Gensaku — Hotel in Shirakawa

To be honest, Gensaku isn't our first choice for a night's stay in a Gassho-style house. But it turns out not bad. The food was great and the host (the middle-aged lady and the old lady) were both friendly. I can really feel their hardship with just the two of them running the whole place and cooking every course from scratch.||||But please note the followings:||- The shared bathroom is open till 9 pm only and you can't take a shower in the morning.||- Soundproofing is literally non-existent in these houses, meaning you'd hear your neighbour snore and the host family walking around upstairs. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs.||- Our room is right by a road with motor traffic. It's quiet at night, but we were waken by traffic noises in the morning at around 5:30 am...||- If you want to know more about the history of the house and their way of life, you'll be disappointed. The hosts were so busy and worn out that they have no intention to talk to us except the bare minimum required... (I do speak some Japanese.) But I don't think it only happens exclusively in Gensaku. I suppose most Gassho minshuku are...

We stayed at Gassho Gensaku in mid-December 2023. We have to book the stay thru Shirakawago Tourism Association. Otherwise, you may need to call the operator by phone as most do not have any email provided. Also, you may need to book 2 months in advance as it will be full in the nearer date, especially the peak season.

I like the location of Gensaku, which is within the Ogimachi, where most of the Gassho are. There is a small carpark in front of the minshuku. The room is clean and spacious enough for 4. Though the toilet and bath area are shared, they are clean and good enough for 4 of us and another 2 guests from the other room. It's cozy and not too packed.

The futons were really comfortable, and somehow, I had my best sleep during the stay there. Furthermore, the food prepared by the owner was delicious. The meals were served at the dining area with a functional traditional hearth. We enjoyed the stay very much. Walking around the area is convenient as well. I would strongly recommend staying at Gassho for...

It was a cold cold day. Snow and all. The hosts were really warm and friendly.

arrived at 1030am walked the area, visit the museums, eat our fill of street food and arrived at 3pm for our check-in.

It is a clean, simple place with dinner at 6pm, breakfast at 7.30am. you get a discount to the public onsen located 5mins walk away. And though I can't speak nor understand japanese, the host family still tries to talk to us and communicate with us. Helping us take photos and all. The rice is harvested by them so it is really nice fluffy rice. Food was bountiful.

Highly recommend, especially if you need a comfortable place near the bus interchange. You will be rooming in their guest rooms on the ground floor.

4 pax we had 'adjoining' rooms. Shared toilet and...