Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama

“Outstanding service”

We stayed in four ryokans during our trip to Japan and this was easily the best of them, despite its official three-star grading (small TVs and some tired furnishings may explain that), set apart from the rest because of its simply outstanding hospitality and service. Staff here not only welcome g… more

We stayed in four ryokans during our trip to Japan and this was easily the best of them, despite its official three-star grading (small TVs and some tired furnishings may explain that), set apart from the rest because of its simply outstanding hospitality and service. Staff here not only welcome guests with genuine warmth but also work hard to anticipate needs. Two examples from many: 1) We arrived drenched after touring the historic village of Shirakawago in a downpour and left our soaking shoes at the entrance. When we set off the next day to tour Takayama, using the ryokan’s shuttle, our shoes had been completely dried for us. The insoles of mine had even been replaced with new ones. 2) When our tour agents let us down badly and forgot to reserve a car for us on departure, staff let us use their phone, made us comfortable and even provided complimentary coffee (unrequested) while we waited for replacement transport. Apart from superb service, this ryokan had some of the best food we ate in Japan, served in our room. Our private onsen was more spacious than most, and there were nice extra touches, like an extra jug of iced water in our bedroom and two hairdryers (one in our downstairs bathroom and another in our upstairs bedroom). Please don’t be put off by the three-star grading. We’d give this ryokan at least six stars if we could and would recommend it to anyone wanting a traditional Japanese experience, with all its sensational bells and whistles.

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“Perfect place”

I have no other ryokan onsen places to compare this to, but this place was simply outstanding. Only 15 rooms. Ours had our own private onsen on the porch with continuously flowing hot spring water; had no need to use the larger communal hotel onsens. They give you slippers and kimonos to wear to me… more

I have no other ryokan onsen places to compare this to, but this place was simply outstanding. Only 15 rooms. Ours had our own private onsen on the porch with continuously flowing hot spring water; had no need to use the larger communal hotel onsens. They give you slippers and kimonos to wear to meals and pajamas. Dinner was a 12 course Kaiseki gourmet extravaganza with at least 25 different items, breakfast only 15 items, presented in our own private dining room. The room had a downstairs and upstairs, each fairly large, with living room and bathroom, meticulously clean. The staff was lovely, gracious, and helpful. The only downside is the ryokan is on the outskirts of town, a 10 min free van ride to the train station. However, this didn’t really matter in Takayama, which is worth probably a half day visit, the rest of the time spent relaxing, soaking, and eating.

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“Charming ryokan experience”

This is our 3rd time staying in a ryokan and it lived up to the others we have stayed in. Not located in the CBD of Tayakama but they have a free shuttle bus from the railway station. The service from arrival to departure was excellent. We had booked a room with a private garden and onsen which I w… more

This is our 3rd time staying in a ryokan and it lived up to the others we have stayed in. Not located in the CBD of Tayakama but they have a free shuttle bus from the railway station. The service from arrival to departure was excellent. We had booked a room with a private garden and onsen which I would totally recommend if the budget allows. As we were able enjoy the onsen while it was snowing and enjoying a glass of wine. Breakfast and dinner was included and we picked Japanese breakfast and first night Haida beef and second night seafood. All meals where presented and quality was excellent as seafood was lobster and the Haida beef. We are Australian and it was was best beef we have every eaten. Would totally recommend

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“Pleasant enough stay, nothing out of this world.”

A pleasant Ryokan. Food was beautifully presented and quite good. Some of the little dishes were excellent, others less so. Our lady who was looking after us was called Emily and was very kind and friendly and helpful. The location is slightly out of the main hustle and bustle but they do provide a… more

A pleasant Ryokan. Food was beautifully presented and quite good. Some of the little dishes were excellent, others less so. Our lady who was looking after us was called Emily and was very kind and friendly and helpful. The location is slightly out of the main hustle and bustle but they do provide a shuttle service. Was a nice experience but somehow was expecting a little more really. Worthy of a solid 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

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