Over 3 trips to Japan, increasing my accom. spend each time (no longer hostel budget), I finally opted for a genuine ryokan, that seemed reasonably priced! I got it right! This place is definitely a bit dated, but I wasn't looking for 5 star polish...rustic suits me. I was travelling with my 70+yo parents and wanted to give them a bit of a genuine experience and this place did that! When they say it is 5 minutes walk from the station...they are correct...even slow! The staff were great - helpful, observant...giving help where they saw it was needed without being asked. Their English was adequate, but my little bit of Japanese did help...even if only to show thanks and clarify our understandings. We were given 2 suites of rooms-amazing! An 8 tatami suite and a 10....each suite with a small sitting verandah with view(even if only a tree), separate basin, toilet and bathing area (Japanese style shower + deep bath). Meals were amazing, with assistance given when needed such as the process of preparing shabu-shabu and baking on magnolia leaf. The onsen was internal but I didn't get time to try it as we spent a lot of time aroung Takayama.....a great place!

We travel to Japan from 1st May and left on 14th May, staying 6 different hotel and ryokan during our trip.

JTB Malaysia assisted us to book this Ryokan, Hodakaso Yama-no Iori. Oh My God!! A totally splendid and unforgetable experience. In my 14 days of Japan trip, I could not forget abt the food in this ryokan, the friendliness of all Ojisama and Obasama from reception til the dining hall.

The moment we step into the Ryokan main door, we saw our name and a few names of other guest: Welcome xxxxxx.

The Ojisama in reception, even though not savy in english, helps us in every way he can, to explain the interesting place in Takayama, walking distance, time required and etc for us. In fact, we do not have high expectation on Japanese to be able to converse in English fluently. Before we head to Takayama, the hospitality of the Japanese in Tokyo had proven to us that they do not need fantastic english to answer our questions, especially in terms of asking for directions. We have met many Japanese, who lead us to the destination we wanted to head to.

The obasama in kitchen, as well as the one who give us brief introduction about the hotel, are all soo friendly. During our dining, they will come to check with us every now and then, to ensure the meat does not overcooked, the heat of hot stone is not too strong, miso soup is well done, rice is sufficient, and etc.

My god, the dinner served, is the best japanese meal that I have ever tried. The dinner, which consist of thinly cut Hida beef, beef cutlets, vegetables, udons/soba, sashimi, salad, sweet sake as appetizer, miso soup, cold dish and desserts, were very very delicious. The thinly cut hida beef, grilled on hot stone for less than 1 minute on each side, mixed with the special sauce, melt in mouth. Superb!!!

The room was clean, traditionally decorated. We stayed in room 201, it might not have very nice view from the window, but who cares, this is the traditional feeling that my husband and I wanted.

We are planning to visit Japan again, next year, we will sure visit Takayama and Shirakawago, again, and for sure we will stay in this hotel, again.