Ryokan Murayama

This Ryokan is set out of town in a nice quiet area. Easy walk to the teddy bear museum, a cat Sanctuary that you can visit and the Hida Folk Village. Close to bus stop if you want to travel outside of the free shuttle bus times. The staff are very friendly and helpful. On our second morning (the owner) noticed that I was limping badly. Whilst having breakfast she very kindly came and gave me some healing patches for my ankle. I was very grateful and also very touched by her thoughtfulness. Choice of Western or Japanese breakfast. It is brought to your table and there is plenty of it. It was nice that it was a different meal each morning. Unfortunately we did not have time to use the onsen as we were out a lot. They have both a public and private one (lock yourself in for privacy). Room on top floor was spotlessly clean, had own shower and bath (with toiletries), plenty of space to sit, a fridge, hot water machine, tv and very comfortable mattresses. It was very peaceful as it is surrounded by trees. I would recommend this mid range Ryokan.

The service was good, I send were excellent., and food was first class. A little out of town t close to Hida folk village and there is a shuttle. Taxi to station only around £5. We really enjoyed our stay, enjoyed the onsen more than once and really enjoyed the set menu dinner and the westerns style breakfast. I would recommend this place.

Manager/Owner (Maybe?)/Front desk person/Driver is polite, friendly, and professional. He also speaks reasonable English. Free pick up and drop off services from/to the JR station are provided. Pick up service is available between 12:30 until 17:30 but you have to call from the station once arrived. Drop off is also available but only 3 times, in the morning, with the last one leaves the Ryokan at 10 AM. There is a local bus station stop, coffee shop, teddy museum, and a small village just a short walk from the place. Local bus stops services around 17:00 so be wary of that. Free WiFi is pretty good. Ryokan we got was traditional and spacious. There is a 24 hours, pay for, vending machine with cold drinks only in the main lobby for late night thirst. There is a 24 hours, free, cold water vending machine in the main lobby as well. There is an on-site auto rental available as well. Everything nearby closes around 17:00. There is no Uber service in this city. Only limited taxi service. I didn't see any taxi park or waiting outside either. You have to go downhill to the main road to catch any or walk to the main area of the city yourself. Going to the main area maybe easier because of the downhill but coming back will be way too harder because of a decent uphill! It does get pretty hot in summer and snowy in winter so watch out if you plan anything late. There is an on-site, pay for, laundry available as well which was not mentioned to us. Breakfast and dinner are provided for cost but you have to reserve at least a night before or as soon as you can. Everything is all meat and almost nothing for vegetarian. I asked some questions about the meal but was never responded. Owner was only interested if we want to get the meal or not. There is no room service available to order anything. Place is pricey! Ryokan is very basic and dated and nothing luxury. Our main issue was when we checked into our room, a strong urine smell goes right into our nose! Upon looking further, it turned out that it was coming from the bathroom. Toilet was dry but I guess somebody peed on the floor which is all wood and therefore smell seeped in those wood floors and it was stinky :( I complained to the manager and left the room. Coming back I was told everything was all cleaned. Unfortunately, even though smell was not as strong it was still there :( Good thing we only stayed for 1 night otherwise I would have to request room change. But the guest should not have to go through this specially after paying such a high price. Room should be thoroughly cleaned and checked for each and every new guest prior to their arrival. All basic amenities are provided in the room except the microwave! Microwave should be provided in each and every room or at least on each and every floor. It turned out that there was only 1 microwave available for the guest, near the main lobby, but it was never mentioned to us. Free pick up and drop off services are provided but within certain times.

The ryokan is located out of town looking out into the forest, a short walk from the excellent Hide Open-Air Museum. Once you get your bearings, you can use the local bus to get to and from the main part of Takayama (100Y cash), however be aware this bus stops running around 5pm so eating at night in the town centre will require a walk or taxi (1000Yen). We had a large, quiet room with bath. Private onsen bathing is available. Free wifi. We had the set house dinner one night but it was expensive and not very fresh.