Ryokan Gizan in Takayama

We had such a wonderful stay at Ryokan gizan. The onsen experience alone made it worth the visit, with four private onsens and two public ones, there was always a peaceful spot to unwind. Everything was beautifully maintained and incredibly relaxing.

The little touches really stood out too, complimentary snacks and coffee throughout the day, and very reasonably priced alcohol in the evenings. Dinner was absolutely incredible, easily one of the highlights of our stay.

Breakfast is definitely traditional Japanese style (expect rice, miso, and even beef curry rather than a Western spread), which might not be for everyone, but it was still a great cultural experience.

The staff were genuinely warm and welcoming, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived.

We would absolutely visit again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ryokan Gizan to anyone looking for an authentic and relaxing stay.

The village itself was very quiet with one local park but not much else in localeminities

The most amazing experience of our trip to Japan. We had breakfast and dinner included and I highly recommend it, the food was amazing and we got to try some tipical cuisine that we wouldn't have otherwise. The room was nice and the private Onsen was a real gem. Can not recommend this place enough.

This place far exceeded my expectations.
It's not fancy but it has everything you need - from peaceful rooms and corridors to free snacks and drinks and a very sumptuous breakfast and dinner.

The private outdoor baths were such a treat.
Hida Beef was too notch and extremely tasty .
Rice , soup, tea and sides were self service , which was great because u can take however little or much u like depending on your appetite.

WiFi was also very strong, and room was toasty.

The only downside is the location but this also means u don't have to jostle with the crowds like you would in takayama.

Will definitely return!

We stayed here for 2 nights. Everything from location in quiet area, the ryokan is not large and not crowded with many guest. We felt very comfortable staying there, The room was quite large and the bed was comfy. The staff at check-in counter were very nice and helpful as well as staff at restaurant. There were 2 best parts of this Ryokan, First the outdoor private onsen (4 of them) was excellent and enjoyable, Second the meal was very delicious and plentiful particular dinner. though it was not cheap but more than worth compared to quality of place and service. Highly recommened

We only stayed for one night but left felling better that we had in weeks, between the Onsens, free snacks and drinks I dont know what was the best part. The onsens were so relaxing and an amazing escape from the cold. The food was delicious and really fun to cook, with the hida beef being so tender. The staff were really kind and help full, even helping us find our lost key 😅 they were so nice and all ways there with a smile and helping hand!! ❤. Such a relaxing experience and really rejuvenating!!! Also really affordable for a one night stay (we are a family of 4)
I definitely recommended you stay here if your planning on staying in Okuhidaonsengo Hitoegane. 😁

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.

I made a reservation on the day.
The front desk staff were friendly and the building was clean and nice.

Surrounded by greenery, with a superb outdoor onsen.
Impeccable service, spacious room.
All toiletries and bathroom accessories are provided at reception.

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.