Ryokan Yamakanoyu

“Very nice break in a quiet part of Japan”

A bus from Kiso Fukushima station stops at the ryokan, taking roughly an hour and running every hour or two on weekdays, less on weekends, which made the trip pleasant. A shuttle bus also departs at 8 AM, though I’m unsure how many daily runs it offers. The town is tiny, with no restaurants visible, but the supermarket next door supplies plenty of food. We hiked the Nishino Pass, part of the old Nakasendo route, a lively climb that splits toward an observatory, then continued another kilometer to a small Italian spot called Kaenei that was fantastic. I woke around 3 AM to see stars that were unbelievably bright—more so than any other Japanese sky I’ve seen—and I snapped a photo from my phone that shows them. We arrived a bit late on day one, stayed two nights, and overall it was a very nice stay. The nearby house, stable, and museum were lovely, probably better than the traditional houses at Shirakawa.

Peter·10 bulan lalu

“Relaxing, restorative stay in charming inn.”

The inn is charming, the food amazing, the staff kind, and the view of Mt. Ontake is great.

Julie·11 bulan lalu

We were offered an authentic and traditional Japanese experience, with no negatives.

Anna·11 bulan lalu

“都会の炎熱地獄を逃れて、クールランド開田高原”

The meals were generally good and beautifully presented. The staff were well‑trained, polite, and helpful. In particular, the dinner service was thoughtfully timed and delicious. As a senior with back pain, I found the mattress uncomfortable; my body sank and my back bent, so a double layer of futon would have been easier to sleep on. Just a note for future guests.

Mamabu·Setahun lalu

“Una experiencia inolvidable en el corazón de la naturales”

It was an unforgettable experience in the heart of Japanese nature. From the moment I arrived, the place felt alive, a spot where time stops and the heart opens. The people running it are simply wonderful: warm, attentive, and deeply respectful. Every gesture and word carries genuine kindness, making the stay endearing and human. The room was spacious, impeccably clean, and balanced tradition with comfort. Sleeping there, with the forest’s sound in the background, felt like entering a dream. The natural surroundings—forests, mountains, hot springs—are overwhelming, designed to reconnect with essentials. Sitting by the river or walking among ancient trees becomes a form of meditation. And the food… each dinner and breakfast was a journey in itself, Michelin‑level dishes presented beautifully and with respect for the ingredients. Delicious, surprising textures, seasonal ingredients cooked masterfully—a feast for the senses. I wholeheartedly recommend Ryokan Yamakanoyu. It’s more than a place to stay; it’s a space to remember who you are, give thanks, and be reborn.

Irene·Setahun lalu