Kazeya

The hosts were so kind and helpful, and the meals they provided each day were delicious and generous. Between the gorgeous traditional Ryokan, private onsens, and lovely nature walks nearby, this place felt almost magical. After a hectic week in Tokyo, the peaceful stay was a wonderful way to unwind, and we wished we'd booked longer. A couple of practical notes: stinkbugs can get into the building, as the website mentions, though they didn't bother us. For buses from Takayama or Hirayu Onsen, you can buy tickets on the day. From places farther away you may need to book ahead. On the return to Takayama or Hirayu Onsen, tickets can be bought when you board.

Sitting in the outdoor garden bath among the trees was one of the most peaceful moments I've had. We also had a private bath in our room, and it was lovely to relax in. The whole visit felt serene and restorative, with lots of thoughtful touches. From arrival, the staff treated us with genuine kindness, and their excellent English made everything easy and comfortable. We chose dinner at the ryokan and were glad we did: it was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious. Thank you for having us. I can't recommend the place enough, everyone should get to experience it once.

The food was the highlight for me. I'd suggest eating at the ryokan if you can, both because finding somewhere nearby can be inconvenient and because the meals are an experience. The ingredients were fresh, the staff clearly put care into preparing everything, and it tasted superb. I was very well fed. I stayed two nights in a spacious Japanese Style Room. It had a heated toilet, bathtub, shower, and basin, plus onsen clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a towel in the wardrobe. There was a kettle, tea, and shower shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Getting the bathtub water to just the right temperature took a little adjustment. A small issue. On arrival, check in was smooth. The English speaking staff gave me a room key, a detailed map, and an information catalogue. They explained where the onsens were and how to use them. The catalogue's Kamikochi directions and hiking trail map were especially useful, along with parking details for anyone driving there. The email before my trip also laid out the meal options, including a regular Izakaya dinner or one with premium Hida Beef, and explained how to reach the ryokan by bus or private or rented vehicle. Having your own vehicle is more convenient in this mountain location. The email also warned that insects can get into rooms. I did have some visitors, including stinkbugs and a katydid. The ryokan tells guests about them by email and at check in, provides tape to catch and dispose of them, and cleans each morning before guests wake up. They're doing everything they can to ease the problem. It's a mountain setting, and pests can show up in anyone's home, so I could understand it. Tape, stick, dispose. Easy. There are public onsens and two private ones, one indoor and one outdoor. The public baths are separated by gender; the men's one has both indoor and outdoor baths. The private bath keys are kept just before the entrance, so couples, families, or friends can lock the door for privacy. The indoor private onsen was large enough for a family. The outdoor one wasn't very hot when I arrived, and with the cold weather I didn't wait around for it to warm up, so I skipped it. Check out was smooth as well. Just pay any extra charges, such as the Izakaya meals. I had a great, memorable stay and want to thank all the staff for their excellent service. They were warm and welcoming throughout.

The bugs were the one thing keeping this from a five star stay. There were quite a few in the room. They're harmless, but I wouldn't recommend the place to anyone afraid of bugs. The ambience was amazing, though, and I was lucky to have a free ensuite onsen. With both public and private onsens available, couples can enjoy some privacy together. Dinner and breakfast were fantastic. I ordered the Hida beef for dinner, and it melted in my mouth.