Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan

The location of this ryokan is superb, with Takayama Station within easy reach. As an added bonus, they also provide a complimentary shuttle service to and from the hotel. We stayed in a traditional Japanese-style room with futons, which we absolutely loved. From the moment we arrived, the service felt very personal. We were greeted warmly by the hotel staff and offered welcome tea in our room shortly after settling in. We had selected a stay that included both Japanese breakfast and dinner, and the food was simply outstanding - genuinely first-class, gourmet-level cuisine. Each meal was beautifully presented and was one of the highlights of our stay. Overall, Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan gave us a wonderful traditional ryokan experience, combining excellent hospitality, beautiful accommodation and exceptional food.

The bathroom was a little small for four adults, but this is perhaps to be expected in Japan.

Location and staff. So friendly and helpful The ryokan experience is very special.

The kaiseki meal was a great experience but maybe for me the flavours were too subtle. However presentation and service were wonderful. The futon could have been more comfortable. I felt that the room possibly needed a little redecoration.

The location in the middle of Takayama near the morning market and old streets is fabulous. The room was comfortable, and the service is impeccable. The staff went out of their way to orient us, and help us with directions and dinner reservations. They picked us up and dropped us off at the bus station. Our dinner at the attached sushi restaurant was absolutely delicious.

The rooms were spacious and comfortable.

The food was really disappointing - particularly children’s meals. We tried Japanese as well as western style breakfast. The dinner was Japanese style. The meals were not freshly made (both adults’ and children’s’ meals) - we’ve had to pass on many dishes as they weren’t tasty, were stale or overcooked (eg fish may have been reheated rather than freshly cooked or it may have been overcooked to give it dry taste). Children’s meals were particularly disappointing- cheap and unhealthy, with most items deep fried. A particularly disappointing example was to find out that what looked like deep fried “calamari rings” actually wasn’t calamari at all (not sure what it was but it fell apart as you bit into it). In addition, the hotel charges for every additional item (try asking for something different on a side - it’s an extra charge). Given the daily rate wasn’t cheap, it’s quite poor service. We previously stayed at a hotel which was a similar rate per night and the service and food were absolutely exceptional. Our first room smelt of smoke, which was off putting particularly because we were travelling with small children. The rooms are large and comfortable though.