Stunning location and views from the shared spaces. Kaiseki style food had so much effort put in to it too, with some delicious dishes. Disappointing that my wife couldnt use the cave onsen because of all male bathing, which really was the highlight. Frustrating too that they didnt have any slots for private couple onsens on the second day.

A most beautiful place, warm attention and discreet service.

Location was very pleasant. The ryokan was in a traditional hut, located by and with views of the river. The booking experience was good as the ryokan responded promptly to my online queries and gave instructions on pick up clearly. Food was excellent - traditional Japanese Kaiseki. We enjoyed both breakfast and dinner very much.

Excellent property with serene settings and exceptional service

A charming rustic place. Comfortable and pleasing. Food was good. The living and showering areas could get really cold so I would suggest improving on this aspect. Another point of improvement would be the response time via email.

Absolutely one of the best experiences we've ever had. We stayed in the Kariyasu Villa overlooking the stream at the end of the property. The breakfast and dinner were astonishingly unbelievable. All of the dishes were of local specialties or Japanese: river fishes, sashimi, Hida beef, and so on. So if you're not open to fully experience Japanese cuisine, then try more westernized hotels and don't go to a traditional ryokan. The quality is beyond or like any Michelin starred restaurant we've been to and the quantity: come hungry! We were served by the kindest and warmest people. Sure, the English is more simplified, but we're in Japan! If you want fluent English, probably best not to go to other countries other than US or UK. Also, it's the twentieth century: Google Translate! We stayed 4 days/3 nights and enjoyed the onsen every night and day ... at our last day we even went twice! They switch the female and male onsens in the morning & evening. We were by ourselves for the most part and preferred the room with rock tubs. The evenings around the fire with hot sake was truly magical. The room does get smokey, but if you listened/learned a little about ryokans and traditional Japanese homes, it's to keep the building from rotting and repels the insects. In all, we are already talking about when we can again treat ourselves to go back!

We have a fantastic experience of a traditional Ryokan. Staff were so hospitable and the food was exquisite. Our rooms were overlooking the stream and in the big house which we enjoyed. Glad we stayed 2 nights and it was a welcome break from the city trip. We enjoyed the Bamboo Sake Magic tricks by the fire and meeting up with other guest. They have a limited free shuttle service but taxis were easily arranged for our early morning departure. We enjoyed wearing the robes and they have two segregated insensitivity. I liked the large wooden bath in our room. It made a great lasting memory in such a fascinating count.

Friendly staff, Amazing property albeit a bit dated which may add to its rustic charm. The location is 20 mins by car away from Takayama so take that into account, but they do have a shuttle that you can schedule. I would definitely stay here again.

This is an outstanding hotel in all respects. But it is more than a hotel or ryokan - it is a full experience. The showcase dinner on the first night ranks as one of the best experiences of my life and I am a frequent traveller. The staff are superb. This is a beautiful place and a must visit.

Great authentic Japanese experience, amazing food and service. The evening spent around the fire with hot sake was memorable. Onsite Onsen has a great hot and cold pool with everything provided onsite.

Great authentic Japanese experience, amazing food and service. The evening spent around the fire with hot sake was memorable. Onsite Onsen has a great hot and cold pool with everything provided onsite.

We stayed at the Wanasoto for one night. The place is amazing, our room was on the river side so we had that as our background music . The hot springs are incredible relaxing . We had Japanese style dinner which was 1 1/2 long around 11 courses , all good and innovative . The sake at the fireplace was perfect. The staff is always trying to help and are very kind and respectful . Thank you Wanasoto

We stayed at the Wanasoto for one night.The place is amazing, our room was on the river side so we had that as our background music .The hot springs are incredible relaxing .We had Japanese style dinner which was 1 1/2 long around 11 courses , all good and innovative .The sake at the fireplace was perfect.The staff is always trying to help and are very kind and respectful .Thank you Wanasoto

Wanosato is excellent. You will almost certainly be traveling from elsewhere in Japan, where youve had amazing culinary experiences. Even measured against the best restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto, Wanosato will not disappoint. Further, this may be one of several ryokans you will be checking into. Wanosato will rank highly among them. In fact, it was my personal favorite in the set that I visited. And you will probably have relaxed in more than one onsen before visiting Wanosatos. For me, Wanosatos was more peaceful and more rejuvenating than the rest.Overall, I give Wanosato the highest marks. The staff is extremely thoughtful. I am grateful for their kindness.

