Hida Tsuzuri Oboro

“Wonderful accommodation with exquisite food”

First - the full name of this place seems to be Gasshozukuri-fu Hanare Hida Tsuzuri Oboro, so it can be a bit difficult to find in searches unless you include this. The Ryokan is adjoined to the Garden Hotel Yakadake, a typical onsen based Hotel, which was fairly empty when we were there - mid wee… Plus

First - the full name of this place seems to be Gasshozukuri-fu Hanare Hida Tsuzuri Oboro, so it can be a bit difficult to find in searches unless you include this. The Ryokan is adjoined to the Garden Hotel Yakadake, a typical onsen based Hotel, which was fairly empty when we were there - mid week, shoulder season. It is part of the same business, but a separate, upmarket offering. Individual units are constructed in the Gasshozukuri, pitched roof style, but without the thatched roof. They are amazingly spacious, with two levels, two bedrooms - one Western style and one with tatami mats and futons, which they will roll out for you while you have dinner. We recommend the futons. Each villa has a private hot mineral onsen outside. Or you can don your yukata and walk across to the hotel, where there is a great onsen. There is the normal separate male and female areas and also an outside mixed area. Fear not, if you go to this area you don a sort of loin cloth or shift as you go outside. The outside onsen is very nice and includes a grotto behind a waterfall, where you can soak while looking out at the autumn leaves. Breakfast and dinner are included and are exquisite. You eat in your own dining room, in the dining complex. The food is beautifully presented. We made life difficult by revealing we are pescatarians when we arrived. No problem, despite the fact this area is famous for its beef, they rapidly adapted and produced an alternative menu. The staff speak just enough English for it to be manageable. The young woman who served us was delightful. It is remote, but this is part of its charm. Do not be put off. You get on the bus at Takayama bus station, heading for Shinhotaka Ropeway and get off at stop 39. It is a big bus and your luggage goes underneath. No fear of missing your stop, they are displayed digitally up the front. You can buy a ticket at the start, or take the little ticket from the machine on the right as you get on the bus and then pay as you get off. The amount is displayed up front and is determined by where you get on - don't worry, like most things in Japan, it all just works. There is not much to do in the area, other than visit a bear park (not our thing), or take the bus further up the valleys to the Shinhotaka Ropeway (cable cars). Unfortunately there was a lot of cloud when we went, but if the day is clear, it should be spectacular. It seems to take cash only. However, if you feel like not doing much at all for a couple of days, this is the place. It deserves to be supported. We were the only guests for the first two nights, so it is certainly not overrun. Yes, it is pricey, but when you consider what you would pay for the meals in any restaurant capable of producing such food, you will understand the value.

Moins

“Wonderful!”

Our travel agent had not been here personally but had heard good things about it. It was one of the best places we stayed anywhere in Japan! The "rooms" are individual two-story houses, with both Western and Japanese style bedroom, multiple toilets, kitchenette, beautiful stream side location in th… Plus

Our travel agent had not been here personally but had heard good things about it. It was one of the best places we stayed anywhere in Japan! The "rooms" are individual two-story houses, with both Western and Japanese style bedroom, multiple toilets, kitchenette, beautiful stream side location in the mountains, and a private hot-spring-fed rock onsen in the back yard of each room. Food was excellent as was the service. Adjacent to the ryokan is a large hotel with amazing mixed sex onsens (you are given a sort of towel thing to wear). There must have been ten different onsens, built into the rocks, with waterfalls, etc. Quite an experience! The next morning we visited a nearby extensive limestone cavern, took a short hike to a beautiful waterfall, and visited a museum with a truly amazing private collection of treasures. Highly recommended!

Moins