An incredible experience in Shirakawa-go! My wife and I stayed there for only one night and it was gorgeous! The hotel is run by a local family which lives in the city for more than 100 years. The ryokan was recently renovated (2y from now) and the rooms are truly impecable, combining comfort with a historical touch. The food service (dinner and breakfast) are unique, with dishes the family collect in the area (they harvest, fish and even hunt the food they serve). The hospitality was also another level. The remarkable example was that we mentioned in the beginning of the stay we were travelling to Japan to our honeymoon and they quietly prepared a mini event during our dinner - they asked our favorite song, which was our mother language and specifically asked if we drank alcohol. During the dinner, they did a small celebration typical in japanese weddings where the couple shares a sake on a red bowl. Thank you Shiroyamakan team! 👏

Stayed in September 2025

The shared toilet outside of the room is lightly inconvenient

Excellent hospitality (including taking us on a village tour), super friendly host family, onsen was great, very convenient location

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing. It was just perfect!

Everything was gorgeous. The friendliness of the staff, the dinner with ingredients of the highest quality. The private onsens you can use with great views. The tour we got through the village and up to the observation deck.

Stayed in August 2025

Amazing place. Genuinely welcoming staff that clearly takes pride in their hospitality. Dinner and breakfast was extremely good. Staff is super friendly, you can tell it's a lovely family and they do their best to make you feel comfortable. Communication in English was no problem at all. Private Onsen was super good. All the utilities are spotless clean. The building is 140+ years old but looks like it went through a thorough renovation and it's the perfect mix between contemporary/minimalistic and traditional. We went with the choice of 5 alcoholic drinks that match the 8-9 course dishes and it was perfect (actually it was probably 6-7 drinks accompanying 10 dishes, but this may be a special occasion). We've had the best sake we ever tasted (which was local) along with other tasty drinks (their own homemade yuzu wine was extremely good!) We stayed in the "Japan" room, which was the "traditional" one, and it was cozy and warm. We even had our own little tea party in the small balcony that has the view of the river and the pond with Koi fish. This was our second time in Japan but Shiroyamakan would be the biggest reason we would consider travelling to Japan all the way from the UK for a third time! (This time maybe in winter)

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

This is a ryokan run by family members. Upon arrival, the daughter, who speaks excellent English gave us an orientation of the place. This is our families' second time staying here. My husband and daughter had a wonderful experience last year, so I came with my other children this July. We had the room with river view on the second floor. This room has its' private toilet next door. There is a big wash basin in the room. The room is huge by Japanese hotel standard. The owner/father gave a tour around the town in his van at about 3pm. He is so friendly and drove us to the top of the observatory for a beautiful view of the village. The onsen is so comfortable with a view of the river/garden , we went before dinner, did not have to wait. Dinner and breakfast are meat/fish/vegetables native to the area, the son, who is also the chef hunts and gathers most of the food. Everything was delicious. The village becomes quiet after tourist leaves around 4pm. We got up early the next day, I had a morning walk and my son had a run, came back, showered, soaked in the onsen one last time, and breakfast was ready. Thank you for the wonderful time in Shiragawa Go!

Stayed in July 2025

They were so kind and accommodating to us with our toddler - they even babysat him whilst we’re were having dinner. Amazing onsen, and wonderful thought out food

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing

The free scenery tour with the father of the family. The experience was complete with the local food. Very fine cuisine. Friendly staff. Superb hotel.

Stayed in July 2025

Everything was perfect!

Perfect stay at Shiroyamakan! Beautifully restored ryokan with a clean, modern aesthetic. Best of all is the wonderful family staff that ensures a good stay with exceptionally prepared locally sourced food and personal tour and history of Shirakawa-go.

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing! We didn’t realize that we pay for everything at the end of the stay, so we did sit at the table at dinner for a while waiting to pay for our drinks before realizing we didn’t need to.

Everything about our stay was perfect! If you’re reading reviews debating on if you should stay here, the answer is yes! If you think there’s no way it can be as good as these reviews, trust me when I say, it is better. Facilities: We stayed one night in a double room and it was so great! Beautiful views of the pound and river from our very serene room. The private onsens were wonderful, and because there are such few rooms, we never had an issue finding at least one of the two onsens free when we wanted them. Hospitality: We corresponded before we got there, so they could know when to expect us. When we got there, our bags were quickly taken to our room, while we were walked through the inn with explanations on meals and facilities. At 2:30ish we joined the father (the whole place is family run) for a tour of the town. It quickly becomes apparent how much the town respects and loves this family as we were given access to closed off areas. He also loves to take pictures and would offer to take our pictures every time we saw him. This was the best hospitality we had all trip as it was done in such a familial way and not overly formal. Food: The food was so good. Some of the dishes felt like fine dining dishes well others felt like home cooking, but all were delicious and beautifully presented! There’s always the option for more rice if you’re still hungry! My partner chose the alcohol pairing with dinner and enjoyed it thoroughly. 10/10 would go back in a heart beat! Also being in Shirakawago when the crowds aren’t there is so special. We went walking early in the morning, and it was so peaceful.

