Everything was great! The room was very spacious and comfortable, the location was excellent, the staff and hospitality were great. The food was also really good and very well prepared and beautifully presented. Overall this was one of our highlights of our trip to Japan.

Stayed in August 2025

Great ryokan experience quite close to Takayama

Stayed in August 2025

Literally the only downside was that there wasn't simple green tea in the villa itself... black tea bags and fancy matcha, with instructions for making matcha in a traditional way that we failed at. :-) We had to enjoy the provided sake instead!

We stayed in the Deluxe Japanese Style House, or Garyu Villa. The entire experience was amazing. The staff were all incredibly friendly and patient, and every moment seemed carefully choreographed to make our stay peaceful and relaxing. The food at both dinner and breakfast were delicious and presented so beautifully, and the private time in the onsen after dinner was lovely (you sign up for dinner time and private onsen time during check-in). Our villa was beautiful, as were the rest of the grounds. Every little space in the villa was delicately designed and comfortable, either with lovely art or a gorgeous view of the river. The lighting in every space was either beautifully dramatic or gentle and tranquil. The beds were more like western mattresses than futon, and very comfortable. Even the bathtowels were notably glorious! The gentleman serving hot sake and magic tricks around the fire in the lobby after dinner should be designated as a national treasure!

Stayed in August 2025

It would be great to also provide a rotemburo (outside bath) with visibility to the river. The kaiseki meals were served in a screened dining room instead of in our rooms, which was fine, but not expected. I understand that it's logistically more practical, but serving in our room at the table overlooking the river would have been just a bit better, especially in such an otherwise traditional place.

Both the kaiseki dinner and the breakfast were exceptional. Onsen rooms for men and women were switched as usual between one day and the next, so we were able to enjoy both room styles: a large, simple hinoki bath and a rock garden style bath. The reception area's large traditional iro seating area was comfortable, and the complimentary warmed sake and impromptu magic show provide some evening amusement. It's not close to anything, which is great, but also something to be aware of. The cluster of relocated traditional buildings including two thatched roof gassho zukuri kominka, were very impressive.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

The surroundings, nature, peaceful and beautiful

Stayed in May 2025

Fairly out of the way. Very expensive.

Incredibly unique, remote, countryside. Authentic Japanese experience.

Stayed in April 2025

Every aspect of our stay was absolutely delightful. From the kindness of the staff to the excellent quality of services and cuisine. Very kind welcome and wonderful room by the river with stunning views. Dinner was absolutely delicious and we even had the chance to have the Onsen just for us. Our waitress was so kind and fun ! We loved the after dinner impromptu magic show for a very kind gentleman from the staff.

Stayed in May 2025

I can't think of a single negative thing to say

Absolutely everything was above expectations, even though we went in with high expectations. The food, the room, the onsen, the setting, the staff: all contributed to an unforgettable stay. Highly recommended!

Stayed in April 2025

Insects in the room

Location, food, Onsen

Stayed in April 2025

Rooms are absolutely beautiful ! Cooking is just extraordinary !! We loved the whole place and atmosphere

Stayed in April 2025

It’s a bit outside of Takayama, but the property provides a free shuttle service from the train station. It’s worth coming for two nights, as one night is really quick: check in is at 3pm and check out at 11am.

Most amazing luxury ryokan with Michelin rated food. Keizeki meals were absolutely extraordinary. Beautiful setting and very comfortable rooms. Very stylish traditional clothing. Great onsen bathing facilities.

Stayed in May 2025

Lots of bugs (beetles) around the time of our trip, but this was likely due to the time of the year. If you get freaked out by bugs, you will struggle because they were in the room and dining hall

Amazing setting Super courteous staff Lovely spa/hot spring facilities Great shuttle service

Stayed in March 2025

We loved everything!

Felt like we were living in a movie set in ancient Japan. Service was impossibly perfect. The food was incredible and carefully prepared. The setting next to a babbling brook with the rooms all decorated from pre-modern japan era, was surreal. The Onsen was completely unique with a beautiful view of the river. Our family of 6 had many stops in our inaugural trip to Japan, Wanosato was by far the top highlight. I can’t recommend highly enough!

Stayed in April 2025

Very nice open view from lodging to the river. Slept soundly with the hush of the stream. Food was amazing and staff was so courteous and welcoming.

Stayed in April 2025

This was on of the most breathtaking places I've stayed at. The room was so spacious and comfortable, with traditional furniture. The futon bed was so comfy! Each meal was Michelin star! Delicious and so deluxe. Could have stayed forever

Stayed in March 2025

This was the perfect retreat for my wife and I on our honeymoon, I really couldn’t say enough good things about the staff and the ambiance and the history here. We stayed in the Garyu house which was a private villa in the traditional Japanese style. I could’ve happily never checked out. Staff was incredible, service was amazing, the onsen was one of the best I’ve been in, the dinners and breakfast were top notch. 10/10

Stayed in March 2025

-

The setting is unique. Rooms, food, staff, nature - everything top notch!

Stayed in March 2025

Everything. Michelin star food. Lovely rustic ambience. Beautiful location. Lovely accommodation. Good and clean facilities

Stayed in January 2025

For the price we paid, I thought the quantity of food was on the small side. For small eaters, it may be ok. For bigger eaters, it may be a challenge.

It is an awesome place. when we arrived, it was almost 6pm and the sky was completely dark. When we saw the room, we were completely impressed by the snowy landscape outside. The service was impeccable and the attention to details was amazing. The food experience was also out of this world with many local customary dishes made from local produce. The place was very well maintained despite being 160 years-old.

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing

Beautiful location, comfy beds, delicious food

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing. Reading the reviews people have to realize this is a traditional ryokan in an over 100 years old building with all its quirks. In our opinion that’s a part of its charms

Stayed for 2 nights in November. Traditional ryokan, with an excellent Onsen. The whole place radiates quality and style. service level and both dinner and Breakfast are top notch. Rooms are spacious and location/ view from the room - Especially in autumn time - is to die for. We choose for 2 nights to be able to fully absorb the atmosphere. Although still steep in price, quality, atmosphere and service level is much higher than a top ranked - nearly twice as expensive - ryokan we stayed at in 2018

Stayed in November 2024

Wonderful traditional fireplace and absolutely beautiful location.

Stayed in October 2024

The staff, accommodations, and food were excellent. It felt so comfortable while also delivering a high-end luxury experience at the same time.

Stayed in October 2024

This was our first stay in a ryokan, and it was a great first experience. The staff was attentive, the food was incredible, and the view from our room was stunning. This was one of our favorite stays during our trip to Japan.

Stayed in October 2024