This was the second time we stayed in shirawakago, we knew what to expect from the first trip two years ago but ended up trying new accomodation as our first preference was closed for new year (koemon). Magoemon seemed less friendly but that could have been the language barrier. It was still a great experience and the food was really tasty, loved everything about it, there was not one skerrick of food left remaining, it was all delicious. The futons were really warm and comfy, the pillows were filled with cut up bits of plastic straw! Thats what it looked like anyway but it was still easy to get to sleep. Definitely one of those places once you've walked around the village for a few hours you can go back to and play some cards or read a book. We stayed in the river view room, as it was winter we didn't open the doors but it was lovely to hear the river gushing outside. The ofuru was really great too, perfect temperature. Get in as soon as dinner is over, the farmhouse was fullhouse on the night we were there and we had to wait for three other couples to go before us. Other than that it was a really lovely couples retreat. We got up in the morning and after breakfast went for another stroll around the village in the snow, magical! Highly recommend an overnight stay, you won't regret it!

I stayed here with my husband and my 5 year old son for 1 night on 1/11. I would have given it 3 stars for the facilities and food. The extra star is for the experience and for the super friendly and helpful hostess.

It is supposed to be a real Japanese style experience so I did not expect anything luxurious or fancy, but I did think we were going to enjoy the view outside while enjoying the warmth of the irori fireplace after dinner. The house is located along the beautiful Sou River but they closed all the shoji sliding doors facing the river and hence no view to enjoy. The host (an elderly who did not interact with the guests at all) did lit up the irori to grill the iwana fish and dengaku tofu for our dinner, but he let the fire died down and there was no arrangement for the guests to sit around the fireplace and interact.

Food was pretty good but the portion was small. There were 7 guests (including my son) that night and we all gathered in the irori room for dinner. Food was served in silence and it was a bit awkward for 7 strangers to eat together without any conversation. Fruit was brought to us and we all sat there looking at each other waiting for the host/hostess to come out to talk to us or something. Nothing happened. It slowly dawned on us that that's it for the night.

It would have been great if we could sit around the irori eating and chatting.

A family run place that clearly welcomes its guests with open arms. The farmhouse is alongside the river and at nights, the gushing river can be heard. The communal dining area is quite large with windows on one ending showing the amazing Shirakawa-go scenery. Rooms are typical Japanese rooms with a heater providing extra comfort. Shower/onsen and toilet facilities (separate from room) were spotless and regularly cleaned. Doors can be locked on the baths for additional privacy.

The standout for our stay was the meals! Having had traditional Japanese meals at a modern ryokan and buddhist temple, we thought we knew what to expect. We were wrong – the meals (dinner and breakfast) were amazingly tasty and hearty.

Very little English is spoken but that was not a problem.

Suggest exploring Shirakawa early and late in the day, before and after the day-only tourist coaches which brings in lots of elderly tourists.