Shinzanso

The guesthouse’s location is beautiful, we absolutely loved the view we had from a window and a front door. The bus stops some 5 mins from the guesthouse’s front door. The ropeway is within 15 mins walk from the guesthouse. On the checkout day the staff gave us a free ride to the ropeway from where we forwarded our luggage and hopped on a next bus. The guesthouse itself is very convenient with all the essential facilities. As a person with lots of tattoos it is not always easy for me to find an Onsen in Japan that would have me, but this guesthouse offered private baths I could use. The views from there were as stunning as from the communal baths. There is also a smaller indoors hot bath in the bathing room that I also used with a great pleasure. Did not have a dinner or breakfast but it smelled deliciously around a meal time!

This place was stunning and by far one of my favorite parts of my trip to Japan. I rarely write reviews but this place just resonated with me. It is nestled in the mountains along a turquoise river, with private onsens and a true traditional Japanese feel. Dinner is a bit pricey at about 40 usd per person but in my opinion totally worth it. They give you so much food that is so well made and meticulously thought out it is an experience on its own. You can also bring snacks as there is a small fridge in the rooms and there is a vending machine for drinks right outside. The staff will mostly communicate with you through Google translate and videos but you will get all your needs met. A little information about getting there that could be helpful: I took the Nohi highway bus from (Tokyo) Shinjuku terminal to Takayama bus terminal. This bus will make a few 15 min stops along the way. One of these stops will be the Hiraya Onsen (about 45 minutes from Takayama) I actually ended up getting off here as it is much closer to Shinzanso and buying a ticket for another bus going to Shinhotaka Ropeway. On the Shinhotaka bus I got off on exit H63 for Shinzanzo. Definitely double check all this information at the bus terminal/with bus drivers as I’m sure the information can change. But I found this out on a whine and it actually saved me 2 hours of being on the bus!! Hopefully it helps you too :) Hiraya Onsen is also your transfer point to get to Kamikochi as you will have to take two buses to get there. All in all do yourself a favor and stay at Shinzanso it is the experience of a lifetime.

One of the best locations i have ever stayed in. Utterly stunning. Totally off the beaten track and away from tourists. The onsens on site are the best i have every visited. Wild and in nature. Meals were great (FYI make sure you prebook this direct as it's not listed as an option on the platform and there is NO WHERE at all to get food if you arrive unprepared).

Beautiful property! It is located right next to the river which you hear all the time. The onsen are lovely (although the private onsen was closed). Swimsuits are OK, however men are allowed to bathe nude in the mixed onsen. Women are only allowed to bathe nude in the women-only onsen and have to wear a modesty wrap in the mixed bath which they give to you upon check-in. Tattoos are OK. The room was spacious and had a small separate area with a sink. Toilets are shared and there is a shared bathroom downstairs separate for male/female. Japanese style bathroom (no private showers). We loved the spectacular view from the onsen and our window. The breakfast and dinner was amazing, and plenty of food. No choices, you get a set menu. A lot of fish and vegetables, some hida beef, soups, noodles, rice and tea. We visited in November and it was not busy. We went on a hike from the Ropeway station and did not see any other hikers. Beware that this time of year there are bears around and precautions should be taken when walking in the forest.

The hot springs and views of the mountains are amazing - even better than they look in the pictures, and it's great that you can book (for no extra charge) the private Onsen upon arrival. This was also lovely and spacious. The dinner was delicious and exceeded expectations. Staff were helpful and provided breakfast for us half an hour earlier than their normal service. The property is straightforward to get to via a direct bus from Takayama. Getting to Kamikochi the next morning also took less than an hour via bus.