BOSENKAN — Hotel in Gero

I booked this hotel after reading some reviews saying it was old and the food was average, but generally clean. I’ve stayed at older ryokans before (such as in Arima Onsen), and as long as they’re clean, I don’t mind the age. The price here was reasonable and included dinner and breakfast, so I didn’t expect much — just something simple and filling.

When I first entered the room, it was as expected — old-fashioned, dimly lit, but reasonably clean. The view from the room was nice as well. However, when I went to bed, I noticed a strange smell. I thought it might be from the heater, so I turned it off, but the smell remained. I then suspected it might come from the bedding or mattress. Since it’s an older property, I decided to try to sleep anyway, but I barely slept the whole night.

Around 6 a.m., I discovered the real source of the odor — when I opened the bathroom door, a very strong urine smell came out. It was so unpleasant that I had to open the window immediately. I decided to report it to the hotel after using the morning hot spring.

Two staff members came to check the room (a man and a woman, both seemed to be from India). At first, they thought maybe a staff member had accidentally used the bathroom earlier, but after they did something inside, the smell became even stronger — to the point that it was difficult to breathe. They left and later returned with another woman to inspect further, then suggested I go have breakfast.

Breakfast wasn’t good either, and because I wasn’t feeling well from the smell, I could hardly eat. Afterward, I packed up and went to the lobby to speak with them again. They apologized and said they didn’t know what caused it. Later, after the manager got involved (through translation), I was told about a refund. I thought it would be 70%, but after the process, I realized it was only 30%. I didn’t have the energy to argue further, so I just accepted it.

Overall, it was a very unpleasant experience. I didn’t get any proper rest, felt unwell, and it affected the rest of my trip. I hope the hotel can properly fix the cleanliness and odor issue for...

Nestled in the heart of Gero Onsen, Bosenkan is a storied ryokan that has been offering warm hospitality since 1818. This gem is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that transports you back in time while providing all the modern comforts you could wish for. The moment we arrived, we were enveloped in a sense of calm and tradition that only a historic ryokan can provide.

One of the highlights of our stay was the variety of onsen baths available at Bosenkan. Each bath draws from the rich, mineral waters that have made Gero Onsen one of Japan’s top three hot springs. The onsen experience here is nothing short of magical. Whether soaking in the outdoor baths surrounded by nature or enjoying the indoor baths with their elegant design, each moment was pure relaxation. The mineral-rich waters left us feeling rejuvenated and at peace, a true testament to the healing properties of Gero Onsen.

Our room was another highlight of the stay. It was a tranquil retreat that offered breathtaking views of the meticulously kept Japanese garden and the serene Hida River. The room was beautifully appointed with traditional tatami mats and sliding shoji doors, blending authenticity with comfort. The attention to detail in every aspect of the room made our stay even more special, from the cozy futons to the thoughtful amenities provided.

Staying at Bosenkan felt like stepping back in time while enjoying the best of Japanese hospitality. The ryokan’s rich history, combined with its warm service and exceptional facilities, made it a truly unforgettable experience. For anyone visiting Gero Onsen, Bosenkan is more than just a place to rest; it’s a journey into the heart of Japanese culture...

Do not book this hotel. Staff is unfriendly and not willing to help. I had a situation with my booking, the manger ( or whom looks like managing level) was witnessing the entire situation and refuse to walk towards us to help even we showed that we are unhappy with the situation. The handling staff was helpless cause he is very green and cannot make decision. This is unexpectable hospitality.Another unpleasant experience we had was the entire property is too crowded. There are big groups like 30+ , obviously from traveling agency, our stay was noisy and not relaxed. I don’t recommend if you’re looking for a quiet and serene Onsen stay. After the private Onsen, my husband and I was itching the whole night which never happened to us in other Onsen. We also found bed bites on the tatami and everything in the room is pretty old and unfixed, obvious they do not care.Last but not least, they lied. We had a problem with our booking, I arrived two days earlier than my booking, I was asked to re-book and pay on-site and to ask for refund on trip.com later, which we did. On site was more expansive but we accepted that because it was our mistake. We told them clearly we are not going to come again on the wrong date. We also book in the same name so they are clearly aware that we came already. I submitted a refund request immediately and got no reply for 2 days. Until the day of, trip.com called me and said hotel refuse to refund and claim they have prepared the room. This is very shady because they clearly knew and also we were ticked into paying on-site, thinking they will amend our wrong booking. At the end, we are double charged for a shitty experience. I cannot believe I’m experiencing...