Shirakawago Gassho-house NODANIYA

The owner was so friendly and helpful, and the rooms and bathrooms were all clean and spacious. We loved staying in this ghasso style house and would highly recommend it.

You leave shoes in the "lobby" and wear the Japanese slippers or sandals they provide. Meals are at set times chosen by the owner, shared with other guests in the common dining area, where you sit on the floor. There appears to be only one shared bathroom, available only during certain hours, and the house seems to have about 4 rooms. It was a nice experience to sleep in a traditional Japanese-style village home and eat local food. The place seems to be run by a nice older woman who only speaks Japanese. We managed to communicate with smiles and hand gestures.

The showers were fantastic, and the food was outstanding. My husband and I had a peaceful, relaxing evening and enjoyed sharing meals with couples from around the world. A lovely way to unwind before heading to Tokyo the next day.

The food was good, especially breakfast, which we loved. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with a pleasant old-house smell, though it could feel cold even with the heater on. The bathroom was dark and old; I liked it, but my wife didn't. The old lady prepared the hot wafer in the bathtub and covered it with wooden planks until the bathing time we requested. This wasn't on my shortlist in Shirakawa-go. Other, more popular ryokan nearby were fully booked, and this place was recommended to me. I was worried at first, but my family and I weren't too disappointed. One older woman looked after us, preparing meals, the bath, and beds. We were the only guests, so sharing the small bathroom didn't matter, though I can't imagine how she'd manage with the house full.