I've travelled extensively in Japan and in two decades, this is the single greatest ryokan experience I've ever had. It's so luxurious (in an old world sort of way), set on an idyllic river, with two different style stunning baths, and such wonderful staff. We have to especially rave about Aya who was so kind, funny, and delightful and made every day special. I also want to note they did not just accommodate me being vegetarian, the chef cooked some of the most stunning vegetarian feasts I've ever had in Japan. I was completely wowed. We will now go here every time we come to Japan - so special.

If you want to enjoy an authentic but luxurious experience in a mountain Inn with kaiseki dinner (and Hida Beef!) and private onsen experience, look no further. Sitting by the fire drinking bamboo sake and watching this sweet old grandpa do magic tricks, blissful. Must try experience, you won't regret it.

My family and I had an excellent stay at Wanosato. I cannot speak more highly of the staff, facility, food, and our experience as a whole. This was one of the most authentic and beautiful experiences we had while in Japan. Wanosato is a special place, with the kindest staff, the most beautiful scenery, incredible food, and luxurious hot baths. All of us (5 adults) made memories here that we will cherish forever. We cannot than the staff enough for hosting us.

This place is out of time. We stayed in a beautiful, simple room by the river. The room had a big panoramic window on the river, and we slept with the sound of the water flowing by us. The dinner was exceptional. We were treated like Kings, served in a private room. Everything was perfect. Don't miss it if you have the opportunity to go there.

We were really lucky to come to the hotel at this time of the year, especially right after the snow. Everything was gorgeous. Ryukan also has scheduled shuttle from and to Takayama JR station. We took the taxi which cost around 50 dollars. There are several houses in the property. We stayed at the main building, at which the public onsen and dining places are located. Food was interesting and more of a modernized kaiseiki than a traditional one. You can have bamboo sake after dinner and watch some magic show. I would recommend anyone who's visiting takayama.

This place was truly magical. It is a traditional Ryokan style lodging nestled in a valley with a gushing river. Everything about this place was very majestic. The degustation and breakfast were both beautiful and delicious. Finally, the service and attention to detail was top notch. Honestly one of the best lodgings I've stayed at.

Fantastic inn. The food exceeded expectations and if I'm honest better than some of the 3 star meals we had in Kyoto. The hot springs are adequate but nothing special and if in winter book the main guest house rather than the villas.

Unbelievable property. The views and sounds of the river in every room are intoxicating. It’s down a super quiet street so you won’t hear any traffic. The meals were outstanding. The onsens were both unique and beautiful. The fixtures are dated but it makes the esthetic that much more authentic. I can’t recommend enough as a launching point to explore Takayama. I hope to be back!

If you are looking for a picturesque mountainous setting with a creek running through with natural hot water baths and great food, this place will fit the bill. Very rural style rooms although very down to earth and not very luxurious as some other riokans/onsens.

We’ve been staying at Wanosato for one night. It was magical! The stuff is amazing and so kind and helpful. The hospitality was 10/10. The dinner - WOW. Everything made from local materials. The room was beautiful, clean, and warm. We will definitely come back! Thank you very much for your hospitality 🙏

One of the best stay and experience of our whole Japan trip. Wanosato is an unique and special place by itself, from the building to the whole landscape surrounding you - you are transported to a different world. For us, it was during winter so the snow covered rocks along the river is your daily view from your very own room. The food and service is also outstanding, with multi-course meals for both dinner and breakfast which truly showcase the local produce and quality of the dishes. This will be the perfect place to unwind, enjoy the nature and take in everything Wanosato has to offer. Note: Do contact the Ryokan if you require a complimentary pickup/drop off from/to Takayama station.

Memorable Ryokan with fantastic service and truly fine food. A must landmark in the region especially under the snow.

Best experience ever! The ryokan is amazing and beautiful. The best japanese dinner and breakfast you could even imagine. Surrounded by nature and it has a private onsen. All workers were very kind.

We felt cheated. This was our second visit to Wanosato and we stayed at the same suite (Tenryu), but the experience was completely different. The room smelled strongly musty (our clothes in the suitcase still smelled the same mustiness for days after leaving Wanosato). There were cobwebs and balls of dust in the room. As a result, our dust allergy was so severe that my wife had to keep a face mask on in order to sleep. It was clear that Wanosato was short of staff. Rarely anyone at the counter; even the dinners were toned down/reduced from our last stay 4 years ago. It was not the staff's issue. They worked hard and had a good attitude. It was the issue with the management/owner. Faced with staffing shortage, the management apparently chose to maximize profit by making available more rooms than the staff could handle, and in the process the service standard deteriorated significantly. To be charged 250,000 yen per night for the suite, we expected better (at least a clean suite). The steadfast commitment to quality by luxury ryokans and hotels in Japan is the reason we keep coming back. Such trust is lost with Wanosato. We will not revisit in the future.

Absolutely amazing location, service, accommodation and food! The views of the river are spectacular and the food is seasonal and meticulously prepared and presented. The best ryokan we have stayed in.

Service was excellent 5/5. Food was good. 4.5/5 Facilities are lacking. Old building with musty smell. Also they do not pick up the phone if you try to call. This was an issue trying to confirm pickup from the train station. We tried to call >5x and finally got through. The pickup is at the West gate. Onsen was not open air.

Beautiful Ryokan offering free standing traditional villas as well as regular rooms. The main building welcomes guests for diner and after diner community sake. Overall a wonderful and relaxing experience. Wanosato has 2 natural hot springs and like often sides switches between men and women so you can experience both during your stay. One is made of Hinoki and the other of rocks, with nice views over the river. The food is delicious and refined. The Kaiseki diner is great but the Sukiyaki with the Hida beef is wonderful. A free shuttle service links the hotel to Takayama station - a 20 minutes drive away. Wanosato is a great base to visit Takayama region.

Such a beautiful scenic ryokan in the middle of the forest next to a stream. It is on the pricey side but the room is just so elegant and luxurious plus the location and nature makes it all worth it. The owner was very friendly and also offered us sake at the fireplace. The kaiseki was also exquisite and we had a warm bath in the onsen after dinner!

Absolutely beautiful place to stay, a bit further up into the mountains of takayama (about a 20 minute drive from the town centre). Staff are extremely helpful and a shuttle bus to and from town is provided. Rooms have beautiful views over the river and are traditional Japanese style with complimentary kimonos, mini bar, toiletries. The food is incredible and cooked in front of you. There is also an Onsen on site which is open most of the day. Definitely worth the money for at least one night of luxury?

I was left speechless 😶 This place is mesmerizing. They’ve thought of every little detail so that their guests can experience a truly authentic, timeless, relaxing and culinary experience. Everything from the welcome tea and Wagashi, through the oh-so-many-courses dinner, to the same style breakfast and on to their two incredible Onsen rooms that feel like they came out of a fairytale. situated on the banks of a stream, the nature around you is stunning, with views offered from many rooms in the house, including the guest rooms. The floor hearth situated in the reception is also a real treat, especially after dinner, when they provide hot Sake and some entertainment. The staff was incredibly gracious and professional. They also offer transit to/from Takayama station at different times. WORTH EVERY PENNY!

My girlfriend and I had an amazing experience! Our cabin was amazing. The entire property was just gorgeous. The staff was friendly and spoke English. I highly recommend getting the package with the Hida beef dinner and breakfast. After dinner we sat around the fire in there lobby and drank atsukan. We would go back!!

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.