Traditional Japanese Inn Yumoto Chohza

We picked Fukuji Onsen area for our xmas holiday and we were doing 7 nights with 4 different ryokans, ranked below: #1 Kakurean Hidaji (隠庵 ひだ路) x 2 Nights #2 Yumoto Choza (湯元 長座) x 2 Nights #3 Motoyu Magokuro (元湯 孫九郎) x 2 Nights #4 Yamazato-no-iori Soen (山里のいおり草円) 1 Nights (AVOID) Yumoto Choza offers a unique ryokan experience, and while our stay had its ups and downs, it’s worth considering for its incredible baths, exceptional food, and solid service. BUT BEWARE OF STINKING BUGS! Property/Room: A Blend of Charm and Challenges The property itself is a stunning example of a traditional Japanese ryokan, surrounded by beautiful scenery that adds to its serene ambiance. One of the main draws is the variety of baths available, which are truly exceptional. There are three family baths attached to the buildings that offer private bathing experiences, and five more baths located outside the property. While the indoor baths were quite busy during our stay (likely due to the cold weather), the outdoor baths were a magical experience, especially with snow falling around us. The large public bath outside was a particular highlight—spacious, tranquil, and mostly empty, offering a rare opportunity to soak in solitude. Unfortunately, the room itself fell short of expectations. It was comfortable enough but fairly basic compared to other ryokan experiences we’ve had. The biggest drawback was the bugs—there were quite a few, and one even made its way to the bed, which we had to deal with ourselves. This was a bit of a letdown, as it detracted from the overall comfort of the stay. Food: The Best in Fukuji The food at Yumoto Choza is absolutely phenomenal and, in my opinion, the best in the Fukuji area. Every dish was meticulously prepared and showcased the finest ingredients, creating a dining experience that was as delicious as it was memorable. If you have the appetite, I highly recommend ordering the Hida beef skewers—they were mouthwateringly good and added an extra touch of indulgence to an already fantastic meal. Service: Attentive and Helpful The service at Yumoto Choza was solid throughout our stay. The staff went out of their way to assist with luggage, ensuring it was moved seamlessly from place to place. They were also very helpful in getting us to the bus stop, making our departure stress-free. While the service wasn’t the most personalized we’ve experienced, it was efficient and thoughtful, which we greatly appreciated. Final Thoughts Yumoto Choza has a lot to offer, especially for those looking to experience a wide variety of baths and incredible food in a tranquil setting. While the room and bug situation were less than ideal, the baths and culinary offerings more than made up for it. If you’re a foodie or a bath enthusiast, this ryokan is worth considering, particularly in snowy weather, when the outdoor baths become an unforgettable highlight.

If you are onsen lover, you have to come here. there are 3 private semi open air onsens onsite and 5 more private open air onsens along a creek just 2min away and free of charge. It was like fairytale land under thick fresh snow. The dinner and breakfast are incredible. especially for me who has not yet adjusted to the cold and raw sushi. The property was an ancient structure, much bigger and complex than expected. You may need some time to figure out the network of paths inside and out. At every turn, there was scenery to surprise you. The staffs were so amazing. When they learned we had to leave early to catch bus next morning, they arranged to open their dinning hall early for us. And they even drove us to bus stop

Ryokan was pretty old & looking good from outside. The staff was kind and master lady was also very friendly. There were also private onsen as well, and generally the facility LOOKS nice. HOWEVER, there are tremendous amount of stink bugs in the guest rooms. They don't come out until night, and swarm the room in the evening. We had to kill 20+ bugs, and there were no ending to these. I even considered sleeping in the car, due to the amount of bugs coming out. Thus, if you are strong hearted bug-lover, the ryokan is Ok. However, if you are like me who does not endure bugs, BEWARE.

Loved everything here, we’re so lucky to get a room last minute. Beautiful rooms, plenty of Onsen space, amazing staff and great value!! Will visit again if there’s a chance!

This place is pure magic, you will live a Spirited Away like experience. There are many crossing corridors and hidden passages over 3 floors but don't worry, they will provide you with a map. At the floor 0 you will find the public baths with all commodities and also 3 wonderful private baths (accessible 24h) with indoor and outdoor hot water pools, showers and many amenities. The hall is fantastic with a Japanese style fireplace. They will serve your dinner and breakfast in a private room, you will taste the real typical foods in a sort of ceremony that will please your mouth and eyes for its beauty. Our king room was an actual apartment paved with tatami including a toilet, bedroom, living room with a view over the garden, a studio and a little place where you can set a fire to heat your water for a wonderful green tea or coffee. The bathroom had both a shower and a big wooden tub resembling a private onsen. Even if the place was completely booked we seldomly met someone around, we really felt to be teleported in another world. The staff is super kind and they will help you in anything you need. Strongly recommended.

Staying Here was one of my favorite things I did during my 2 week vacation in Japan. The owner and front desk guy showed the utmost hospitality to my group. The location was beautiful and provided the relaxation we needed after all the walking we had done in the days before. The dinner and breakfast was so intimate and well done. Our server was extremely kind and sweet, and did so well communicating with us despite English not being her first language. I can't say enough about how much we loved the outdoor hot springs either. I would highly recommend this place!

Onsen were hot and relaxingv with great views, plenty of private baths if you prefer these. Rooms amazing. Food was traditional old style Japanese food. The food looked just so amazing. Definitely recommend a stay here.

HOTEL||Beautiful traditional wooden buildings, very remiscent of a European hunting lodge.||Lounge had a lovely high ceilinged lounge with a large open log fire - must be fabulous in winter.   Very peaceful, calm and relaxing atmosphere, with the rooms & buildings surrounded by flowing water and lovely gardens. A set of lovely private onsen with inside and outside bathing pools, surrounded by garden / screens, plus the gender separate communal ones.||One the most beautiful hotels I've stayed in (I'm not a FourSeasons type of person).  ||||FOOD||Had some superb traditional kaiseki multi-course Hida meals, with wonderful fresh produce, vegetables, fish and beef, fantastic pickles, some cooked over an open Irori, ... and tried some raw bear (a new one on me)||Served in attractive private rooms. The hotel very kindly provided English speaking staff to serve all our meals.||||All the staff were incredibly kind and helpful, given our complete lack of ability in Japanese.  Showed us great traditional hospitality for b/f and dinner. ||||BEDROOM||Beautiful large Suite with its own Irori, with moveable screens and a small veranda overlooking the gardens.  Could hear the flowing water in the garden outside.||Very quiet. Very comfortable.  Slept extremely well.||||OVERALL||I'm not prone to over compliment, but I run out of superlatives for this Ryokan. It was one of the more expensive lodgings on this 3 wk Japan trip, but was excellent value. A truly memorable stay in Sept 2015, so we need to work out when we can go back. The website pictures just about do justice to how lovely it is.||||ACCESS||Easy to travel: Reliable Nohi bus (English timetable online), 1hr from either Takayama or Matsumoto, sometimes change at Hirayu.  Fukuchi Onsen is on a smaller road by-passed by the main highway. Email Ryokan and tell them which bus you're taking, they will tell you exactly which bus stop (have names like train stations & one is directly outside) to get off at, and tell bus driver, and all will be fine. staff will meet you.