolutely delicious, and the staff were helpful in guiding us through the various meals. I had asked for meals without meat and the chef was very accommodating which I really appreciated. It was lovely to come back from dinner to find our room prepared for sleeping. Felt very well looked after, thank you. And the view from our room was spectacular.

We misunderstood the timings of the outdoor onsen. We thought it alternated times between men and women but in fact women were always outside in the mornings only so we missed the chance to bathe outdoors.

This ryokan is an exceptional establishment, in a great location with impeccable staff. The view from the rooms is incredible in Spring and I imagine the autumn colours are equally wonderful. The staff make every effort to make their guest comfortable and at ease during their stay. This includes an incredible kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast with attentive explanations for non Japanese-speaking guests. The ryokan is well positioned relative to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that make Mt Yoshino an incredible location for culture, history and nature.

There are minor repairs requires to some small finishes in the rooms and some ryokan facilities. This would make this stay 10/10 across the board

You sense immediately the history of this establishment (it started as a monastic lodge in 1754). Exceptional kaiseki dinner and breakfast with a large selection of classic Japanese dishes all made from local produce. The view from the hotel room was breathtaking and the outdoor onsen, which you could access in the morning, was a treat. The couple running the place were so attentive and charming.

The women's onsen only gives access to the outdoor onsen in the morning.

The Hounkan Inn is an excellent Ryokan situated on the upper rings of Yoshino Town, offering an exclusively "Japanese" experience in terms of accommodation (Spacious Tatami Rooms), Scenery (Maple Leaves in the Fall, Cherry Blossoms in the Spring) and Cuisine (A set Japanese course menu for Breakfast and Dinner with no idea what you're gonna get, but you'll enjoy nonetheless!). A fantastic choice for first-time travelers to Yoshino and for any potential Hikers who wish to experience all the beauty and splendor of the Japanese Forest Mountains. Yoshino itself is a UNESCO sanctioned location offering exquisite Shrines all over the Mountain with non-stop spectacular snapshots of scenery for all seasons. I got to see it in the Autumn but I can only imagine if you were to be there during Spring as its Cherry Blossom central. But be warned, the Staff taught us that to get that you have to book MONTHS in advance so if that is on your wish-list, get cracking early! The Inn also has their local celebrity mascot - a gorgeous and friendly Shiba Inu named Waka! A comforting presence after a day of sightseeing or hiking when in Yoshino.

Not something I didn't like, just some advice for any travelers that if your Inn offers a meal package for dinner, it is better to take it. Restaurants close by 5~6PM (if not earlier). There may be one or two open late but for us that required walking out in the dark and the cold to find them - hence why having the meal in the Inn was the better option. Just a piece of advice.

This is a large place ran by an elderly team. Great kaiseki-style dinner and breakfast. Super spacious room. Ours had hand carved wooden decorations and consisted of two actual rooms. Very comfy futons. Two baths, they switch between them morning and night sometimes ncan experience both. Absolutely wonderful staff! Close to local vista points with beautiful views! Overall a bit on a pricey side but very much worth it.

One of baths had the outdoor part closed, so you can only bathe in the indoor pool.

Beautiful place, beautiful hotel, the staff is great. A typical Japanese experience, breakfast and great I loved discovering a lot of foods that I don't usually eat. The view from the room is just sumptuous

Sad that the evening meal is not counted in the price of the room, the price was quite high I would have also wanted to test

A traditional feeling Ryokan, not too expensive, very attentive owners. The view from the room was beautiful and so relaxing after walking all around Yoshino. The onsen was fantastic, especially the side with the working outdoor tub. The meals were very special, with dietary needs accommodated when expressed.

A pleasant surprise of the pick up at the train station given that I sent out my request rather late. The staff is amicable, helpful and sincere. His good service truly brightened up our stay in Yoshino!

The property is well maintained but a little old. Would be great to upgrade and renovate the room to provide further comfort.

The owner and staff are very kind and caring. The woman who serves the meals was great and took time to help us understand what all the varieties of food were. It is a great traditional japanese inn experience with a nice onsen and good quality meals. The location has great views as well, it would be excellent during cherry blossom season.

this is a very traditional Japanese hotel. located in walking distance from the UNESCO village snd sakura. a terrific onsen. quite large. The breakfasts were stunning. quite spectacular in the way they were presented. the staff were so friendly and endeavoured to help us even though we had little Japanese. highly recommended

nothing really. it is an older hotel but that is what made it unique and comfortable.