Yamazato-no-iori Soen — Attraction in Takayama

We stayed for 2 nights in this beautiful ryokan in Okuhidaonsengofukuji area, about an by bus from Takayama bus terminal (located right next to Takayama train station). ||This ryokan has 15 rooms, one restaurant and 3 Onsens. One is open to the public* (but we didn’t see anyone outside the ryokan using this facility during our stay), one is located outdoors by the river (segregated by gender) and another is located across the road from the ryokan which is for private use (3 different rooms with indoor and outdoor pools which one can used in private, that is, with lockable doors to those units). ||*Pubic: we discovered most ryokans in the area offer paid access to its public pool. Fees charged are very reasonable ranging from 500-800 Yen per visit. We didn’t bother to check out other paid onsens in the area as we have access to 3 different types of onsens in this ryokan. ||I personally like the public ryokan as it’s the most well maintained (free from fallen leaves, floor is well scrubbed, etc). I also like the onsen by the river for its view (it offers unobstructed view of the river and mountain). ||We had breakfast and dinner in its one and only (amazing) restaurant. Just about every dish served was a work of art. ||From this ryokan, it’s a short 20-min bus ride to Shinhotaka Ropeway. We bought the return, hop on and off, bus tickets from Takayama to Shinhotaka Ropeway which worked out very well. ||For those contemplating the option to drive, yes, I think renting a car for this journey would certainly bring more flexibility to your travel itinerary. However, we also find the bus service to be very dependable and pleasant...

We stayed for 2 nights in this beautiful ryokan in Okuhidaonsengofukuji area, about an by bus from Takayama bus terminal (located right next to Takayama train station). ||This ryokan has 15 rooms, one restaurant and 3 Onsens. One is open to the public* (but we didn’t see anyone outside the ryokan using this facility during our stay), one is located outdoors by the river (segregated by gender) and another is located across the road from the ryokan which is for private use (3 different rooms with indoor and outdoor pools which one can used in private, that is, with lockable doors to those units). ||*Pubic: we discovered most ryokans in the area offer paid access to its public pool. Fees charged are very reasonable ranging from 500-800 Yen per visit. We didn’t bother to check out other paid onsens in the area as we have access to 3 different types of onsens in this ryokan. ||I personally like the public ryokan as it’s the most well maintained (free from fallen leaves, floor is well scrubbed, etc). I also like the onsen by the river for its view (it offers unobstructed view of the river and mountain). ||We had breakfast and dinner in its one and only (amazing) restaurant. Just about every dish served was a work of art. ||From this ryokan, it’s a short 20-min bus ride to Shinhotaka Ropeway. We bought the return, hop on and off, bus tickets from Takayama to Shinhotaka Ropeway which worked out very well. ||For those contemplating the option to drive, yes, I think renting a car for this journey would certainly bring more flexibility to your travel itinerary. However, we also find the bus service to be very dependable and pleasant...

I was absolutely blown away by Yamazatonoiori Soene. If you are looking for 5 star experience without overpaying much like at other ryokans in more populous areas, this is your spot. The catch here is that Yamazatonoiori is not in your typical touristy area, and thus is a bit harder to get to, but it is totally worth it. Plus, the trip up to the mountains is beautiful so you can really enjoy the journey there too. During a 2 week trip to Japan, we did this right in the middle (between Tokyo and Kyoto) and it was a perfect 2 night get away from the chaos of the cities. We used trains and a bus to get there and it wasn't too bad.||||The service is wonderful, the setting is serene and so beautiful, and the ryokan is very authentic feeling and has a ton of character.||||The staff doesn't speak English very well, but enough for you to get by. The rooms are outstanding, and the food is absolutely amazing. Truly authentic and Michelin start quality. You really can't get a better deal.||||The onsens are stunning and so many different options. There are 3 private onsens (each with an indoor and outdoor onsen), as well as 3 other public onsens each more beautiful than the next.||||Do yourself a favor...