Okada Ryokan Warakutei — Hotel in Takayama

I initially booked this place as a stop before heading to Kamikochi the next morning. However, due to a change in plans, I didn’t need to rush out—and I’m so glad I had more time to enjoy the stay!

The room was very spacious and thoughtfully separated in a traditional Japanese ryokan style. The futon was incredibly warm and cozy, and even without turning on the air conditioner, the weather was cool and refreshing during my stay.

The location is very quiet—feels like a small village or local community—and just a short distance from Hirayu Onsen, where you can catch the bus to Kamikochi. Parking at the hotel was also convenient.

The room itself felt neither too old nor brand new—just the right kind of comfort. The onsen area, however, looked a bit older. The outdoor bath had some visible dust and cloudiness in the water, but the view was wonderfully serene. Shampoo, body soap, and all bath essentials were provided. The dressing room was clean with lockers and a variety of lotions and creams available.

One bonus: there was a lovely little cherry blossom garden near the hotel. Even though I visited in May, some sakura were still in bloom! Place: オクヒダバギー on Google Maps

Communication before check-in was a bit difficult, but once I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by a kind and friendly female staff member who made me feel at home.

As for the breakfast, it was rather simple—but I assume it reflects local tastes and traditions, so it’s understandable.

Overall, a quiet and relaxing stay—perfect if you’re visiting the Okuhida area or heading...

I had a terrible stay at the Okada Ryokan. We spent two nights in the Japanese Alps and the comparison between the two ryokan was astonishing. Service was very poor here, with staff never at the front desk, taking minutes to come out after we loudly called out for them multiple times.

Food was far lower quality, and MUCH smaller portions, than the pictures on Google, Rakuten Travel, and Booking— mostly unseasoned, little to no prep-work (do they even have a chef anymore?) and most dishes were cold and pre-made, rather then cooked at the inn. Breakfast was even worse than the dinner, and when we finally complained, they told us the meal was small because the management had put us down as a “second consecutive night stay” when it was our first time ever staying there!

The bed wasn’t a futon, but instead an eggcarton-style foam pad, windows were uncleaned and had streaks and water stains all over them, and the teapot in the room still had some old tea at the bottom of it. There was even a large spider inside our room! The onsen was hot, but left our skin feeling tingly and dry. At the end, they apologised to us without even making eye contact (just looking at the computer) and refused to offer anything besides their...

Incredibly sweet staff, who were welcoming and kind even when we came back covered in mud from a brutal hike. They were flexible when adjustments needed to be made, the food was amazing and a good opportunity to taste traditional Japanese cooking, and our room- we chose one with a personal onsen and courtyard- was stunningly beautiful and spacious. Both the personal, and shared, onsens were relaxing and the perfect temperature. There were few other tourists from outside Japan in the area, which made it feel like a hidden gem for tourists like us (though I'll admit that sounds a bit shallow).

It's very close to spectacular hiking spots on actual live volcanos- but please bear in mind that some of them can be quite challenging. If you can push through that aspect, you will be in for an incredible journey, one where you can feel the heat of the volcano emanating from the ground as you climb its slopes. And if you choose to drive here- the best choice in my opinion- you are in for some stunning views as you meander through tunnels and mountain towns.

Thank you, Okada ryokan- you were a highlight for our journey through Japan. We can't wait to come...