Shirakawa-go no Yu

Shirakawa-go no Yu is a hot spring ryokan with a retro atmosphere and a tasteful exterior that conveys the warmth of wood. From its sukiya-style guest rooms, you can look out on Shirakawa-go’s nature through the four seasons. The inn has the only natural hot spring in Shirakawa-go, and from its open-air bath you can enjoy views of the clear Shogawa River flowing toward the Sea of Japan, as well as peaks of the Hakusan mountain range such as Manago-no-Atama. Seasonal highlights include remaining snow and fresh greenery in spring, the sight of ayu fishing in summer, autumn foliage, and a silver-white winter landscape. The spring quality leaves skin silky-smooth and warms you to the core. Dinner is Japanese-style cuisine centered on local ingredients, with Hida specialties and original dishes. The locally grown Koshihikari rice, cooked in a gas kiln, is also popular. Breakfast features items such as overnight-dried ayu, hōba-yaki, and Shirakawa-go specialty “Ishiwaridōfu.” Because it stands within the World Heritage area, the exterior is designed with view in mind, but inside it is a soothing space rich in hinoki cypress. The floor uses natural oak boards and is maintained so that guests can comfortably go barefoot.