Stayed in May 2025

From the 8 or so courses at dinner I only liked 4 - of course a personal taste. In summer with early sunrise the room gets very bright very early - somehow good to wake up early anyway to explore the village before all day tourists come!

The staff took our 4 year old to play with their kids for us to have a quiet meal.

Stayed in June 2025

This was fortunately our second time at this establishment. An absolutely wonderful stay, the most polite and thoughtful owners/caretakers, wonderful food, look forward to returning in the future.

Stayed in June 2025

Staying at Shiroyamakan was a highlight of our trip to Japan. Every detail was perfect and the host family could not have been more kind. They go above and beyond to make your stay memorable.

Stayed in June 2025

What an amazing ryokan. The family that runs it takes great pride in everything they do, and it shows. The patriarch of the family provides a quick tour of the village every day. He seems to enjoy showing off the town. The dinner and breakfast presentation was outstanding and delicious. Everything was so fresh. It was also nice having access to a private onsen. We enjoyed relaxing while taking in the great views of the nearby river. This was one of our most memorable experiences in Japan.

Stayed in May 2025

I did not care for the pillows.

The accommodation was traditional style that was just superb. The setting was gorgeous inside and out with the delicate simplicity of life so evident. The private onsen was so relaxing at the end of the day. Outstanding dinner and breakfast as they were uniquely traditional and all locally provided. Many small dishes and courses were very filling.

Stayed in May 2025

Near to town, extremely clean, onsen with river view, excellent hospitality

Stayed in May 2025

The hotel is managed by a family that has owned the place for 140 years, and we can feel the care they put into the place in everything they do. We stayed in the traditional bedroom with futons, and go struck by the beauty of the room, overlooking the stream, the pond and beautiful trees. The onsen, the rooms, the complementary kimonos - everything is of a high quality and made to provide a strong sense of calm, making it a memorable stay. The food was Michelin guide level - a 9 course meal for dinner, a 6 plate breakfast, all with local ingredients. They went above and beyond to cater to our dietary requirements (vegan and Gluten Free) which was truly appreciated. Finally, the family shares their love for the village - the father organises a short tour of the village and takes guests to the observatory, whilst providing history and tips on the village. Overall, the stay felt special, a true experience rather than just an hotel, and we can only recommend this incredible establishment.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

It was beautiful tranquil place & the hospitality was over & above, it is run by one family who go out of there way to make you feel welcome. The dinner & breakfast experience was fantastic experience. The whole stay was definitely worth the money.

Stayed in May 2025

nothing.

everything, it was the most charming experience of my life.

Stayed in April 2025

This was like walking into a dream, everything was perfect and I am unable to put it into words.

Stayed in May 2025

From the cozy room and relaxing bath to the delicious meals and city tour, everything was exceptional. The family running the ryokan is incredibly attentive, taking care of every detail with warmth, we felt truly welcomed from start to finish.

Stayed in April 2025

This is a amazing ryokan, very good view of river and mountain from the window of our room, private onzen, very comfortable and easy to walk to travel in Shirakawago.

Stayed in April 2025

Everything was fantastic, from the service to the location right outside of the bus stop. This place is family ran and I absolutely loved seeing the family together.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing.

Shiroyamakan was a highlight of our trip to Shirakawa-go. Although not an official gassho-style house, this 140-year-old inn is nestled within the UNESCO village and blends beautifully into its surroundings. The family-run ryokan operates like a well-oiled machine, yet every interaction felt warm and personal. From the included village tour to the exquisitely prepared kaiseki dinner and breakfast, everything was carried out with impressive attention to detail. The food was exceptional, with a spot-on alcohol pairing during dinner. The two private onsens were a lovely touch, offering a relaxing and serene experience. We especially appreciated the blend of modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics—tatami mats, futon sleeping with rice pillows, and calming views of the garden and pond. Traditional yukata were provided, which we wore comfortably around the house. A truly special stay that honours both tradition and hospitality.

Stayed in April 2025

The place was immaculate, the owners so lovely & accommodating, the setting ideal and the food was incredible. The location was right across the street from the bus station, yet the view from our room was of the river in their backyard !Thank you for a wonderful stay!

Stayed in April 2025