Ryokan Wanosato

Japan , Gifu
TAKAYAMA, Ichinomiya, 1682
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Victoria

Wonderful stay!

8/10

Excellent

11 Apr 2026

levi

Beautiful location and room in rustic Japanese buildings, and excellent kaiseki dinner. We loved the river right outside and enjoyed our stay.

Unfortunately our room was rather infested with stink bugs and the staff was unresponsive when we reached out around 10pm for assistance. I am familiar with stink bugs entering buildings in Japan during this time of year (and have experienced it at other ryokans as well) however after removing nearly 40 of them from our unit during our 1 night stay I think it’s fair to say this property needs to address the problem.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2026

Michael

Tucked away in the woods beside the river a few miles outside of Takayama you can escape, relax and recharge while enjoying two lovely onsens.

The staff are impeccable and the food is truly delightful.

This place has magic.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2026

Isaac

Absolutely exceptional service and magical location.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2026

Michael

Luxury, authentic, Michelin star chef

Business_and_leisure

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2025

Da Wei

10/10

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2025

Janet

A very unique and traditional Ryokan !!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2025

Stuart

Everything about our stay was delightful! Delicious, healthy food, exceptional staff, and a beautiful inn.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2025

Alexei

Beautiful property, delicious food! Highly recommend.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2025

Zackary

An exceptional and authentic Japanese experience. Worth going out of your way to visit. The atmosphere is simply stunning

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2025

Bahar

We had a really wonderful time at Wanosato experiencing winter and snow in authentic Japanese setting. The staff were really welcoming and made our stay special, every detail of our stay was taken care of.
We had the half-board with dinner and breakfast included. Really tasty dishes and tailored for us.
Will be looking forward to visiting again.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

11 Dec 2024

Marcos

Staff and property was great. On the first day however, the food that was offered was very little based on the total price that we spend for two nights; we went to bed hungry.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2024

Thanakorn

Love the experience and enjoying everything. Staffs are super friendly yet their service are the best warm and welcoming

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2024

Mark

Wonderful.

Could not fault the service; staff were all lovely. Meals were exceptional! We stayed two nights - multi- course extravaganza night one and shabu-shabu night two. Japanese breakfasts were outstanding. The room we stayed in was huge and looked over the adjacent river and forest. Our stay was magical!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2024

Hilary

Wanosato was exactly what I hoped for in a ryokan. The buildings are beautiful, and the riverside setting in the forest was a dream. It felt hugely private and was so relaxing. Staff were lovely and the level of service was fantastic. The kaiseki dinner blew us away - the food was all delicious and the level of care in making it was amazing. I could not recommend this place enough, and am only sad that I could not stay longer!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2024

Inez A

This property was a dream! The rooms were beautiful. The staff was friendly and the dinner was spectacular! This is a must stay! Highly recommend staying here

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2024

Steven

Beautiful experience in a beautiful setting. Luxurious. Wonderful staff. An excellent choice l.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2024

Sandra

We absolutely loved our stay. The staff was amazing! They greeted us with tea and a snack. We also got to enjoy complimentary sake in the main hall. My husband and I loved the onsen. They had separate ones for males and females and give you a designated time to have a private onsen time with your partner. The dinner and breakfast were amazing, they provide you with a traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast. We would highly recommend to anyone!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2023

Darrell

Top tier service and very memorable experience. Quite relaxing stay.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2023

Brian

Despite some flaws, we really enjoyed our stay at Wanosato. The meal service was the highlight of the trip - the chef was excellent as was the server (same every night). The room was a bit dated but the was overcome by the amazing setting right on the river and traditional rooms. The flaws were the shuttle bus was very rigid (except when they decided we had to wait for other passengers) and we had to take multiple taxis to the train station because it wasn’t running. They had no idea how we would do a hike in the area so we ended up on a road walk. They also have no lunch so we had to go to town for lunch which ended up being a 3 hour excursion because of the shuttle.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2023

Greg

Unbelievable property. The views and sounds of the river in every room are intoxicating. It’s down a super quiet street so you won’t hear any traffic. The meals were outstanding. The onsens were both unique and beautiful. The fixtures are dated but it makes the esthetic that much more authentic. I can’t recommend enough as a launching point to explore Takayama. I hope to be back!

