Okuhida Onsen Matsunoi — Hotel in Takayama

We spent 2 wonderfully relaxing nights at this haven of tranquility surrounded by mountains just 1 hour's scenic bus ride from historic Takayama and half an hour to the Shinhotaka ropeway, a double cable car ride up the snow covered mountain in the other direction. Buses run hourly from Takayama bus centre adjacent to Takayama train station but cease early evening, so there's plenty of time to take dinner and relax in the hotel's own indoor/outdoor hot spring pools (separate facilities for men & women, though the private wooden or ceramic bath can be booked). |Suggest checking the Nohi bus timetable from Takayama to Shinhotaka before booking your train ticket to ensure there is a bus stopping at Ue Ji gane Kogen departing after your train's arrival! Tickets can be purchased at the office counter (2/3 day combination tickets may offer better value) or as you exit the bus. If you have time over there's a cafe with free wifi across the road.|The inkeeper speaks little English but runs a tight ship and is attentive to every detail that will enhance the enjoyment of your stay. From the warm welcome with heated washcloths and refreshing cup of green tea hearthside, to extra logs thrown into the foyer stove at night the moment we stood around it. On departure day he even drove alongside the bus stop and offered us a ride down the mountain to a better connection point! Kimono clad staff move inconspicuously and efficiently about their business, and the ryokan serves delicious traditional food (and drinks) in your tatami mat room (ours had ensuite facilities). Our cheerful room attendant Aki appeared to be the only staff member who speaks English and worked hard to explain everything. Futon linens and kimonos were refreshed daily. Towels also, though these are small! Our stay at Hina no Yakata Matsunoi was a unique experience and the highlight...

We spent 2 wonderfully relaxing nights at this haven of tranquility surrounded by mountains just 1 hour's scenic bus ride from historic Takayama and half an hour to the Shinhotaka ropeway, a double cable car ride up the snow covered mountain in the other direction. Buses run hourly from Takayama bus centre adjacent to Takayama train station but cease early evening, so there's plenty of time to take dinner and relax in the hotel's own indoor/outdoor hot spring pools (separate facilities for men & women, though the private wooden or ceramic bath can be booked). |Suggest checking the Nohi bus timetable from Takayama to Shinhotaka before booking your train ticket to ensure there is a bus stopping at Ue Ji gane Kogen departing after your train's arrival! Tickets can be purchased at the office counter (2/3 day combination tickets may offer better value) or as you exit the bus. If you have time over there's a cafe with free wifi across the road.|The inkeeper speaks little English but runs a tight ship and is attentive to every detail that will enhance the enjoyment of your stay. From the warm welcome with heated washcloths and refreshing cup of green tea hearthside, to extra logs thrown into the foyer stove at night the moment we stood around it. On departure day he even drove alongside the bus stop and offered us a ride down the mountain to a better connection point! Kimono clad staff move inconspicuously and efficiently about their business, and the ryokan serves delicious traditional food (and drinks) in your tatami mat room (ours had ensuite facilities). Our cheerful room attendant Aki appeared to be the only staff member who speaks English and worked hard to explain everything. Futon linens and kimonos were refreshed daily. Towels also, though these are small! Our stay at Hina no Yakata Matsunoi was a unique experience and the highlight...

Finding this place is a bit tricky since i can't read japanese and the website directions are all in Jap!||||Nevertheless we figured it out and took the public transport which stops at the bustop just outside.||||Upon arrival we were greeted warmly by an elderly staff who was very nice, which made us feel very welcomed. Was served green tea while checking in||||We stayed in a traditional room just like a Japanese home, with a hall, dining area, separate toilet area - quite spacious. Traditional yutakas were provided, adding to the overall experience.||||We explored the charming house, which has a fireplace, common area for relaxing, and of course the highlight is the use of the onsens - which has both indoor and outdoor ones. During our stay it was not crowded at all so we had ample freedom to relax.||||We took the dinner set which comprises of hida beef which was serve to our room and cooked for us. Note though that the nearby surrounding area has no shops that you can go to due to the remote location.||||A worthy mention are the staffs which were very courteous and warm even though not much English was spoken (there was only one girl who was quite fluent though)||||All in all, the 1 night stay at Matsunoi was very memorable and we hope to return again at a...