It would have been great to hear more about the temple, its history and daily life for the monks there. it’s a shame that you had to pay extra for the meditation as the stay was already expensive. a great visit though.

A memorable stay in Shirasagiyu Tawaraya - a beautiful temple in the heart of Takayama. we stayed in a lovely room overlooking the tranquil garden. the highlight of our stay was the meditation session the following morning. it was great to take part and to learn more about meditation and Buddhism.

Stayed in July 2025

The coffee service could be better quality

Classic, tasteful, everything needed was thoughtfully provided. Thank you!

Stayed in August 2025

The hotel did not provide the hotel to hotel luggages transfer service. The hotel should consider this service in the future, it would make life easier for guests.

everything was excellent from staffs services, quality of food, to property. We love the place

Stayed in May 2025

I found it a bit disappointing that we had to pay an extra for the drinks of the meal and the bath taxes, considering the price of one night, which is not cheap. There was not much to do around, but for one night I guess it was enough. The breakfast is A LOT haha I was full for the whole day, maybe a bit less would be perfect.

It was very clean, the scenery was absolutely stunning. The meals were excellent, made with local products. The place is super nice in itself, and the staff is delightful. It was my birthday, and they gave me a photograph of me and my mother. I appreciate it a lot! The shuttle bus is super easy to find as well.

Stayed in May 2025

N/a

The outdoor onsen was the best, and the traditional Japanese food was also delicious. The tatami rooms were also wonderful, and the Riverwalk was great!

Stayed in May 2025

Staying at Shirasagiyu Tawaraya was one of the highlights of our family's trip to Japan. The river rushing by outside our window was so relaxing, and the onsen was incredibly peaceful. The kaiseki dinner was amazing--I will never forget the carefully composed elements that made up each of the courses. The breakfast was wonderful as well. Yamanaka and the area around the hotel are also very charming. We just wish that we had stayed two nights instead of one!

Stayed in April 2025

Amazing Japanese hotel, you feel back in time. We had breakfast and dinner, delicious! The onsen open to the forest, we loved it. Even they do not speak to much English, everyone was nice and communicate

Stayed in April 2025

Not much of a seafood person so the food was ok. To be fair I didn't ask to see if there was another option

Cozy place that mixes traditional and modern aesthetic. Friendly staff. Small town with some great views and friendly people

Stayed in April 2025

Air con can be better.

I’ve booked the special Japanese-western room with semi open air bath which was fabulous, good size and design. Love the private Onsen bath. Free shuttle services.

Stayed in May 2025

The facilities were so perfectly clean and well well maintained and well equipped, especially the Onsen We stayed in a traditional Japanese room and loved it, including the futons to sleep on the floor The staff was extremely attentive, helpful and friendly. The dinner experience was the highlight of our Japan trip and I can only recommend it!

Stayed in May 2025

Most of our issues come from just being foreigners, so I mostly want to advise other foreigners and do not want to complain. Some things foreigners should know are that the breakfast and dinner are very traditional and so there may be food there that is not to your taste. Both meals are large enough that you can set aside a dish if you tried it and it wasn't your favorite, and the staff didn't remark to us if we preferred to not eat a dish so I think they understand it is a cultural difference and not a remark on the quality of the meal (the quality and presentation of both meals is excellent). Secondly, the public baths are not tattoo friendly. Many Americans (us included) have tattoos and so I think it's important to say that if you have them you will have to book the private onsen (~$25). And lastly, the yukata come in one size (multiple lengths are available though), so if you are plus size over maybe a 2X, it might be a good idea to bring your own. Staff were very courteous and accommodating in all things so these things are not a reflection on them nor on the overall wonderful experience we had, just some things we wished we knew before going.

The room was gorgeous and the view was amazing. There was a delicious dinner and breakfast included in our booking and a shuttle bus to and from the train station. We were so relaxed and comfortable during our trip. The staff were very professional and courteous. The private onsen is amazing, it's spacious enough for a large group (even ten people or more), though I think only three or four can wash at a time.

Stayed in April 2025

We did not tried the dinner since it was extremely expensive, so we wont say if it is good or bad. But the local restaurants of the village are cheap and very good. Totally recommend skiping the hotel dinner and go to the village instead (2 min walk).