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Feb 2023

Ben

Stunning location and views from the shared spaces. Kaiseki style food had so much effort put in to it too, with some delicious dishes. Disappointing that my wife couldnt use the cave onsen because of all male bathing, which really was the highlight. Frustrating too that they didnt have any slots for private couple onsens on the second day.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2020

Verified traveler

A most beautiful place, warm attention and discreet service.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Location was very pleasant. The ryokan was in a traditional hut, located by and with views of the river.

The booking experience was good as the ryokan responded promptly to my online queries and gave instructions on pick up clearly.

Food was excellent - traditional Japanese Kaiseki. We enjoyed both breakfast and dinner very much.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Excellent property with serene settings and exceptional service

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

We loved everything about the property and our stay: the food, the staff, the amenities, the surroundings. It was perfect

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

A charming rustic place. Comfortable and pleasing. Food was good.
The living and showering areas could get really cold so I would suggest improving on this aspect. Another point of improvement would be the response time via email.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2019

Jamie

Simply amazing!

Absolutely one of the best experiences we've ever had. We stayed in the Kariyasu Villa overlooking the stream at the end of the property. The breakfast and dinner were astonishingly unbelievable. All of the dishes were of local specialties or Japanese: river fishes, sashimi, Hida beef, and so on. So if you're not open to fully experience Japanese cuisine, then try more westernized hotels and don't go to a traditional ryokan. The quality is beyond or like any Michelin starred restaurant we've been to and the quantity: come hungry! We were served by the kindest and warmest people. Sure, the English is more simplified, but we're in Japan! If you want fluent English, probably best not to go to other countries other than US or UK. Also, it's the twentieth century: Google Translate! We stayed 4 days/3 nights and enjoyed the onsen every night and day ... at our last day we even went twice! They switch the female and male onsens in the morning & evening. We were by ourselves for the most part and preferred the room with rock tubs. The evenings around the fire with hot sake was truly magical. The room does get smokey, but if you listened/learned a little about ryokans and traditional Japanese homes, it's to keep the building from rotting and repels the insects. In all, we are already talking about when we can again treat ourselves to go back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Nov 2019

Royston

Delightful Experience in Ryokan

We have a fantastic experience of a traditional Ryokan. Staff were so hospitable and the food was exquisite. Our rooms were overlooking the stream and in the big house which we enjoyed. Glad we stayed 2 nights and it was a welcome break from the city trip. We enjoyed the Bamboo Sake Magic tricks by the fire and meeting up with other guest. They have a limited free shuttle service but taxis were easily arranged for our early morning departure. We enjoyed wearing the robes and they have two segregated insensitivity. I liked the large wooden bath in our room. It made a great lasting memory in such a fascinating count.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2018

Jro

Friendly staff, Amazing property albeit a bit dated which may add to its rustic charm. The location is 20 mins by car away from Takayama so take that into account, but they do have a shuttle that you can schedule.

I would definitely stay here again.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2018

Terence

Outstanding

This is an outstanding hotel in all respects. But it is more than a hotel or ryokan - it is a full experience. The showcase dinner on the first night ranks as one of the best experiences of my life and I am a frequent traveller. The staff are superb. This is a beautiful place and a must visit.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2018

Sebastian

Amazing authentic Japanese Experience

Great authentic Japanese experience, amazing food and service. The evening spent around the fire with hot sake was memorable.

Onsite Onsen has a great hot and cold pool with everything provided onsite.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2017

Monica

Amazing And Relaxing

We stayed at the Wanasoto for one night.
The place is amazing, our room was on the river side so we had that as our background music .
The hot springs are incredible relaxing .
We had Japanese style dinner which was 1 1/2 long around 11 courses , all good and innovative .
The sake at the fireplace was perfect.
The staff is always trying to help and are very kind and respectful .
Thank you Wanasoto

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2017

Vivian

My Highest Recommendations

Wanosato is excellent. You will almost certainly be traveling from elsewhere in Japan, where you've had amazing culinary experiences. Even measured against the best restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto, Wanosato will not disappoint. Further, this may be one of several ryokans you will be checking into. Wanosato will rank highly among them. In fact, it was my personal favorite in the set that I visited. And you will probably have relaxed in more than one onsen before visiting Wanosato's. For me, Wanosato's was more peaceful and more rejuvenating than the rest.

Overall, I give Wanosato the highest marks. The staff is extremely thoughtful. I am grateful for their kindness.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2017

Wen

Excellent Ryokan in beautiful Takayama

This is a beautiful property full of local charms. Excellent and tentive staff made guest feel at home. The food is sophisticated and the presentation is what one expects from a Michelin starred restaurant

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2016

Lola

Amazing!

