Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama

Hospitality and Service: Guests frequently praised the ryokan for its exceptional hospitality and service, with staff going above and beyond to meet guests' needs.

We stayed in four ryokans during our trip to Japan and this was easily the best of them, despite its official three-star grading (small TVs and some tired furnishings may explain that), set apart from the rest because of its simply outstanding hospitality and service. Staff here not only welcome guests with genuine warmth but also work hard to anticipate needs. Two examples from many: 1) We arrived drenched after touring the historic village of Shirakawago in a downpour and left our soaking shoes at the entrance. When we set off the next day to tour Takayama, using the ryokan’s shuttle, our shoes had been completely dried for us. The insoles of mine had even been replaced with new ones. 2) When our tour agents let us down badly and forgot to reserve a car for us on departure, staff let us use their phone, made us comfortable and even provided complimentary coffee (unrequested) while we waited for replacement transport. Apart from superb service, this ryokan had some of the best food we ate in Japan, served in our room. Our private onsen was more spacious than most, and there were nice extra touches, like an extra jug of iced water in our bedroom and two hairdryers (one in our downstairs bathroom and another in our upstairs bedroom). Please don’t be put off by the three-star grading. We’d give this ryokan at least six stars if we could and would recommend it to anyone wanting a traditional Japanese experience, with all its sensational bells and whistles.