Wanosato
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 250 reviews
Rediscover a haven of peace at Wanosato, a historical ryokan nestled in the calming woods of Takayama. In this 160-year-old traditional Gassho-zukuri house, the whisper of a sparkling river accompanies your moments of serenity. Between the cypress hot spring bath and the delightful stone bath, let yourself be enveloped by the soothing warmth of these natural oases while admiring the mountainous landscapes. This authentic place, adorned with accolades, invites you to a sensory journey in close proximity to nature.
Intimately designed, the rooms, equipped with woven tatami mats and comfortable futons, offer a delicate and refined decor. Each space opens onto a calming view of the surrounding stream, complemented by modern amenities such as a private bathtub and a flat-screen TV. The simplicity of the Japanese style blends harmoniously with sophisticated comfort, ideal for a retreat filled with softness and refinement in this ryokan in Takayama.
Find the pinnacle of taste in a refined culinary setting, where the establishment’s restaurant showcases seasonal products sublimated in delicious Japanese creations. Each dish is a work of art, served in a warm and traditional ambiance. Just a few kilometers away, explore the local gastronomic richness in neighboring restaurants, or extend this epicurean journey into the heart of Takayama. A culinary experience as memorable as it is magical awaits you there.
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A Genius discount of 10% or more may apply via this link.
Evaluation of Japanese Authenticity
9/10 Rich in tradition, this ryokan beautifully marries authentic architecture with charming details like tatami and shōji. The cuisine offers an elaborate kaiseki and the onsen provides a soothing experience with serene views. The rooms exude elegance and authenticity, immersing guests in the Japanese atmosphere.
Highlights of the Ryokan
Hot spring/onsen
Public bath
Tatami
Refrigerator
Terrace/Balcony
Wi-Fi connection
Parking
Air conditioning
Positive Reviews
Immersed in Nature
The location is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering an authentic and peaceful atmosphere, with stunning views of the river and mountains, making it perfect for relaxation and disconnecting from daily life.
Exceptional Hospitality
The staff is described as adorable, attentive, and incredibly kind, always ensuring guests feel welcome and cared for, with many highlighting personalized and warm service throughout their stay.
Authentic Ryokan Experience
Guests appreciate the authentic Japanese style of the ryokan, including traditional rooms, futons, tatamis, and the unique ambiance which transports visitors to another era, combining comfort with tradition.
Delicious Cuisine
The dinner and breakfast are often described as exceptional, delicious, and refined, with many guests considering the meals a highlight of their stay and praising the quality and presentation.
Relaxing Onsen Facilities
The onsen baths, both public and private, are highly appreciated for their beauty and relaxing qualities, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy a unique cultural experience.
Convenient Shuttle Service
The free shuttle service to and from the train station or city makes access easy and stress-free, allowing guests to enjoy the remote location without transportation worries.
Negative Reviews
Minor Room Maintenance
Some guests mentioned that certain parts of the rooms or furniture could benefit from a light refresh, such as updated paint or replacing older items, though this did not detract significantly from their experience.
Breakfast Could Be Improved
A few guests found the continental breakfast a bit light and would have preferred a more substantial offering, especially compared to the exceptional dinner.
Remote and Isolated Location
The ryokan's beautiful remote setting means it is fairly out of the way, which might be less convenient for those seeking easy access to city amenities, though most found the tranquility worth it.
High Price Point
Some guests noted that the experience is quite expensive, though they generally felt the quality and uniqueness justified the higher cost.
Occasional Communication Issues
A rare administrative error, such as an incorrect cancellation message, caused inconvenience for a guest, but such incidents appear to be isolated.
Sensitive to Smoke
A guest with asthma was slightly bothered by wood fire smoke in the common areas, though this is part of the traditional atmosphere and may not affect everyone.
Does the ryokan have onsen, and are they accessible to everyone?
Yes, Wanosato offers a public thermal bath (onsen) with cypress and stone facilities. These onsens offer a view of the mountains and are accessible to all residents. However, they are generally not mixed, in accordance with Japanese traditions.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-ins are between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It is necessary to indicate your arrival time in advance. Check-outs must be completed before 11:00 AM.
What languages are spoken at Wanosato?
The staff at Wanosato primarily speaks Japanese.
Are there any restrictions regarding pets or smokers?
Pets are not allowed within the establishment, and all rooms and areas are strictly non-smoking.
What wellness services are offered?
In addition to public thermal baths, Wanosato provides a traditional public bath and perfect facilities for relaxation in a soothing natural setting.
What dining options are available?
Wanosato offers a Japanese breakfast and a gourmet dinner prepared with local seasonal products. Meals are served in a dedicated dining room.
Does the ryokan have parking?
Yes, free private parking is available on site. It is not necessary to book in advance.
What activities or tourist sites are nearby?
Nearby, you can visit the old streets of Takayama and its morning market (25 minutes by car) or take an excursion to the village of Shirakawago (70 minutes by car).
Does the ryokan organize cultural activities?
Although no specific cultural activities are mentioned, the traditional charm and Gassho-zukuri style architecture of the ryokan allow for a complete immersion in Japanese culture.
How to get to the ryokan via public transport?
Wanosato is accessible in 20 minutes thanks to a free shuttle service from JR Takayama station. This service requires a reservation at least 1 day in advance.
What are the rules regarding children?
Children aged 7 and over are welcome. However, no baby beds or extra beds are available in the establishment.
What is unique about the ryokan’s architecture?
Wanosato is a 160-year-old thatched-roof house in Gassho-zukuri style, offering an authentic experience of traditional Japanese architecture.