We went there to experience a japanese traditional hotel, as well as to rest after 10 days in Tokyo region, before going to another 10 days of walking in Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima region. Overall, was the perfect experience... The shuttle from JR station to the hotel has a great schedule. The staff was very nice and available, the room marvelous and traditional, very spacious also. The surroundings of the hotel are beautyfull and great for a walk in the woods by the river. The public onsen of the hotel is relaxing and an amazing experience (we went 3 times in 2 nights).The view from the room also wonderfull. This was the most expensive hotel (per night) we had in our 25 days japan trip, but worth it! I recommend it to everyone. I think 2 nights are perfect to rest and enjoy the experience, with breakfast included. Breakfast has like 14 different things in front of you, and change each day. You can try lots of different stuff from Japan.

Stayed in April 2025

The staff were so kind and accommodating during our stay. The location was also very central to the Yamanaka Onsen town, perfect for exploring the area. The baths were beautiful and had a lot of great amenities, including hair ties, popsicles, and several Dyson hair dryers. Our room was the most economical one, and yet it was still very large and pretty with a great view. And the food was great; so meticulously prepared and presented. The egg dishes in particular were our favorites.

Stayed in April 2025

It would be better if it offers ala carte menu for dinner.

Stayed in April 2025

It's wonderful to stay one night in the guest house to explore Kanazawa, we recommend a family trip here.

Stayed in April 2025

More English at meals would be nice! I wish we would have ordered the crab ahead of time? That's it.

Everything - the service, food, and the gorgeous room with a private onsen and lounge. Most relaxing hotel ever.

Stayed in March 2025

I wish there were more Westerners food options to switch up when we stay longer than one day.

Location of the hot spring resort is amazing. Walking distance to beautiful bridge, trails and local store. The staffs are very friendly and attentive. They even prepared boots for us when it was raining. The foods are very good. I just wish there are more Westerner foods option to switch up when we stay more than one day.

Stayed in February 2025

Shuttle service from/to hotel very limited. 79

Onsen, dinner and breakfast very good.

Stayed in November 2024

Rent a compact car because the side roads to reach the hotel front entrance are narrow and the parking lot assigned could be in a small space. (Or pack light and book their shuttle minibus from Kaga Onsen JR station.)

Highest quality seasonal and regional ingredients used for all meals. Tatami rooms faced the river gorge and if there are clear night skies, the stars fill your view from the room balcony. Outdoor common baths overlook the river gorge for bracingly frigid breezes during night baths in the cold season. Also a short walk to the nearest supermart if you need more after-dinner drinks, snacks or ice cream.

Stayed in November 2024

N/A

Everything. The room was lovely. The meals spectacular. The onsen was extremely relaxing and the staff were so friendly.

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing

Magnificent food. Magic location. Wonderful staff.

Stayed in November 2024

Kaga-onsen is a small town that unfortunately offers little in terms of tourist attractions, aside from its numerous luxurious ryokan featuring onsen. A couple of days is more than enough to fully explore the area and enjoy some nature excursions. The restaurant is of high quality, boasting an extensive menu that surprised us with the variety of dishes. The Japanese-style breakfast may not suit everyone; as Italians, we're used to lighter, sweeter breakfasts, which is quite the opposite here. Still, it’s an experience worth having! The onsens are stunning, just like in the photos. They are not the first we have visited, but I must say these pleasantly surprised me, especially the outdoor baths. Additionally, I enjoyed chatting with some elderly gentlemen during our soak. Despite my limited Japanese and their few English words, we managed to have a pleasant and unusual conversation! The kindness of the staff is truly valuable. I recommend a short stay to relax between city visits.

Stayed in November 2024

It’s dated, but has what people describe as Showa Era charm (80s Japan). I liked it, but may not be for everyone.

Staff were gems! Food quality was excellent. There was a lot of food. So be prepared. The main bath area was super nice.

Stayed in September 2024

The place is old and tired but it was a local authentic experience. Food while good could be better. It was average.

The helpful smiling staff made our stay really special. Despite language barriers, they made us feel welcome special and looked after. Top marks for service attitude.

Stayed in October 2024