Wanosato

For the high price we paid for a private bungalow suite, we expected a little more from this Ryokan. The room was spacious and beautiful and there was attention to detail with traditional kimonos and a personal coffee machine, yet the room was full of cobwebs, in fact if you are arachnophobic like me you will have trouble staying here because there are spiders, cobwebs and spider eggs everywhere. I understand this is in the middle of a forest, but there is no reason for so many insects to nest inside undisturbed. Another thing we didn’t like was that our bathtub was rotten, moldy and even had mushrooms growing on it. The shared onsen’s wood was also moldy and full of dangerous splinters. the staff was kind and helpful but they speak near to no English, so did the entertainment. The meals were gourmet and very high quality, and with the breathtaking views of the stream and the peace and quiet of the facility in general we felt like we still enjoyed our stay but overall for the price paid we would expect a higher qualify of service and cleaning/maintenance.

Amazing stay. Great setting. Best meal we had in Japan. Easy provided shuttle from nearby train station. Could not have been more pleased with our stay. If you add up the unique stay, the amazing food (breakfast and dinner) and the fact that you get a spa package it’s an excellent bargain.

Beautiful ryokan! Highly recommended if you have a car, so you can explore the area (1-2 hour drives). The suite I stayed in, in the main building, was very comfortable. The service was impeccable and everyone was super friendly. The food was outstanding. The views to the river are awesome. The onsen is fantastic. I would definitely return.

Blissful! Stayed in one of the houses by the river. Traditional setup, super comfy futon, lovely staff and brilliant food. Had a nice evening mixing with other couples around the fire in the evening drinking sake with a magician :))) Brillaint place to take a break as you tour Japan!

I’ve been to Japan many times and stayed at multiple ryokans and I have to say Wanosato is now top of my list. I read some reviews where the customer didn’t enjoy themselves but boy did I enjoy my stay so much that I didn’t want to leave. The vibe of Wanosato is unlike any other Ryokans or Japanese hotels I’ve been to and it’s really such a treat. I visited in winter so I’m not sure about other seasons but I highly recommend visiting during winter. The ryokan is extremely cozy and hearing the sound of the stream from the room is amazing. The property is tranquil and filled with beautiful furnitures and the fireplace by the entrance is absolutely stunning and amazing. The food is top tier and so is their service. Though the ryokan might look old and dated, it’s maintained pretty well. I would have wanted to stay an extra night but I’ll definitely be back. I didn’t get to sit at the fireplace at night (the owner serves hot sake with blankets) so I will have to try that the next time. I can’t stop raving about this place, I hope the pictures does the property justice but do visit once if you can, the Takayama region is worth exploring too. And order strawberries from M BERRY FARM during strawberry season (biggest and sweetest strawberries ever) during your stay, they do deliveries to the ryokan if you request it, I think this will complete your stay there perfectly.

Wanosato was honestly one of the nicest places I've ever stayed in, the food was amazing, the staff were extremely kind and attentive, our hut was so cozy and unique, the views were fantastic and the onsen was great. They even had transport to bring you to and from Takayama. Overall this was one of, if not the nicest place I have ever been.

Wanosato was amazing! Stayed there as a single foreigner with bad Japanese skills and staff still made me feel at ease. Food was great and interesting and the view from my room and the onsen was downright spectacular. Highly recommend!

Wanosato is located next to a picturesque rock strewn river surrounded by old pine trees. The setting is quiet and relaxing with just the sound of flowing water. If you’re planning to explore Takayama you will need transportation for the short drive there. The well established ryokan has several baths available and they are all enjoyable. Our room was spacious and clean with good AC and a small refrigerator. There is a charge for non alcoholic drinks from the refrigerator which is different from other ryokans on our trip. Meals were excellent without fail and the service level is very good. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Shuttle service to and from the train station. Very pleasant stay.