Wanosato is excellent. You will almost certainly be traveling from elsewhere in Japan, where you've had amazing culinary experiences. Even measured against the best restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto, Wanosato will not disappoint. Further, this may be one of several ryokans you will be checking into. Wanosato will rank highly among them. In fact, it was my personal favorite in the set that I visited. And you will probably have relaxed in more than one onsen before visiting Wanosato's. For me, Wanosato's was more peaceful and more rejuvenating than the rest. Overall, I give Wanosato the highest marks. The staff is extremely thoughtful. I am grateful for their kindness.

This is a beautiful property full of local charms. Excellent and tentive staff made guest feel at home. The food is sophisticated and the presentation is what one expects from a Michelin starred restaurant

We absolutely loved our stay at Wanosato. If you are looking for an escape into the beautiful world of traditional Japan - this is the one.

The view of the river and falling snow was great. Quality of service is great and every detail is spent on the dinner and breakfast. Very accommodating to prepare an early breakfast for me as I had an early day tour. Love the in-house onsen which is warmer to bath than in the room.

We very much enjoyed our stay at Wanosato. The property is beautiful, and the staff was very attentive and accommodating. The onsen was nice and our room had a great view of the river. Dinner was also great, even by high ryokan standards. Would happily recommend to other travellers!

Wonderful people run this place! Traditional japanese inn experience. wanosato means home of the heart and we really felt at home!! Food great and baths clean. Setting dramatic over a creek. Lovely.

A nice place to consider for a retreat journey. Traditional Japanese food in excellent quality

It was a wonderful stay in Wanosato. The food, service and enivornment was amazing. The little gift bag and the welcoming snack were heart warming. We love the japanese traditional vibe of the resort. The resort is located outside the main town center which gave us a moment of quietness. We highly recommend this fantastic resort.

Phenomenal ryoken - and the highlight of our stay in Japan. Would absolutely recommend staying here if you want an authentic Japanese experience.

We stayed for two nights and were treated with traditional gracious Japanese hospitality. The proprietress and her staff did everything to make our stay memorable and comfortable. The ryokan is located about 20 minutes from Takayama along a rushing stream; they have a car service so transportation is not a problem. The kaiseki and sukiyaki dinners were beautiful and scrumptious.

Stays in Ryokans are very expensive and are worth it for one night but not really for any longer than that. I was delighted I choose Wanosato for my Ryokan experience, staff were really nice but have limited english which is to be expected in rural Japan. They upgraded us since they had a cancellation which was a nice touch and were really friendly and accomodating. Overall I could not fault it for anything and highly recommend.

Everything was great, overall the atmosphere of a traditionnal ryokan...

Wanosato was the only Ryokan my wife and I stayed in during a 12-day Japan trip. The whole experience was fantastic and we hated to leave at the end. We were the only people staying, so had unlimited use of the Onsen and a beautiful (upgraded) room. The staff were extremely friendly despite the language gap: we unfortunately speak no Japanese. The landlady chatted happily to us for ten minutes in Japanese over dinner and managed to be charming and welcoming even though we could not understand what each was saying. The other staff could speak English and were able to explain every course of the (excellent) meal and also the hotel amenities. Wanosato is not too easy to get to, but as a result the setting is tranquil and beautiful. We would love to go back.

We spent two nights in this ryokan. The setting is lovely, with a rushing river of crystal clear water running beside the rooms. We were in the main building, in a combination sleeping/sitting room, perhaps the smallest of eight rooms. There was a wall of windows facing the stream, which is lit at night. The first night's multi-course kaiseki was truly fabulous, the best we had in three weeks in Japan. It was graciously served by a young man who spoke some English and was eager to assure we enjoyed our meal. The breakfasts were equally wonderful, with the second night's meal of shabu shabu served in a special dining room, for us only. Again, fabulous, but WAY too much for two. We felt guilty in not finishing all and were pleased to see the remainder of our Hida beef was served in a wonderful gingered beef breakfast dish the next morning. Our only suggestions for improvement would be to replace the tired carpeting in the hallways and install different lighting in our room, which had overhead rice-paper squares of light, way too bright. From photos, it appears that most other rooms had more appropriate, more intimate lighting. This could be accomplished at relatively little cost and improve the quality of a rather expensive experience. Also, the drape on the dining table was very odd, perhaps provided for warmth, but I would l suggest nicer lap throws, to be used or not, vs. the table drape, which could not be removed.