Ryokan Gizan

We enjoyed the peaceful stay at the Ryokan and the liked the quiet surroundings. The private open air onsen was fabulous. The morning walks in the woods behind the Ryokan was great. This was followed by the sumptuous breakfast provided by the Ryokan to start our day of walking the trails which are nearby.

There are several great things about this ryokan 1) Best of all is the hida beef kaiseki dinner - its truly hida beef (they displayed certifications and it taste different from normal beef) in great quantity per person - which also in turn makes the ryokan cost very economical 2) Location is easily accessible by both public transport and if you are driving they have ample parking space 3) A lot of free amenities - free snack bar, free non-alcoholic drink bar, free sake to drink while soaking in the onsen at 7-9pm, private outdoor baths are free to use (first come first serve, reservation is not needed), free kids toys and board games to borrow (this last one i have never seen before in all the 10+ ryokan I have stayed in) But it also comes with some downsides that we have not encountered before in previous ryokan stays 1) slimy mold floors in some of the outdoor baths 2) multiple floating things in the outdoor baths - not too sure which one is minerals or dead insects (could be because we came in late spring/early summer 3) strong pee stench in the toilet in our room (to be fair we also did not provide feedback due to language barrier and the fact the service staff are all very sweet) This is also the first onsen town we have been in where the damages from covid was very obvious - along the street there were multiple abandoned hotel buildings that to us scream “bankruptcy”. So perhaps with that context, a few of these downsides are understandable Overall not a bad stay but would only recommend to less fussy travellers

Our stay at Ryokan Gizan was a truly memorable experience. This is a traditionally built and decorated Japanese ryokan, with tatami floors, sliding doors, and an authentic atmosphere that makes you feel fully immersed in Japanese culture. It’s definitely a “must-visit” if you’re looking to experience traditional Japanese accommodation — even a short stay of 2–3 nights is enough to make it special. The ryokan is quite old, which actually adds to its authentic charm, though it might feel a bit less comfortable for more demanding guests. That said, it’s very well maintained and everything is clean and thoughtfully arranged. The onsen facilities were excellent — one public bath and four private ones that you can use freely. After long days of exploring, it was a real treat. We highly recommend booking with the traditional dinner included. The meals were a highlight: we had Yakiniku the first night and Shabu-shabu the second, both featuring fresh, generous portions of delicious food. Breakfast was a traditional Japanese set — beautifully presented and made with care, though not quite to our personal taste. The location is stunning — surrounded by mountains, rivers, and blossoming trees. It feels peaceful and remote. Just note that amenities like ATMs or grocery stores are limited nearby. However, it’s well connected by bus (just a 3-minute walk from the ryokan), which can take you to Kamikochi or the terminals at Takayama and Hirayu Onsen. Buses run about once an hour, so it’s quite manageable. Overall, a fantastic stay — relaxing, unique, and highly recommended for anyone looking to experience a more traditional and scenic side of Japan.