We absolutely loved our stay at Wanosato. If you are looking for an escape into the beautiful world of traditional Japan - this is the one.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2015

Brian

Great view and service

The view of the river and falling snow was great. Quality of service is great and every detail is spent on the dinner and breakfast. Very accommodating to prepare an early breakfast for me as I had an early day tour. Love the in-house onsen which is warmer to bath than in the room.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2015

Nicole

Gorgeous property, great service

We very much enjoyed our stay at Wanosato. The property is beautiful, and the staff was very attentive and accommodating. The onsen was nice and our room had a great view of the river. Dinner was also great, even by high ryokan standards. Would happily recommend to other travellers!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2015

olivia

Great trip!

Wonderful people run this place! Traditional japanese inn experience. wanosato means home of the heart and we really felt at home!! Food great and baths clean. Setting dramatic over a creek. Lovely.

8/10

Excellent

26 Jan 2015

Verified traveler

What a wonderful stay

A nice place to consider for a retreat journey. Traditional Japanese food in excellent quality

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2015

Wai Wan Danny

Wonderful getaway and enjoyable experience.

It was a wonderful stay in Wanosato. The food, service and enivornment was amazing. The little gift bag and the welcoming snack were heart warming. We love the japanese traditional vibe of the resort. The resort is located outside the main town center which gave us a moment of quietness. We highly recommend this fantastic resort.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2014

Robert

Phenomenal ryoken - and the highlight of our stay

Phenomenal ryoken - and the highlight of our stay in Japan. Would absolutely recommend staying here if you want an authentic Japanese experience.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2014

Elaine

Traditional and serene

We stayed for two nights and were treated with traditional gracious Japanese hospitality. The proprietress and her staff did everything to make our stay memorable and comfortable. The ryokan is located about 20 minutes from Takayama along a rushing stream; they have a car service so transportation is not a problem. The kaiseki and sukiyaki dinners were beautiful and scrumptious.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2014

Anne

Authentic, peaceful charm

Staff were wonderfully friendly, interested and helpful. The setting is peaceful and beautiful but you need their shuttle-bus to get to town and walking trails. The food was fantastic. Everything showed personal attention to detail and care about maintaining the heritage atmosphere. It was all that I had hoped to experience in Japan. We stayed in the old main building and had meals in several different rooms with subtly different ambience. One other couple were in the same large space at dinner with our areas separated by screens to preserve privacy.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2014

Verified traveler

Stays in Ryokans are very expensive and are worth it for one night but not really for any longer than that. I was delighted I choose Wanosato for my Ryokan experience, staff were really nice but have limited english which is to be expected in rural Japan. They upgraded us since they had a cancellation which was a nice touch and were really friendly and accomodating. Overall I could not fault it for anything and highly recommend.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2014

Robert Davies

The most relaxing place we have stayed

Wanosato is probably the romantic Japan everyone in the west is looking for. Takayama also exceeded our expectations as a place to visit whilst staying at Wanosato with a lot to entertain our children.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2014

fred

Very good food and very nice

Everything was great, overall the atmosphere of a traditionnal ryokan...

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2014

Verified traveler

Wonderful ryokan experience

Food outstanding, very comfortable ryokan and setting was peaceful besides river in beautiful gardens forest

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2014

Verified traveler

Perfectly relaxing

Wanosato was the only Ryokan my wife and I stayed in during a 12-day Japan trip. The whole experience was fantastic and we hated to leave at the end. We were the only people staying, so had unlimited use of the Onsen and a beautiful (upgraded) room. The staff were extremely friendly despite the language gap: we unfortunately speak no Japanese. The landlady chatted happily to us for ten minutes in Japanese over dinner and managed to be charming and welcoming even though we could not understand what each was saying. The other staff could speak English and were able to explain every course of the (excellent) meal and also the hotel amenities. Wanosato is not too easy to get to, but as a result the setting is tranquil and beautiful. We would love to go back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2014

NewOldGit

An authentic taste of traditional Japan

Just stayed for 1 night. Beautiful room set in woods by a waterwheel. Kaiseki evening banquet was a spectacular experience as was the breakfast. Hotel greets you at Takayama station and returns you at your convenience. Although expensive it was well worth it to escape the Tokyo metropolis and experience a traditional ryokan.

Partner