What is a Ryokan? Like a Western-style inn, maintaining the special, atmosphere and appearance is more important than providing the latest modern conveniences. Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Japan has eight beautiful regions rich in culture and diversity. Select a region to explore and view available ryokans.
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawago is widely known as one of the most scenic places in Japan. It is surrounded by pine tree covered mountains, and it is located along the picturesque Shokawa River. Besides the beautiful scenery, the unique Japanese thatched-roof farmhouses are the center of attraction. There are approximately 180 thatched farmhouses, sheds, and barns, and most of them were built about 200-300 years ago. The residents of Shirakawago still live in several small villages. The most popular village for visitors is Ogimachi which in 1995 was declared World Cultural and Heritage Site. Although it is off the beaten track, Shirakawago is well worth the visit. Please note. All Minshuku (Japanese style farm house) only allow guests to stay a maximum of 1 night in each house. If you would like to stay 2 or more nights you will need stay each night in different houses. Alternative destinations with easy access to Shirakawa-go are Takayama and Kanazawa.
Payment and other information:
Minshuku only accept payment by cash, so please make sure you have enough cash when you travel to Shirakawago, also please note that ATMs only work during business hours on business days. Please get cash in a large city before you come to Shirakawago.
We recommend that you not bring large luggage to Shirakawago for two reasons; the Minshuku are small and you can not leave luggage overnight in the luggage lockers
No Shows:
Food is purchased and prepared fresh for each traveler. Please let us know if you need to cancel your reservation as these minshuku are family owned, small accommodations so "no shows" cost them money in wasted food and an open room. Also maintaining these historical farm houses is expensive but the families do this as an act of love.
All of Our Minshuku in Shirakawa-go are Full Booked on the Dates Below:
April 1 to 21, 26 and 27.
An alternative destination is Ainokura which is in the same basic area with thatched roof farmhouses.
Alternative destinations with easy access to Shirakawa-go are Takayama and Kanazawa.
Welcome to Magoemon. This is one of the larger Gassho Zukuri style of accommodations in Shirakawa-go with six guest rooms accommodating up to 18 guests. There is a Japanese-style open hearth, and from Magoemon guests can even see an old fashioned wooden suspension bridge over the famous Shiro...
Welcome to Kanja. Located in the middle of Shirakawa-go, Kanja is a Gassho-Zukuri located on a hill with a very nice view of the surrounding area. From the entrance, guests can see Myozenji Temple. The owners of Kanja recently renovated the building and remade the traditional thatched roof ty...
Welcome to Yokichi, a thatched-roof Gassho Zukuri style of building in Shirakawa-go. Yokichi is a quaint, historical place full of character and perfect for the guest who wishes to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Built over 110 years ago, Yokichi has been in business for the past...
Welcome to Hisamatsu. This Gassho-Zukuri was built during the Edo Period (1600-1868) and is perfect for guests looking to experience Japan in a very traditional way. It has 4 Japanese-style guest rooms. At the Hisamatsu none of the guest rooms have a private bath or toilet. From their room gu...
Welcome to Shirakawago-Shimizu. This Gassho-Zukuri has a 200 year old history, and there are 3 traditional Japanese-style guest rooms. There is also a shared bath and toilet facilities for the guests. Homemade Japanese-style cuisine is served to the guests at Shirakawago-Shimizu. Check-in tim...
Welcome to Kidoya. This Gassho-Zukuri has 5 traditional Japanese-style guest rooms. There is also a shared bath and toilet facilities for the guests. Homemade Japanese-style cuisine is served to the guests at Kidoya. Check-in time is after 15:00 and check-out time is before 9:00 am. Some Engl...
Welcome to Nodaniya. This Gassho-Zukuri was built 150 years ago and is perfect for guests looking to experience Japan in a very traditional way. It has 4 traditional Japanese-style guest rooms. At the Nodaniya none of the guest rooms have a private bath or toilet. From their room guest can en...
Welcome to Shirakawa-go No Yu. This Modern Ryokan is located in the Shirakawa-go village. Shirakawa-go No Yu is the only ryokan with hot spring baths in the Shirakawa-go village. Please note that this is Not a Gassho Zukuri farmhouse. Shirakawa-go No Yu offers nine guests rooms and two...
Welcome to the Tosuke No Yu Fujiya. This traditional Minshuku is located along the Sho River, 20 minutes away from the Shirakawa-go village. Tosuke No Yu Fujiya house was build 150 years ago and has 8 Japanese style rooms, 2 Japanese combine Western style rooms and a traditional Japanese delu...
